With the legalization of iGaming in 2013, New Jersey’s online casinos and betting platforms have become more popular than ever. Players can now spin slots, hit the blackjack tables, or place a sports bet anytime, anywhere.
As such, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement reported that online gambling revenue for August 2025 hit $248.3 million, breaking last month’s record. While the numbers make it clear that players love the convenience, it also raises questions about the hidden environmental cost of keeping servers and data centers running around the clock.
To make things clear, we’ll explain how land-based casinos are trying to reduce their carbon footprint and the environmental footprint of NJ’s digital gambling industry.
What Resources Does Digital Casino Use?
If a brick-and-mortar casino relies on flashing lights, humming slot machines, and round-the-clock air conditioning, a digital casino runs on a tech ecosystem that delivers instant access and zero downtime.
At the backend, there are massive servers and data centers that handle everything from processing logins to running live dealer video streams for thousands of players simultaneously.
Digital casinos also use cloud computing networks to distribute gameplay across regions, allowing games to run seamlessly across devices, whether you’re on a phone in Newark or a laptop in Cape May.
Then there’s the streaming technology. High-definition live dealer tables, real-time animations, and interactive features require enormous amounts of bandwidth and processing power. Unlike a YouTube video that can buffer, online casino streams must be live and flawless for extended gameplay.
When combined, these behind-the-scenes systems demand just as much energy as the bright lights and buzzing floors of Atlantic City’s casinos.
Is the Environmental Impact of iGaming Less Than the Casino Floor?
When we talk about casinos going green, sustainability is usually the first word on the table. It’s the cornerstone of the Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework that many brick-and-mortar casinos have adopted in recent years.
Some are shifting to renewable energy sources, installing energy-efficient lighting, introducing smart waste management systems, and swapping old HVAC systems for greener infrastructure. On the operations side, you’ll find eco-friendly products in hotel rooms, recycling bins across gaming floors, biodegradable straws instead of plastic ones, and locally sourced food items. Some brick-and-mortar casinos have even partnered with food rescue programs to redirect surplus meals. In short, physical casinos are trying their best to implement eco-friendly measures to get the Green Gaming Certificate.
But once the chips go digital, the environmental conversation takes on a different dimension. Since there are no plastic cups, no wasted buffets, no neon signs blazing through the night, online casinos may look cleaner, but their footprint is less visible and arguably more complex.
As discussed earlier, digital platforms are powered by data centers, cloud networks, and streaming technology that must stay online 24/7. These systems consume massive amounts of electricity, not just to process bets in real-time but also to cool the servers for efficient operation.
While this is a genuine challenge, some major data centers now run on renewable resources like wind and solar that reduce their digital footprint. There are super-efficient software that allow casinos to route activity through optimized systems that cut down wasted energy while still keeping gameplay smooth and less glitchy.
A number of platforms run green-themed promotions and bonuses, tying rewards to sustainability initiatives or pledging donations to environmental causes when players achieve certain milestones. Crypto-casinos and betting platforms use digital currency that ultimately reduces the need for paper statements, plastic cards, and the emissions tied to mailing physical documents.
Perhaps the biggest advantage is that online casinos cut out the need for travel altogether. When more people gamble online, there’s a significant reduction in fuel consumption, traffic, and associated emissions.
Environmental Footprint of NJ’s Digital Casino Industry
Although New Jersey has strict regulatory policies for online casinos, regulators still don’t release sustainability reports or energy disclosures. However, one can argue that the bigger picture is moving in the right direction.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, renewable resources account for approximately 8% of New Jersey’s in-state electricity generation, with the majority coming from solar power. The state has expanded solar installations and invested heavily in offshore wind.
This means digital casinos operating in New Jersey may benefit indirectly from a cleaner grid. When data centers are powered by solar or wind, each bet placed leaves a smaller carbon footprint compared to those running on fossil fuels. If New Jersey keeps expanding its renewable projects, online gambling could gradually become greener without operators needing to overhaul their systems overnight.
Some experts also point out that digital casinos can more easily implement sustainability policies than their brick-and-mortar counterparts. Unlike a resort that must retrofit buildings, manage food waste, and rethink large-scale hospitality operations, online casinos primarily focus on managing their software, servers, and payment methods to minimize their carbon footprint.
Can Players Make Eco-Friendly Choices When Gambling?
When it comes to reducing environmental impact, players can also make a measurable difference.
For instance, you can opt for slot play in casinos instead of high-definition live dealer streams, which use far less bandwidth. This will automatically reduce data traffic and server demand, resulting in less energy consumption in the background.
Payment methods matter, too. Traditional crypto transactions, especially Bitcoin, can burn through large amounts of energy due to the mining process. However, newer blockchains that run on proof-of-stake systems or even conventional e-wallets tied to renewable-powered data centers, carry a much smaller impact. This means a New Jersey player choosing PayPal over Bitcoin may be indirectly making the greener choice with every deposit.
Similarly, responsible gambling tools such as time caps, session limits, and cooling-off periods don’t just protect players from gambling addiction. When you limit playtime, it reduces excess streaming and background processing that may contribute to environmental impact.
Players also have influence beyond their own screens. If gamblers begin asking operators about sustainability or choosing platforms that commit to greener energy, it may push casinos to implement more sustainable policies.
Conclusion
So can gambling go green? The answer lies somewhere in the middle. When players are streaming live dealers or spinning slots 24/7, it may not reduce the environmental impact. Still, server-efficient gaming, greener payment methods, and responsible choices can help shift the odds in favour of the planet.
