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- New Jersey has raised its minimum wage by 43% to $15.92 per hour, significantly benefiting casino and hospitality workers across the state.
- This increase positions New Jersey among the states with the highest minimum wages, with particular positive impacts for casino staff in Atlantic City amid ongoing calls for improved working conditions.
New Jersey’s new minimum wage law hikes the standard wage to $15.92, marking one of the largest single-year increases.
However, seasonal workers and employees in small businesses with fewer than six staff will see a slightly lower minimum wage starting at $15.23, rising gradually through 2028 to match the general rate. Farm workers have a separate phased increase schedule and will reach parity with other workers by 2030.
Casino employees, classified as tipped workers, will have their minimum hourly wage raised to $6.05, but employers must ensure total earnings meet or exceed $15.92 when tips are included. This legislative change builds on prior efforts to adjust wages annually for inflation and comes alongside workers’ initiatives for safer work environments, such as calls to ban indoor smoking on casino floors.
Thousands of workers in Atlantic City will see wages rise
The wage increase is expected to benefit thousands of workers in New Jersey’s large casino and hospitality sectors, particularly in Atlantic City where casinos are economic pillars.
The casino industry contributes substantial tax revenues to social programs, including $541 million for housing individuals with developmental disabilities and millions more for seniors and pharmaceutical assistance.
For operators, this wage hike may raise labor costs but also supports employee satisfaction and retention amid competitive market conditions. The increase aligns New Jersey’s compensation standards closely with states like Washington, California, and Connecticut, enhancing worker livelihoods and potentially influencing labor market dynamics within US gaming hubs.
Based on reporting by Stefan Velikov for GamblingNews.com.
