How New Jersey is Coping Post COVID-19

New Jersey shattered its previous sports betting record by accepting over $748 million in sports wagers during September 2020. The respite arrives with the NFL season resuming after nearly six months of a lull due to COVID-19. The figures are based on the Gaming Enforcement’s New Jersey Division that covers three horse racing tracks and nine casinos in the state.

The lofty figures even surpassed the national average of $668 million in sports bets recorded during the previous month. Both figures easily overshadowed the earlier record of $614 million set by Nevada back in November 2019. Pandemic or not, the figures are a strong indication of a recuperating industry, which bodes good news for the punters and every soul depending on the sport.

Following the historic Supreme Court ruling of 2018 allowing every state to offer legal sports betting if they choose, New Jersey quickly captured the East Coast market, challenging Nevada for the nation’s top spot. The $748 million accepted in sports bets lay testament to that very fact.

A Quick Sum of the State’s Overall Performance

When throwing in casinos to the mix, the gambling industry in New Jersey wagered over $1 billion during September, an increase of 6.5% over the same period during the previous year. This is a massive financial and morale boost for everybody involved as casinos are currently limited to 25% occupancy following federal regulations to prevent virus transmission.

While the Borgata generated $64 million in September, down just 2.8% from the previous year, the Golden Nugget generated $37.5 million, up 16.3% since 2019. Hard Rock and Ocean Casino Resort generated $35.8 million and $29.5, respectively, an increase of 12.5% and nearly 22%.