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PlayNJ.com: Sports betting slows in April, but New Jersey hits major milestones nonetheless

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New Jersey sports betting volume expectedly slowed to less than $750 million in April, the first month of a typical seasonal dip that should last into August. But the popularity of the NBA helped buffer New Jersey sportsbooks more than in most other legal states, spurring enough action to push the nation’s largest sports betting market past $15 billion in lifetime handle, $1 billion in revenue, and $150 million in tax revenue, according to PlayNJ, which tracks the state’s regulated online gaming and sports betting market.

“Considering the challenges, particularly in 2020, $15 billion in wagering and $1 billion in revenue are incredible yard sticks that really drive home just how successful the New Jersey market has been,” said Eric Ramsey, analyst for PlayNJ.com. “At least until New York launches its sports betting industry, New Jersey seems untouchable as the nation’s largest market.”

New Jersey’s sportsbooks accepted $748 million in wagers in April, according to official data released Friday. That is down 13% from $859.6 million in March, but up 1,270.1% over the $54.6 million in bets taken in April 2020, the first full month sportsbooks were affected by pandemic-related shutdowns.

Operator revenue dropped 9.9% to $54.8 million in April from $60.8 million in March. Compared with April 2020, which resulted in just $2.6 million, revenue was up 1,981.9% year over year. April’s action yielded $8.1 million in state taxes.

From 2018 through April 2020, New Jersey sportsbooks have generated:

$15.2 billion in handle.
$1.04 billion in sport betting revenue.
$151.4 million in state taxes.
April’s results are microcosm of the consistency that has helped make New Jersey the nation’s top sports betting market. While New Jersey’s volume declined from March, the month-over-month drop in wagering was less pronounced than other U.S. betting markets, including Colorado (-18%), Indiana (-25.4%), Iowa (-26.7%), and Michigan (-30.5%).

The popularity of the NBA and baseball in New Jersey was a key reason, as area bettors were particularly motivated by the success of the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and New York Knicks. In all, basketball betting produced $176.2 million in bets, which was down from the $441.7 million tallied during March Madness. Baseball’s first month was the second-most popular bet in April, generating $159.3 million.

“New Jersey is unique in that it has never been quite as reliant on football as other legal jurisdictions,” said Dustin Gouker, analyst for PlayNJ.com. “NBA has always been particularly popular. Add that the region’s three most popular teams are all enjoying relatively strong seasons, and New Jersey sportsbooks have so far been able to smooth the natural seasonal decline that begins in April.”

Even with retail restrictions loosening in Atlantic City, online betting accounted for 91.1%, or $681.2 million, of the state’s total handle in April. FanDuel Sportsbook/PointsBet topped the online market with $25.5 million in gross revenue, down from $28.5 million in March.

FanDuel was followed in revenue by:

Resorts Digital/DraftKings/Fox Bet ($12 million, down from $14.1 million in March)
BetMGM/Borgata ($5.2 million, down from $6.5 million)
Ocean Casino/William Hill ($1.8 million, down from $2.8 million)
Monmouth/William Hill/SugarHouse/TheScore ($1.8 million, down from $2.2 million)
Hard Rock/Bet365/Unibet ($1.3 million, down from $1.4 million)
Golden Nugget/BetAmerica ($202,545, up from $111,453)
Tropicana/William Hill ($52,922, down from $142,633)
Caesars Sportsbook/888sport (-$183,283, down from $721,776)
Meanwhile retail sportsbooks generated $66.8 million in wagering, down from $79.5 million in March and a stark difference from the complete shutdown of retail betting in 2020. Meadowlands/FanDuel led all retail books with $3.6 million in revenue in April.

“Retail betting is slowly returning to normal, and that could become even more pronounced when all capacity restrictions are lifted next week,” Gouker said. “That won’t make a major difference for online sportsbooks, which are overwhelmingly preferred by bettors. But it could have an impact on online casino revenue, which made a massive and sustained jump since pandemic-related restrictions began last year.”

Online casinos and poker

Online casinos and poker rooms enjoyed another month of whopping revenue with $107.7 million in April, which was up 34.8% from $80 million in April 2020, though off from the record $113.7 million generated in March. April marked the third time in four months that New Jersey’s online casinos and poker rooms have produced more than $100 million in revenue, the only three months any state has crossed the threshold.

For the second consecutive month, Borgata, which includes the BetMGM brand, wrestled the market lead away from years-long market leader Golden Nugget. But only slightly. Borgata won $32.8 million in revenue on online casino games and poker in April, a dramatic increase from $15.9 million in revenue in April 2020 even if revenue was down from $36.2 million in March. Golden Nugget was second with $32.4 million in revenue, up from $26.7 million in April 2020 and up from $31.8 million in March. Resorts Digital, which includes the FoxBet and DraftKings brands, was third with $19.6 million in April, up from $16.1 million in April 2020 but down from $21.4 million in March.

“The battle for market supremacy was something that would have been hard to predict before the pandemic, but 2020 has really shaken up the way people interact with casino games, perhaps forever,” Ramsey said. “With restrictions in Atlantic City going away, though, this could mark the ceiling of the online market. But a more reasonable expectation is a moderation of the exponential growth that began in spring 2020, rather than an end to it.”

Other highlights from April report:

Online casinos and poker generated $3.6 million per day in the 30 days of April, down from the record $3.7 million per day in March and up from $2.7 million in April 2020.
Online casinos and poker rooms generated $18.9 million in state and local taxes.
Online casinos accounted for $105.3 million of April’s revenue, up 40.8% from $74.8 million in April 2020.
Online poker generated $2.4 million, down 53.3% from $5.1 million in April 2020.
For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting and online gaming in New Jersey, visit PlayNJ.com/news.

About the PlayUSA.com Network:
The PlayUSA.com Network is a leading source for news, analysis, and research related to the market for regulated online gaming in the United States. With a presence in over a dozen states, PlayUSA.com and its state-focused branches produce original daily reporting, publish in-depth research, and offer player advocacy tools related to the advancement of safe, licensed, and legal online gaming options for consumers. Based in Las Vegas, the PlayUSA Network is independently owned and operated, with no affiliations to any casino — commercial, tribal, online, or otherwise.

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AGLC Announces New Board Chair

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Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has announced the appointment of Larry Spagnolo as the new Board Chair, effective August 15, 2025. This announcement follows the official Order in Council issued by the Alberta Government and marks a new chapter in AGLC’s ongoing commitment to support communities, encourage responsible choices and position Alberta as the best place to do business.

Larry brings a wealth of experience in technology and business leadership to the AGLC Board and will play an integral role in guiding AGLC’s strategic direction. He is currently serving as VP and GM of Emerson’s SaaS SCADA business and has held senior roles at Zedi and Telus, driving innovation, growth, and global success.

A strong advocate for education and community, Larry serves as Vice Chair of Athabasca University’s Board of Governors and has held board roles with NAIT and Polytechnics Canada. He was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his community contributions.

AGLC and the Board of Directors extend their heartfelt thanks to Len Rhodes for his leadership and dedication as Board Chair since August 2019. He decided not to seek a third term and will continue to serve in this role until August 14, 2025. Len led AGLC through some significant milestones, including reducing red tape by 51%, growth of the emerging cannabis industry and ensuring AGLC delivered a balanced approach to business development, social responsibility, and regulatory oversight.

The post AGLC Announces New Board Chair appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Pinnacle Ontario live with CasinoEngine in North America debut

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EveryMatrix has expanded its partnership with tier-1 operator Pinnacle powering its new casino in Ontario, Canada, using CasinoEngine platform technology – the first time its platform solution has gone live in North America. 

The latest agreement builds on the two companies’ previous collaboration that saw EveryMatrix’s CasinoEngine productivity platform power the well-known brand’s global casino offering.

The new launch takes the relationship to North America, marking EveryMatrix’s debut CasinoEngine platform integration in that market.

BonusEngine, EveryMatrix’s cross-vertical bonusing tool will be integrated in the second phase of launch. This will equip Pinnacle Ontario with a host of bonus types as well as AI-powered bonus abuse solution Bonus Guardian.

BonusEngine is the first of multiple engagement tools from EveryMatrix’s EngageSuite that Pinnacle plans to integrate.

With this comprehensive toolkit at its disposal, and the opportunity to add even more casino products in the future, Pinnacle Ontario can tailor campaigns, segment audiences, and reward players more effectively, creating a world-class digital entertainment experience for its customers.

EveryMatrix has more than 300 global customers and holds North American licences in Ontario, New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

Stian Enger Petersen, CEO, Casino, EveryMatrix, said: “This launch marks a key milestone for EveryMatrix as we bring our market-leading CasinoEngine platform to Canada for the first time.

“We’re delighted to expand our partnership with Pinnacle and support their ambitions in Ontario with a powerful combination of platform, content, and engagement tools that are proven to drive success.”

The post Pinnacle Ontario live with CasinoEngine in North America debut appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Prime Skill Games Inc. Official Response to AGCO Press Release

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As CEO of Prime Skill Games Inc., I feel compelled to address recent comments made by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario regarding so-called unapproved gambling machines in convenience stores across the province.

Let me be perfectly clear

Our machines are not gambling devices. They are entirely skill-based, fully compliant with the law, and built on the fundamental idea that players are in control. The outcome of every session is determined solely by the player’s ability, not by random chance.

Prime Skill Games is proud to be the only true skill game operating in Ontario today.

We categorically reject any suggestion that our products fall under the definition of unregulated gambling. Such statements are inaccurate, misleading, and fail to recognize the critical distinction between games of skill and games of chance.

We stand firmly behind the legality of our machines and the integrity of our operations. We will demonstrate this through every available means, whether through legal documentation, expert analysis, or, if necessary, before the courts. We are prepared and unafraid to defend the truth.

To our players, partners, and business community, we want to reassure you that our mission has not changed. We are committed to offering a responsible, transparent, and innovative entertainment experience. We will not be intimidated by broad and baseless accusations, and we will continue to move forward with strength and clarity.

 

Sincerely

Matt Zamroźniak

Chief Executive Officer

Prime Skill Games Inc.

The post Prime Skill Games Inc. Official Response to AGCO Press Release appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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