Atlantic City sets nationwide sports betting record in August

New Jersey has beaten Nevada’s record monthly sports betting handle of $614m set in November 2019.

US.- New Jersey has set a new nationwide record for the amount spent on sports betting in a month after August saw $668 million wagered after the return of major sports leagues.

August saw the first whole month of baseball this year, after the coronavirus pandemic caused widespread cancellations of major sporting events. There were also basketball and hockey playoffs to bet on.

New Jersey’s figures for August overtake the previous monthly state record set by Nevada, which saw $614 million wagered in November 2019.

Despite operating at a 25 per cent reduced capacity, casinos and racecourses in the state managed to take in $326.3 million in the month of August – a 7.5 drop from last year.

Revenues amounted to $39.5 million once winning bets were paid out. Online revenue almost doubled to $87.7 million in August.

Indoor dining resumed at casinos last week, and many operators hope this will attract more casual gamblers back to venues.

James Plousis, chairman of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, said: “Recovery is underway, even with continuing travel advisories that decreased visits from out of state.

“Atlantic City’s casino win was almost 70% of last August’s strong performance, although the months are not reasonably comparable because of restrictions on capacity, amenities, and entertainment.”