Evolution Gaming, the Swedish online gambling giant known especially for its live dealer casino games and renowned particularly in NJ, is poised to deepen its roots in the U.S. market with an ambitious new project in Atlantic City. The company has announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art live dealer studio on Fairmount Avenue, with a proposed investment of $75 million.

This strategic expansion reflects Evolution’s ongoing commitment to the U.S. online gambling sector. Currently, Evolution operates studios in several high-profile Atlantic City casinos, including Ocean Casino Resort, Tropicana, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. However, with the new standalone studio, Evolution aims to significantly bolster its presence as well as its operational capacity.

The best use of land and resources for Atlantic City

Evolution has already made its move and has formally tendered a land use petition to the CRDA, or the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. If you weren’t yet aware, the CRDA is responsible for allocating casino gaming taxes to benefit Atlantic City, and it holds land-use authority within the Tourism District where all nine of the city's retail casinos are situated. The proposed site for Evolution's new studio is currently occupied by a parking lot owned by the CRDA, so the plan involves Evolution either purchasing the land from the agency or acquiring it as a donation.

Either way, representing Evolution in this crucial endeavor is Lloyd D. Levenson of the law firm Cooper Levenson. Levenson has emphasized the economic benefits of the project, highlighting that Evolution's workforce in the region currently stands at 850 employees. But with the new facility, the company anticipates potentially doubling its staff, projecting employment to exceed 2,000 by 2029.

As everyone is well aware, Evolution’s expansion represents a significant opportunity for job creation and economic growth in Atlantic City. The new studio will not only enhance its operational capabilities but also contribute to the local economy by creating numerous new jobs, as confirmed by Levenson.

Strike while the iron is hot – NJ poised for unprecedented growth in 2024 onwards

Aside from this, the proposed expansion comes at a time when the online gambling industry in New Jersey is experiencing unprecedented growth – it is now the ideal time to strike while the iron is hot, as they say. For example, the state’s online casino revenue has soared in the post-COVID-19 era. Prior to the pandemic, online gambling revenue in NJ was approximately $483 million. But last year alone, it nearly quadrupled to almost $2 billion – and, what’s more amazing, the first four months of 2024 have already shown a 21% increase compared to the same period last year.

In addition, New Jersey law stipulates that live dealer operations must be conducted within Atlantic City, ensuring that Evolution’s new studio will be ideally situated to comply with regulatory requirements while tapping into the booming market.

The CRDA’s decision on Evolution’s proposal will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and local residents alike. The agency’s mandate to use casino taxes for the benefit of Atlantic City makes it a key player in determining the feasibility of the project. If approved, the new studio would represent a significant milestone for Evolution and the broader Atlantic City community. The facility is expected to feature cutting-edge technology and design, positioning Evolution at the forefront of the live dealer gaming industry. Additionally, the economic impact of the studio could be substantial, providing a steady stream of new jobs and stimulating local businesses.

Advantages of the proposal for the greater good

The potential benefits of Evolution’s expansion extend beyond employment and revenue. The company’s presence in Atlantic City could enhance the city's reputation as a hub for innovation in online gambling. By investing in advanced facilities as well as creating high-quality gaming experiences, Evolution is poised to attract more players and partners to the area.

As the proposal undergoes review by the CRDA, Evolution and its advocates remain optimistic about the project’s approval. The company’s track record of successful operations in existing Atlantic City casinos and its commitment to local economic growth are likely to weigh favorably in the decision-making process.

For now, though, the Atlantic City community and the online gambling industry await the CRDA’s decision with bated breath, as they know that it could pave the way for a new era of growth and innovation in New Jersey's vibrant gambling sector.