The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has reported a 68.9% year-on-year drop in gaming revenue for April, after the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic shut down casinos and suspended sporting events.Overall gambling revenue in the state amounted to $82.6m (£67.7m/€76.4m) in April, down from $265.4m in the same month last year and also a drop of 49.5% from $163.5m in March of this year.
Casinos in New Jersey were unable to generate any gaming revenue during the month, having been forced to close from March 16, in line with state-wide orders to help combat the spread of coronavirus. Land-based casinos posted $207.6m in revenue in April of last year.
In terms of sports wagering, revenue from this sector fell $87.6m, with all retail sportsbooks unable to open in April and punters only able to place bets online or mobile. However, as only a handful of sports events have taken place during the outbreak, betting options have been severely limited.
