Big online month for Atlantic City

In the casino industry, $13 million may not be a lot of money — but it represented a 51% gain for Atlantic City‘s online casinos and made up for softness at brick-and-mortar gambling houses. Slot revenue was down 3% on 2.5% less coin-in, while table games won 3% more on 3% less volume. Borgata had a less-than-stellar month at the tables: 6% fewer winnings on 2% money wagered. Its slots, however, brought in 6.5% more money on 6% higher coin-in. Borgata continued to dominate online market share, with 31%, while dark horse Tropicana Atlantic City edged past Caesars Interactive (21%) into second place, with 22.5%.

Thanks to the healthy online contribution, gross gaming revenue for the Boardwalk was down only 1% for November. The evil spirit of Bob Griffin having been exorcised from Trump Taj Mahal, it got out of last place ($13 million, -13%), besting Resorts Atlantic City ($13 million, 4%) by a couple of decimal points. The Tropicana, buoyed by those online results, posted the greatest improvement, up 8% on a gross of $23 million. The Golden Nugget ($16 million) was flat, while Borgata grossed $57 million for a 2% uptick.

Harrah’s Resort ($30 million, -3%) predictably led the Caesars Entertainment pack, trailed by Caesars Atlantic City ($24 million, -5%) and Bally’s Atlantic City ($15 million, -12%). Caesars just waited too long to position Bally’s for all the castoff players from the likes of the Atlantic Club and Trump Plaza. Other casinos — most notably the Golden Nugget — have long since scooped them up.