Any thoughts that online poker wasn’t riding a wave of lockdown-induced momentum have been blown out of the water by New Jersey.
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New Jersey online poker operators enjoyed a record-breaking month in April thanks to coronavirus lockdown measures. (Image: Lawbore)
The New Jersey online poker market has been ticking along for the last few years but March marked the start of a turning point.
With residents on lockdown, revenue hit $3.6 million. That beat the previous record ($3.4 million) set in 2014 but it’s nothing compared to the $5.1 million raked in April.
New Highs for New Jersey Online Poker Industry
That monthly high is not only an all-time record but almost $3.5 million more than the same period in 2019.
Looking at the breakdown, PokerStars NJ came out top, closely followed by WSOP.com and Partypoker.
PokerStars NJ = $2,066,293 revenue
WSOP.com = $1,862,004 revenue
Partypoker = $1,220,076 revenue
The sharp surge in revenue is down to coronavirus prevention measures. Like the rest of the world, the Garden State has been on lockdown since March 21. That caused a shift in dynamics as people sought out online entertainment.
This has given New Jersey online poker operators a boost over the last two months. The task now is how much of the rush operators can maintain when quarantine measures are over.
In recent days, Governor Phil Murphy has said reopening plans are in the works. With the summer approaching and residents facing the prospect of more freedom, online poker is likely to lose its appeal.
Rush Will Have Lasting Impact
However, as is often the case after a surge, it’s unlikely there will be a complete drop-off. Even if a significant number of newly engaged players drift away, there will be some that stay. This could help New Jersey’s online poker industry enjoy higher highs than its had in recent months.
It’s a similar story elsewhere in the world. The current upswing might not last forever, but it could have a lasting effect. Even if 20 percent of new sign-ups stick around after coronavirus has all but disappeared, it will help.
Prior to the global pandemic, the industry was in a strong place. Now, with states such as New Jersey attracting unprecedented numbers, the future can only be bright.
The latest record-breaking revenue report will be hard to top. But, if it raises the baseline a few notches, online poker in New Jersey, moreover the world, will remain healthy when coronavirus lockdowns end.
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