In a significant move poised to shape the future of Atlantic City’s development, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) has greenlit the appointment of Eric Scheffler as its executive director. Following the departure of Sean Pattwell in January, Scheffler brings a wealth of experience, having served as the sheriff of Atlantic County since 2017 and boasting a distinguished career in law enforcement with the Atlantic City Police Department spanning 23 years.
Leadership Reinforcement:
Under the stewardship of Eric Scheffler, alongside the CRDA’s deputy executive director Maisha Moore, the authority anticipates a revitalized focus on initiatives aimed at breathing new life into Atlantic City and its adjacent communities. CRDA board chairman Mo Butler expresses confidence in the dynamic leadership team’s ability to inject fresh energy into the organization’s endeavors.
Enhanced Legal and Administrative Support:
The CRDA further strengthened its ranks with the recent appointments of Sharon Dickerson as general counsel and chief legal officer, along with Jerry Barnhart stepping in as director of the special improvement district division. This bolstering of legal and administrative expertise underscores the authority’s commitment to robust governance and strategic planning.
Economic Surge:
Against the backdrop of these strategic leadership developments, New Jersey’s gaming industry witnessed a remarkable surge in revenue, signaling promising prospects for the state’s economic landscape. In March, total gaming revenue soared to $526.6 million, marking an impressive 8.1% increase compared to March 2023. The upswing was particularly pronounced in the casino sector, with a $239.8 million win for Atlantic City’s nine casino hotel properties, representing a 4.9% uptick from the previous year.
Digital Gaming Dominance:
Online gaming emerged as a formidable driver of revenue growth, with a substantial $197.2 million win in March, marking a notable 19% surge year-on-year. This surge underscores the growing prominence of digital platforms in the gaming landscape, reflecting shifting consumer preferences and the industry’s evolving dynamics.
Sports Wagering Dynamics:
While sports wagering gross revenue experienced a slight dip of 3.6% to $89.7 million, compared to March 2023, the overall wagering volume remained robust. New Jersey players demonstrated a strong appetite for sports betting, with a staggering $1.3 billion in total wagers recorded for March. Of this, $1.2 billion was attributed to online platforms, underlining the growing trend towards digital sports wagering channels.
The convergence of strategic leadership appointments and a buoyant economic landscape underscores a promising trajectory for Atlantic City’s resurgence. With Eric Scheffler at the helm of the CRDA and a dedicated team steering the course, the stage is set for innovative initiatives that will drive sustained growth and vitality in Atlantic City and its environs. As digital gaming continues to soar and sports wagering maintains its momentum, the future appears vibrant and full of promise for New Jersey’s gaming industry.