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Casino revenue in New York is on the rise, with November 2024 delivering some impressive figures. The New York State Gaming Commission reported that revenues hit $56.2 million, reflecting a solid 4.7% jump from both November 2023 and October 2024. These figures are a strong indication that New York is showing impressive signs of growth in the gambling sector.
While traditional brick-and-mortar casinos continue to be a cornerstone, the rise of offshore online platforms like Lucky Block is attracting NYC gamblers through many of its enticing benefits such as enhanced anonymity, attractive bonuses, faster payouts, and access to thousands of provably fair games. Also, through the adoption of various alternative payment methods that are safer, faster, cheaper, and more transparent than fiat currencies, online casinos are becoming true competitors of their land-based counterparts.
So, while offshore casinos are becoming more popular amongst New York gamblers, there is still a thriving market for land-based casinos in the Big Apple. Slot machines and electronic table games (ETGs) generated over $40 million in revenue in 2024, signaling an impressive 8.9% jump from this time last year, proving their enduring appeal. These games alone contributed more than 71% of the total revenue, maintaining their role as the backbone of New York’s casino industry.
Additionally, poker tables had a small but steady uptick, with revenues increasing by 2.2%. In contrast, other table games like roulette and blackjack took a minor dip, dropping by 5.2% to just under $15 million. However, the strong performance of slots and ETGs easily compensated for this decline.
Compared to October 2024, November saw a more balanced growth story. Table games fair much better between October and November, jumping 18.4% to reach nearly $15 million in revenue. The increase came with higher player spending, which climbed from $70.2 million in October to $73.3 million in November. It’s fascinating to think about the stories behind those numbers—players testing strategies, taking chances, and enjoying the winnings they took home.
Poker tables also saw a notable 13.2% rise. Meanwhile, slot and ETG revenues stayed consistent, edging up by just 0.2% but still playing a major role in New York’s overall casino growth.
An ongoing lawsuit in the Southern District Court of New York could reshape the gambling landscape further. The case targets sweepstakes operator VGW, Apple, and Google, alleging that VGW functions as an illegal casino. If the court rules against VGW, restrictions on sweepstakes casinos could drive more players toward regulated land-based establishments, as well as to the aforementioned iGaming hubs. This potential shift comes as plans for an additional casino license in New York remain in limbo, making every boost in existing revenues even more critical.
November’s numbers paint an optimistic picture for New York’s casinos. Slot machines and ETGs continue to dominate, while growth in table games hints at a broader appeal. Legal and market developments, such as the VGW lawsuit, may further tilt the scales in favor of land-based venues. For now, the steady upward trend in revenues suggests a vibrant future for New York’s gambling industry, filled with opportunities for both operators and players.
