Atlantic City Casinos: Atlantic City, located on the southeastern coast of New Jersey, has long been recognized as a major hub for casino gaming, entertainment, and tourism. Sometimes referred to as the “Las Vegas of the East,” Atlantic City offers a unique blend of seaside charm and high-stakes excitement. Since the legalization of casino gambling in 1976, it has grown into a vibrant gaming destination that attracts millions of visitors each year.
Atlantic City Casinos: This article explores the casino landscape in Atlantic City—where they are located, what they offer, and how they contribute to the city’s economy and culture.
1. Atlantic City Casinos: Location and Overview
Atlantic City Casinos: Atlantic City is situated in Atlantic County, New Jersey, along the Atlantic Ocean. It is approximately:
- 60 miles southeast of Philadelphia
- 125 miles south of New York City
- 170 miles northeast of Washington, D.C.
Atlantic City Casinos: The city’s famous Boardwalk, which runs along the beach, is home to many of its major casinos and resorts. Other casinos are located just a few blocks inland, easily accessible by car or public transportation.
2. Atlantic City Casinos: List of Major Casinos in Atlantic City
Atlantic City Casinos: As of 2025, there are 9 major casinos operating in Atlantic City. Each casino offers a mix of gaming, dining, entertainment, and hotel accommodations.
Table 1: Overview of Major Atlantic City Casinos
| Casino Name | Location | Opened | Number of Hotel Rooms | Casino Floor Space (sq. ft.) | Owner/Operator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Borgata Hotel Casino | Marina District | 2003 | 2,800+ | 161,000 | MGM Resorts International |
| Hard Rock Hotel & Casino | Boardwalk (Trump Taj site) | 2018 | 2,000+ | 120,000 | Hard Rock Intl. |
| Caesars Atlantic City | Boardwalk | 1979 | 1,100+ | 145,000 | Caesars Entertainment |
| Tropicana Atlantic City | Boardwalk | 1981 | 2,400+ | 125,000 | Caesars Entertainment |
| Harrah’s Resort | Marina District | 1980 | 2,500+ | 160,000 | Caesars Entertainment |
| Ocean Casino Resort | Boardwalk (Revel site) | 2018 | 1,400+ | 138,000 | Ilitch Holdings |
| Resorts Casino Hotel | Boardwalk | 1978 | 900+ | 100,000 | Mohegan Gaming |
| Golden Nugget Atlantic | Marina District | 1985 | 700+ | 74,000 | Landry’s Inc. |
| Bally’s Atlantic City | Boardwalk | 1979 | 1,200+ | 83,000 | Bally’s Corporation |
3. Features and Attractions
Atlantic City casinos offer much more than just gambling. Each resort is a full-service entertainment complex with amenities like:
- Luxury spas and pools
- Nightclubs and lounges
- Fine dining and celebrity-chef restaurants
- Live concerts and comedy shows
- Retail shopping outlets
- Sportsbooks for legal sports betting
Table 2: Notable Features of Selected Casinos
| Casino Name | Unique Features | Live Entertainment? | Sportsbook? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borgata Hotel Casino | Fine dining by Bobby Flay & Wolfgang Puck, Premier Nightclub | Yes | Yes |
| Hard Rock | Rock memorabilia, large concert arena, music-themed dining | Yes | Yes |
| Ocean Casino Resort | Rooftop pool, Topgolf Swing Suite, upscale spa | Yes | Yes |
| Tropicana | IMAX Theater, The Quarter shopping/dining complex | Yes | Yes |
| Harrah’s Resort | Indoor tropical pool, The Pool After Dark club | Yes | Yes |
4. Economic and Social Impact
Casinos are the backbone of Atlantic City’s economy. They generate billions in revenue annually and employ tens of thousands of people.
Economic Contributions:
- Tourism: Casinos attract over 25 million visitors annually.
- Jobs: The casino industry supports over 25,000 direct jobs.
- Tax Revenue: Casino taxes fund state programs, senior benefits, and infrastructure.
Challenges:
Despite its success, Atlantic City has faced economic downturns, competition from other regional casinos (such as in Pennsylvania and New York), and periods of declining revenue. Several casinos have closed in the past decade but some, like Hard Rock and Ocean, were reopened under new ownership and rebranded.
5. Atlantic City vs. Las Vegas
While Las Vegas is larger and more internationally recognized, Atlantic City offers a more intimate, coastal alternative. Here’s a quick comparison:
Table 3: Atlantic City vs. Las Vegas
| Feature | Atlantic City | Las Vegas |
|---|---|---|
| Location | New Jersey coast | Nevada desert |
| Number of Casinos | ~9 major casinos | Over 60 |
| Ocean/Beach Access | Yes | No |
| Legal Gambling Since | 1978 | 1931 |
| Focus | Regional tourism, beach, boardwalk | Global tourism, mega-resorts |
| Population (City) | ~38,000 | ~650,000 |
6. Future Outlook
Atlantic City is actively working to reinvent itself. Investments in infrastructure, increased focus on entertainment and events, and the continued expansion of online gaming and sports betting all play a role in its future growth.
Additionally, partnerships with entertainment brands and hospitality companies have brought new energy to the Boardwalk. The city is also exploring non-gaming tourism development to diversify its appeal.
Conclusion
Atlantic City remains a vital part of America’s gaming landscape. While it may not match Las Vegas in size, it offers a rich history, a stunning beachside location, and a collection of casinos that blend gambling with entertainment and culture. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or a high-roller adventure, Atlantic City’s casinos promise an experience that’s both exciting and memorable.
