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Pennsylvania dethrones New Jersey as America's second-biggest gambling hub

A decade of explosive growth turned Pennsylvania into a gambling powerhouse. Meanwhile, Atlantic City's fading glory leaves New Jersey scrambling for answers.

The image shows the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It is a large building...
The image shows the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It is a large building with a name board on the top, surrounded by other buildings, street poles, street lights, electric poles, electric cables, motor vehicles on the road, trees and a sky with clouds in the background.

Pennsylvania dethrones New Jersey as America's second-biggest gambling hub

Pennsylvania has overtaken New Jersey as the second-largest gambling market in the US. This shift comes as Atlantic City’s casino industry struggles with falling revenues and closures. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s gambling sector has grown rapidly since its first casino opened in 2006. New Jersey once led the Northeast in casino revenues, but its collections have plummeted. Last year, the state gathered just $291 million in gambling taxes—almost half of what it previously earned. Several casinos have shut down in recent years, weakening Atlantic City’s dominance.

Pennsylvania’s rise began in 2006 with its first casino launch. Within seven years, the state surged ahead, collecting $1.5 billion in gambling-related taxes. This rapid growth helped it surpass New Jersey as the nation’s second-largest gambling hub, according to Moody’s Investors Service. The trend shows a clear shift in the region’s gaming revenues. Money once flowing into Atlantic City is now moving to neighbouring states, particularly Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania’s gambling industry continues to expand, while New Jersey faces ongoing declines. The state now ranks second in the US for casino revenues, leaving Atlantic City with fewer visitors and lower tax income. This change marks a significant realignment in the Northeast’s gaming landscape.

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