2023: the year of sports betting at resorts casino hotel

Andrew Porter

Economist

Published Apr 6, 2023

With March Madness® coming to a close and the start of the professional baseball, hockey, and basketball seasons just weeks away, it’s an exciting time of year here at Resorts Casino Hotel.

Not only do these major sports events bring more visitors to Ocean City, NJ, they also mean increased action at our on-premise sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook & Lounge at Resorts, as well as our online betting partner, FanDuel Group.

A Busy First Quarter at Resorts

The first three months of 2023 were busy ones for us at Resorts. In addition to ringing in the new year with our annual First Night celebration - which included fireworks over the beach - we welcomed record numbers of guests.

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In fact, we registered our best first quarter since reopening in 2012. And while the snowfall this past winter was less than last year, Ocean City and the surrounding area continue to be popular destinations, no matter the season.

As I have mentioned previously in my economic reports, Atlantic City and New Jersey as a whole benefit from residents of neighboring states coming to our beaches, casinos, and other attractions when the weather prevents them from vacationing in more distant locations.

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This past winter, many East Coasters were unable to travel to warmer climates because of repeated winter storms. As a result, our local economy saw a boost due to increased visitation - not just in oceanfront communities like Ocean City, but throughout Southern New Jersey and Atlantic City.

Looking ahead to the spring and summer, we are expecting large crowds for the various bike week celebrations that will take place in Ocean City and nearby Wildwood starting in early May.

Additionally, with warmer temperatures comes an increase in regional beachgoers looking to soak up the sun and surf along our coastline. Our own beach opens to the public on Memorial Day weekend.

Another big draw for Ocean City is the boardwalk - one of only a few in the United States open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our two-and-a-half-mile long boardwalk offers amazing views of the beach and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as plenty of shopping, dining, and amusements.

Of course, just minutes from Resorts is the world-famous Boardwalk in Atlantic City, which also features first-class entertainment and attractions.

Related: What Makes Resorts Casino & Spa So Special?

While visitors enjoy all that Ocean City and Atlantic City have to offer, some may be lucky winners after stopping by our on-site sportsbook or trying their hand at one of our more than  750 slot machines, or at one of our table games (which includes blackjack, roulette, and baccarat).

Resorts has something for every type of guest and budget. Those seeking a luxurious stay can book one of our deluxe rooms or suites, many of which feature stunning views of the ocean and the city's marina.

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For those looking for more affordable accommodations - or who may be visiting Ocean City with their family pet (yes, we are a pet-friendly hotel!) - we provide a variety of standard room options.

No matter what type of accommodations they choose, our guests can enjoy live entertainment each weekend in our Super Bar, as well as other great dining experiences, including  the resort's newest restaurant. 

As the only casino in Atlantic City that is beachfront, Resorts offers easy access to the shore - no boardwalk needed! Guests can relax in the sun, build sandcastles, go swimming, or take a leisurely stroll along the beach.

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All of these amenities helped make the first quarter of 023 another successful period for Resorts. We look forward to welcoming even more guests in the coming months.

Ongoing Expansion of Legalized Gambling in US

In addition to the action at Resorts, I continue to monitor the ongoing expansion of legalized gambling across the United States - an industry in which I have worked for more than four decades.

As someone who began his career as a Floor Person at the old Resorts International in Atlantic City in 1980, I have seen the industry evolve from an experiment in New Jersey and Atlantic City to a nationwide phenomenon.

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According to a recent report from the American Gaming Association (AGA), the trade group for the casino industry, 2022 was a record year for U.S. casino gaming.

The AGA estimates that Americans spent a collective $155.3 billion on casino games last year, topping the previous high set in 2006 and reflecting a 7.5% increase over 2021.

Notably, 2022 marked the first year that all 50 states reported some form of casino gaming. This growth was driven by the continued expansion of legal sports betting.

Thanks to a landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 that overturned Nevada's monopoly on sports betting, more than 30 states plus Washington, D.C. now have some form of operational sports wagering.

According to the AGA, Americans bet a record $26.2 billion on sports last year, representing a whopping 55.5% increase over 2021 and surpassing the previous high set in 1949 and 1950, when the Nichols brothers ran their illegal sports betting operation in Illinois.

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While New Jersey is now the largest market for sports betting, the AGA reports that more than 100 million Americans live in a state where they can engage in some form of licensed sports wagering.

This explosive growth is great news for companies like FanDuel Group, our sports wagering partner at Resorts. Not only did FanDuel's full-year revenue hit a new high in 2022, setting yet another industry record, but the company employed more than 2,000 individuals worldwide as of year-end.

As a lifelong resident of Southern New Jersey, I am proud that such a successful business is headquartered in the Philadelphia region and a key contributor to our state and local economies.

I recently had the opportunity to tour FanDuel's headquarters in the Somerset section of Franklin Township, NJ. There, I met with local and company leaders, as well as employees who work in areas ranging from technology and trading to marketing and customer service.

I left that visit impressed by the innovation and teamwork that exists within FanDuel and its parent company, Flutter Entertainment. It is clear why these organizations are among the most respected in their field and why they are major contributors to our state and local economies.

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Looking Forward to 2023 Sports Seasons

Speaking of FanDuel... With March Madness® nearing its end, our attention now turns to the start of the Major League Baseball (MLB), National Hockey League (NHL), and National Basketball Association (NBA) seasons.

The 2023 MLB campaign gets underway on Thursday, March 30th. The Baltimore Orioles will face off against the Boston Red Sox in Sydney, Australia in the earliest matchup of the season, while the rest of the league begins play in the United States.

Baseball fans will have plenty to look forward to this year, including the return of Opening Day to its traditional April timeslot after it was moved up to march last season to avoid labor disputes.

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Local fans of the Philadelphia Phillies will be eager to see if their team can improve upon last year's 87-76 record and fight for a playoff spot in the National League East division.

Meanwhile, the New York Yankees will look to bounce back after missing the postseason in 2022, while the Boston Red Sox aim to build upon their American League East title from last season. The Tampa Bay Rays, tenth in the division last year, and the Miami Marlins, who finished last, round out the NL East.

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On April 4th, the 2023 NHL season commenced with the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche facing off against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Philadelphia Flyers will kick off their regular season the following day at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins, reigniting the intense rivalry between these Pennsylvania teams.

Elsewhere in the NHL, the New York Rangers look to build upon their Presidents' Trophy-winning season last year, while the Washington Capitals aim to contend once again with Alexander Ovechkin leading the charge. The Boston Bruins, who made it to the second round of the playoffs in 2022, will also be factors in the Eastern Conference.

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Finally, the NBA season tips off on Tuesday, October 17th, as the Brooklyn Nets host the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers travel to the Phoenix Suns. Local fans can look forward to the Philadelphia 76ers' opener on October 18th at home against the New York Knicks in a highly anticipated matchup.

The Celtics will look to defend their Eastern Conference championship and challenge for another NBA title, while the 76ers strive to overcome last year's playoff exit and make a deep run in the postseason. The Toronto Raptors aim to compete once again, led by star player Pascal Siakam.

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With the excitement of March Madness® coming to a close and the start of these major sports seasons quickly approaching, there's no shortage of thrilling action headed our way at FanDuel Sportsbook & Lounge at Resorts and FanDuel Group. I can't wait to see what this year brings for sports fans everywhere.

About the Author

Andrew Porter
Economist

Dr. Andrew Porter is a Senior Economist with more than 35 years of experience in economic research, data analysis, and financial modeling. He earned a Ph.D. in Urban Economic & Real Estate Development from Georgia State University in Atlanta and a Bachelor of Business Degree from the University of Georgia. Dr. Porter is an expert in applying economic theories and analysis to real-world issues, using both traditional and modern analytical methods to produce insights for clients.

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