The Borgata Casino started taking Atlantic City’s first legal sports bets Thursday, moments after Gov. Phil Murphy placed the state’s first legal bet at the Monmouth Park Racetrack.

The Borgata was the first casino in Atlantic City to begin taking bets, but more casinos are expected to follow now that sports wagering is legal in New Jersey.

Philadelphia basketball legend Julius “Dr. J.” Erving placed the first bet at the Borgata, putting $5 on the Philadelphia Eagles to win the Super Bowl once again.

VIDEO: Sports betting gets underway in Atlantic City

MORE: Gov. Murphy makes first legal sports bet in NJ history

Officials say they that hope sports wagering can revive Atlantic City and bring people back to the casinos and racetracks in the area. Atlantic City casino revenue was down 5.1 percent in May compared to last year, according to state records.

"This is actually going to provide more people coming into Atlantic City," says state Sen. Steve Sweeney. "At the end of the day, this is not a big tax generator. That is not what this is about, it's about bringing people into Atlantic City and helping to continue the progress."

Borgata officials won’t say how much money was spent Thursday on sports betting.

GUIDE: Casinos

The new Hard Rock Resort and Ocean Resort Casino will begin taking sports bets later this month.