October 2021
In LIGHT of the data.
The October 2021 numbers from the DGE show the continuation of a positive trend with indications that gains in recent months will be lasting.
Sports betting revenue at 7%, and internet gaming revenue at 32% of total gaming revenue for the state ($393 million) have made significant contributions to the growth of gaming revenue statewide.
Sports betting in particular has swelled with the start of the NFL season and realized another month of over $1 billion in handle – exceeding September 2021 ($1.01 billion) with $1.3 billion for the month.
October 2021’s record sports wagering handle proves that September was not a ‘flash in the pan’ but rather the first sign of a new level of sports betting participation – at least during the NFL season.
Atlantic City’s casinos generated more total gaming revenue in the month of October 2021 ($393.1 million) than in October 2020 ($304.12 million) and October 2019 ($266.23 million) two of the best Octobers in recent history.
Brick and Mortar casino gaming revenue ($237.5 million) declined slightly from September 2021 ($248.52 million) which reflects a typical seasonal drop off for the Atlantic City market, but bested 9 of the past 10 Octobers including 2019 ($202.3 million).
Atlantic City’s improvement in Brick and Mortar gaming revenue over October 2019 is on par with a post-Covid recovery that has been experienced in most other U.S. gaming jurisdictions. Customers’ eagerness to return to in-person gaming and entertainment experiences along with the addition of more entertainment options, as restrictions have been lifted, contributed to another positive month in the resort.
Atlantic City Gaming Win & Total Casino Revenue
Source: N.J. Division of Gaming Enforcement
| Monthly Revenue (Industry, $ In Thousands) |
October 2021 |
% Change from Prior Year | October 2020 | YTD October 2021 | % Change from Prior Year | YTD October 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Gaming Win (includes Internet & Sports Wagering) | 393,086 | 29.3% | 304,125 | 3,494,572 | 65.4% | 2,112,867 |
| Sports Wagering Revenue | 28,541 | 16.2% | 24,563 | 243,060 | 111.5% | 114,920 |
| Internet Gaming Win | 127,002 | 35.9% | 93,451 | 1,115,726 | 43.2% | 779,060 |
| Casino Gaming Win | 237,544 | 27.6% | 186,111 | 2,135,786 | N/A | 1,218,887 |
| Quarterly Revenue (Industry, $ In Thousands) | Q2 2021 | % Change from Prior Year | Q2 2020 | YTD June 30, 2021 | % Change from Prior Year | YTD June 30, 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casino | 445,781 | 299.5% |
111,593 |
822,932 | 76.3% | 466,871 |
| Rooms | 145,472 | n/a | 37 | 235,696 | 141.5% | 97,614 |
| Food & Beverage | 90,933 | n/a | 73 | 154,653 | 49.1% | 103,753 |
| Entertainment & Other | 44,340 | 356.4% | 9,715 | 77,934 | 54.7% | 50,413 |
| Casino Licensees Total Revenue | 726,526 | 498.4% | 121,418 | 1,291,215 | 79.7% | 718,651 |
Atlantic City Hotel Lodging
Source: N.J. Division of Gaming Enforcement
| Casino Hotel Lodging Statistics For the Period Ended June 30, 2021 & 2019 |
Q2 2021 | Q2 2019 | YTD 2021 | YTD 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occupancy percentage | 70.0% | 81.5% | 61.2% | 77.1% |
| Average Daily Room Rate (ADR) | $158.00 | $139.76 | $146.32 | $134.37 |
| Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR)* | $110.60 | $113.90 | $89.55 | $103.60 |
* RevPAR= ADR X Occupancy Percentage
Atlantic City Statistical Transportation Data
Source: South Jersey Transportation Authority
| Travel Mode | September 2021 |
Change from Prior Year |
September 2020 |
YTD September 2021 |
Change from Prior Year |
YTD September 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Expressway | ||||||
| Total Toll-Paying Traffic Pleasantville Toll Plaza |
1,686,751 | 15.0% | 1,466,344 | 13,225,944 | 21.5% | 10,881,898 |
| AC Airport | ||||||
| Scheduled Service Passengers | 59,300 | 361.1% | 12,861 | 595,945 | 76.5% | 337,615 |
| Charter Passengers | 10,949 | 334.8% | 2,518 | 45,033 | 98.5% | 22,684 |
| Total Air Passengers | 70,249 | 356.8% | 15,379 | 640,978 | 77.9% | 360,299 |
Atlantic City Meetings and Conventions Data
Source: MeetAC
| October '21 | October '20 | % Change from Prior Year |
TOTAL 2021 YTD |
TOTAL 2020 YTD |
% Change from Prior Year |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conventions/Tradeshows/Meetings* | ||||||
| # of Shows | 6 | 1 | 500% | 24 | 23 | 4% |
| # of Room Nights | 5,199 | 0 | N/A | 22,437 | 72,188 | -69% |
| # of Delegates | 11,589 | 30 | 38530% | 73,978 | 217,217 | -66% |
| Delegate Spending | $4,308,968 | $4,904 | 87766% | $19,592,141 | $56,795,304 | -66% |
| Boardwalk Hall Bookings | ||||||
| # of Shows | 3 | 0 | N/A | 3 | 11 | -73% |
| # of Attendees | 34,915 | 0 | N/A | 34,915 | 129,722 | -73% |
| Hotel Bookings | ||||||
| # of Shows | 14 | 2 | 600% | 97 | 40 | 143% |
| # of Room Nights | 15,187 | 1,941 | 682% | 91,173 | 27,730 | 229% |
| # of Attendees** | 13,445 | 2,700 | 398% | 120,942 | 41,700 | 190% |
| Delegate Spending | $7,596,454 | $1,024,363 | 642% | $52,612,323 | $15,887,942 | 231% |
| Monthly Totals | ||||||
| # Convs_Trade_Mtgs / Boardwalk Hall / Hotel | 23 | 3 | 667% | 124 | 74 | 68% |
| # of Room Nights | 20,386 | 1,941 | 950% | 113,610 | 99,918 | 14% |
| # of Attendees | 59,949 | 2,730 | 2096% | 229,835 | 388,639 | -41% |
| Delegate Spending | $11,905,422 | $1,029,267 | 1057% | $72,204,464 | $72,683,246 | -1% |
Notes:
Reduction in figures beginning mid-March 2020 are due to cancellations and/or shut downs as a result of COVID-19
January 2021 hotel attendees reflect virtual attendance numbers
*Includes Meet AC events booked at Boardwalk Hall
** 2020 figures may have been adjusted due to COVID-19 related updates
LIGHT Snapshots is a publication of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality
& Tourism, Stockton University School of Business
Jane Bokunewicz, Ph. D., Faculty Director and Associate Professor of Hospitality
Atlantic City Information
After cancelation in 2020, Atlantic City Marathon returns to the city - According to The Press of Atlantic City, on October 17, the Atlantic City Marathon was run for the first time in-person since 2019.
Atlantic Cape Community College Wind Training Center to open Fall 2022 - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, on October 28, state and local officials broke ground on a 1,700-square-foot Wind Training Center on Atlantic Cape Community College's Worthington campus in Atlantic City. The facility, along with a Sea Survival module at Gardner's Basin, will be paid for by an almost $3 million state grant. The goal of the project is to train individuals for jobs in the growing local offshore wind energy industry. Further coverage on New Jersey wind and solar energy projects from The Press of Atlantic City.
Date set for ground breaking of Atlantic City supermarket - According to The Press of Atlantic City, officals are set to break ground Nov. 18 on a new ShopRite on Baltic Avenue in Atlantic City. The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority’s Board of Directors unanimously approved $18.5 million in funding for the project on October 19. The resort has been without a major grocery store for more than 15 years.
MAAC and CRDA work to extend agreement to host Basketball Championship - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) are in the process of negotiating a three-year extension to the current agreement (ending after the 2022 season) to host the league's men’s and women’s championship basketball tournaments at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.
Rock 'n' Roll Running Series coming to Atlantic City in 2022 - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, the Rock 'n' Roll Running Series, owned by the IRONMAN group, will debut the Rock ’n’ Roll Atlantic City Half Marathon & 5K on May 14 and 15, 2022. The event originally scheduled for May 2020 was posponed twice due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Two buildings officially dedicated to John F. Scarpa - According to an October 22 Stockton University press release, Stockton University officially celebrated the dedication of two buildings, the Atlantic City Academic Center and Health Sciences building on the main campus in Galloway, in the name of John F. Scarpa. The John F. Scarpa Foundation pledged $8 million to Stockton to assist students and programs at the Atlantic City campus, health sciences programs, and other initiatives.
New Jersey Gaming News
24th Annual East Coast Gaming Congress - On October 25 and 26, the 24th annual East Coast Gaming Congress and NextGen Gaming Institute took place at the Harrah's Waterfront Casino Center Atlantic City. More information and a recap of the event can be found on the confrence webpage.
Atlantic City casino workers march in support of indoor smoking ban - As reported by Casino.org, an organization called CEASE (Casino Employees Against Smoking’s Effects) held a protest and press conference on October 26. The organization seeks the closure of a loophole in New Jersey’s 2006 Smoke-Free Act, which permits casinos to designate up to 25 percent of their gaming spaces for smoking.
Casino Control Commission approves new ownership partner for Ocean Casino Resort - As reported by PlayNJ, the New Jersey Casino Control Commission (CCC) granted interim casino authorization to a subsidiary of Ilitch Holdings, OCR Investments LLC. Ilitch will pay up to $175 million for an indirect ownership interest of as much as 50% in Ocean Casino Resort, sharing day-to-day operational control of the casino resort with current owner Luxor Capital Group. Leadership of the property remains in question following the resignation of Ocean's CEO, Terry Glebocki. (The Press of Atlantic City)
Five charged for trying to steal more than $1.1 million from Atlantic City casinos - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, five New York residents have been charged with attempted theft for trying to pass fraudulent checks at five of the city's casinos in August 2021.
Hard Rock pursues casino projects in New York City and at Meadowlands - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, speaking at the 24th annual East Coast Gaming Congress (October 25-26), chairman of Hard Rock International, Jim Allen, said Hard Rock would pursue casino projects in both New York City and North Jersey. The company unveiled a plan to build a casino resort at the Meadowlands Racetrack in 2015, which was put on hold when voters rejected plans for North Jersey casino expansion in 2016. Allen said the company will submit an 'expression of interest' to New York officials looking to award that state's three remaining casino licenses. Caesars Entertainment, Bally’s, Las Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts, also have expressed interest in these licenses.
National Gaming News
Bally's, Hard Rock and Rush Street Gaming bid for Chicago resort casino license - As reported by Casino.org, Bally's Corp has submitted a proposal to Chicago officials seeking to build a flagship gaming property in the city. The company has pledged to invest $1.6 billion on an integrated resort property. Proposals have also been submitted by Rush Street Gaming and Hard Rock. Further local reporting by the NWI Times.
Connecticut launches online gaming and sports beting - As reported by Casino.org, Connecticut became the sixth U.S. state to launch legal, regulated onling gambling on October 19. The state also launched online sports betting. The state's two tribal gaming operators - the Mohegan Tribe and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation - have partnered with FanDuel and DraftKings respectivly to run their iGaming and sportsbooks. The Connecticut Lottery has partnered with Rush Street Interactive to operate mobile sports betting. The Lottery is not permitted to run online casino games. The Connecticut Lottery and partner Rush Street International opened the state's first commercial retail sportsbook on October 25.
Connecticut's Foxwoods Resort Casino to expand with construction of recreational campground - As reported by Casino.org, Foxwoods, owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, will partner with Blue Water Development, to construct a high-end, resort-like campground. The new campground amenity is likely a response to the recent growth of the camping industry following the pandemic. More than a half-million new RVs are expected to be sold by the end of 2021 with more than 600,000 expected to be sold in 2022. According to the RV Industry Association a record 11.2 million households currently own an RV.
DraftKings and international gaming company, Entain, end talks - According to Legal Sports Report, DraftKings has announced that it will no longer pursue a takeover of international gaming company Entain.
Hard Rock Sportsbooks begins taking bets in Florida - According to Legal Sports Report, Florida sports betting is live as Hard Rock Sportsbook began accepting wagers on November 1. Sports betting in the state could have started on October 15 through the renegotiated gambling compact between Governor Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe, however it did not. The reason for the delay was not confirmed. Under the compact, Hard Rock and the Seminole Tribe essentially have a monopoly on Florida sports betting, the legality of which is uncertain.
Indiana community leaders support Hard Rock Terre Haute Casino Proposal - As reporteed by Casino.org, officials in Terre Haute, Indiana, submitted letters to the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) in support of Hard Rock's casino proposal. The IGC awards the 'Casino Owner's License' for Vigo County on November 17. Further local reporting Tribune-Star.
Louisiana Gaming Control Board report shows decline in New Orleans Casino revenue due to impacts of Hurricane Ida - According to a report from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) shared by Casino.org, four gaming properties in the New Orleans region won 21.4% less in gaming revenue in September 2021 than in the same month in 2020. The decline was attributed to impacts of Hurricane Ida, which made landfall in Louisiana on August 28. The hurricane was directly responsible for 12 deaths in Louisiana and is the fourth-costliest U.S. Atlantic weather system on record. Despite revenue losses from the New Orleans properties, the state realized a nearly 28% year-over-year gain in gross gaming revenue for September 2021 due to the contributions of the state's 10 other riverboat casinos and three racetrack slots venues.
Louisiana issues first commercial sports book license -As reported by Casino.org, the Louisiana Gaming Contol Board issued the first commercial sports book licenses on October 29; by November 2, four casinos had opened sportsbooks in the state. A total 20 sports betting licenses are available for retail-only sports betting at casinos and racetracks.
Maryland sports betting launch postponed to 2022 - According to Legal Sports Report, Maryland's Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) did not award retail sports betting licenses to five casinos approved by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission. The licenses could be awarded at a SWARC meeting scheduled for November 18. If awarded, it could be up to 45 days before sportsbooks open, pushing the launch date into 2022. Further coverage from Legal Sports Report.
Michigan Gaming Control Board reports near pre-pandemic gross gaming revenue for Detroit casinos in September - According to an October 12 press release from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), the state's three Detroit casinos, MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity, and Greektown, reported a total $110.4 million in gross gaming revenue in September 2021, up 21.6% from September 2020 and just 2% shy of September 2019. Further reporting from Casino.org.
Nevada sportsbooks set new handle record in September 2021 - According to the September 2021 report from the Nevada Gaming Control Board and Legal Sports Report, Nevada sportsbooks generated a record $786.5 million in sports betting handle in September 2021. The previous record handle, $659.9 million, was in October 2020. New Jersey outpaced Nevada in September 2021 to become the first state to hit $1 billion in single-month sports betting handle.
New York State Gaming Commission recommends nine mobile sportsbetting operators for licensing - According to Legal Sports Report, nine mobile sportsbook operators - Bally Bet, BetMGM, DraftKings Sportsbook and primary applicant FanDuel Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, PointsBet, Resorts World, Rush Street Interactive, WynnBET and primary applicant Kambi - were recommended November 8 for licensing by the New York State Gaming Commission. The sportsbooks, which will be licensed for 10 years, will have their gross sports betting revenue taxed at 51%
Pensylvania Gaming Control Board releases 2020-2021 Diversity Report - The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has released its fourteenth annual Diversity Report. According to analysis from Casino.org, the new report shows little change from previous reports. While overall hiring quotas reflect the racial percentages of the Pennsylvania population, representation lags in management positions. Representatives of the PCGB say the agency will continue to monitor and support the casinos in their diversity efforts.
Scientific Games Corporation (SG) sells lottery business - According to Online Poker Report, Las Vegas-based iGaming company, SG has reached an agreement to sell its lottery business to Bermuda-based Brookfield Business Partners for more than $6 billion. SG sold its sports betting business, OpenBet, to Endeavor Group Holdings for $1.2 billion in September.
Virginia to soon see launch of additional sportbooks - According to Legal Sports Report, Bally Bet will become the 10th Virgina sportsbook following a mid-November launch. Golden Nugget Online became the 9th sportsbook following an October 13 launch. Five additional operators (still pending approval) are expected to launch in the near term, with a total 15 sportsbooks expected to be operating in the state in time for March Madness.
Hospitality & Tourism News
Caesars Entertainment and Spiegelworld reach deal to create new live theater projects - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City and Associated Press, Caesars Entertainment and the company that produces the show "Absinthe" in Las Vegas, Spiegelworld, announced a partnership to create new live theater projects at casinos in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and New Orleans. The projects are expected to cost nearly $75 million. As part of the project, Caesars Atlantic City will receive a new theater and resident show in the first quarter of 2023.
Study of New Jersey transportation released - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, the findings of a study, commissioned by the nonprofit Garden State Initiative, recommend NJ Transit be split into two agencies. The full report "The Road to Equitable Transportation Policy in New Jersey" also calls for new ways of funding transportation and a dedicated revenue stream for mass transit.
White House announces end to travel ban for vacinated forigen visitors - As reported by CNN, Reuters, and The Washington Post, on October 15, the White House announced that a travel ban on visitors from 33 countries would be lifted on November 8. Non-U.S. citizens and nonimmigrants will need to show proof of vacination and a negative coronavirus test taken within three days of departure. Vaccination will not be required for children under 18.
Wildwood, NJ to replace boardwalk - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, on October 20, Wildwood's Board of Commissioners approved a contract for the repair and replacement of part of the city's more than 100-year-old board walk. The project received Coastal Area Facilities Review Act approval on October 26 and the final contract was being finalized as of October 30. The work, estimated to cost $3.5 million, is expected to be complete by May 2022, ahead of the summer tourism season.
