New Jersey Sports Betting Drops in February as iGaming Surges

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Wed Mar 18, 2026, 7:00 am ET

Read Time: 3 minutes

New Jersey Sports Betting Drops in February as iGaming Surges

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New Jersey's sports betting market delivered a mixed and somewhat weaker performance in February 2026. Betting activity declined sharply, and revenue followed suit. The latest figures reflect shifting dynamics in New Jersey gambling, especially within US online sportsbooks.

New Jersey Sports Betting Handle Sees Notable February Drop

New Jersey sportsbooks reported a handle of $846.4 million in February 2026. That total represents a 14% year-over-year decline. It also fell well short of January's $1 billion-plus handle.

The biggest driver behind the drop was the Super Bowl matchup itself. In 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles fueled strong regional betting interest. However, they were absent in 2026. Instead, the game featured the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.

As a result, Super Bowl betting volume dropped by more than $40 million. That decline significantly impacted the overall monthly handle. New Jersey bettors typically show strong engagement when local or nearby teams compete. Without the Eagles, enthusiasm dipped.

Additionally, February still experienced its usual post-NFL slowdown. After the Super Bowl, betting activity tends to decline quickly. While the NBA and college basketball remained active, they could not match football's draw.

Together, these factors created a challenging month for US online sportsbooks operating in the state.

Revenue Falls as Sportsbooks Face Tough Month

Sports betting revenue did not hold steady. Instead, it fell 10.3% year-over-year to about $66 million. This marked a one-year low for the market.

Operators also struggled with profitability. The statewide hold came in at 7.8%, which analysts described as pedestrian. That figure limited revenue potential despite steady betting activity in certain segments.

Moreover, several major operators reported double-digit declines in profit. This suggests that sportsbooks faced unfavorable outcomes and tighter margins throughout the month.

Online betting still dominated the market. Digital platforms accounted for more than 95% of total wagers, reinforcing the strength of mobile-first engagement in New Jersey gambling.

However, another vertical significantly outperformed expectations. iGaming, or US online casinos, surged 21.2% year-over-year to $251.8 million. This sharp increase effectively saved the month for state tax revenues, offsetting sports betting losses.

The contrast highlights a growing divide. While US online sportsbooks faced volatility, online casinos delivered consistent and scalable growth.

Outlook for March and Beyond

Looking ahead, March could provide a rebound opportunity for New Jersey sports betting. The NCAA Tournament traditionally drives strong betting interest across the country.

Furthermore, a broader sports calendar may help boost engagement. Baseball's return and ongoing NBA action could support higher wagering volume.

Still, expectations should remain measured. The absence of a major local storyline, like an Eagles Super Bowl run, can significantly impact results. As a result, New Jersey gambling may continue to see fluctuations tied to key events.

In the months ahead, operators will likely focus on improving margins. At the same time, the continued strength of iGaming should help stabilize revenue, even when US online sportsbooks experience downturns.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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