When it comes to gambling in the States, Las Vegas has always been the go-to spot for a date with Lady Luck, traditionally speaking, at least.
But guess what? New Jersey has stepped up its game and become a serious contender. It’s got a first-class casino scene, a booming online gambling industry, and so much more to offer. No wonder it’s now giving Sin City a real run for its money.
One of the major aspects that sets New Jersey apart is its approach to online gambling. While Vegas is all about those glitzy land-based casinos, they’ve been lagging behind in the online world. In contrast, New Jersey was quick to see the potential and legalized online casino games and sports betting way back in 2013. So, while you’ll find many of the country’s best casino gambling options in New Jersey, they are still not legal in Nevada.
And boy, did the decision to legalize online casinos pay off: The state of NJ has made a boatload of cash from it. In fact, NJ is one of only six states that allow online casinos, which is perhaps part of the reason why it has the third-largest casino revenue in the States.
In 2021 alone, they raked in a jaw-dropping $1.4 billion in online gaming revenue, smashing all records. That money has been pumped into public services, infrastructure, and education, only serving to benefit the state.
But, it’s not just online slots and blackjack that are making New Jersey attractive to gamblers. The bricks-and-mortar casinos in Atlantic City are pretty impressive, too. They’ve got top-notch games, world-class entertainment, and super fancy hotels to make a weekend of it. These resorts attract millions of visitors each year and, of course, boost the city’s tourism and job scene.
Sure, Vegas may still have more casinos overall, but New Jersey’s casinos are catching up fast. And, besides, quantity holds nothing over quality. By 2023, Atlantic City had nine casinos running, and that’s quite a comeback considering they faced tough competition from neighboring states like Pennsylvania, a global pandemic and the resulting economic downturn.
And let’s not forget the nightlife and entertainment. Atlantic City offers a more intimate and diverse experience than the extravagant shows of Vegas. They’ve got live concerts, hilarious comedy shows, and all sorts of cultural events, all within a compact and walkable city layout.
Perhaps the cherry on top for New Jersey is how convenient to reach from other major cities. It’s close to New York and Philly, attracting both tourists and locals for some gambling and fun without a long trip.
What’s even more commendable about the state of New Jersey is their genuinely responsible gambling initiatives and the care they put into their legalized gambling practices. For instance, the state provides a ton of resources to help bettors manage their gambling habits. This refreshingly responsible approach has earned them extra kudos from advocacy groups, and it has helped to solidify the state as a true gambling industry leader.
So there you have it. New Jersey is most definitely giving Las Vegas a real run for its money, all thanks to its booming online gambling, world-class casinos, vibrant entertainment scene, and a responsible gambling attitude.