Casino in Atlantic City
Atlantic City is the "eastern showcase" of legal gambling in the United States. The city experienced rapid growth in the 1980s-1990s, painful downsycling in the 2010s and a relaunch at the end of the decade. Today, the market combines nine land-based casino resorts, developed iGaming, active sports betting and betting on event tourism, gastronomy and SPA.
1) A brief history
1976 - A referendum in New Jersey allows casinos within Atlantic City.
1980s-2000s - "golden years": mass bus tours from the East Coast, major projects on the boardwalk.
2010s - competition of regional markets (Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New York), the closure of a number of facilities.
2018 + - restart: opening/rebranding of new flagships, growth of the online channel, liberalization of sports betting, renewal of urban infrastructure.
2) Regulation and licenses
Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) - the main regulator (licensing, audit, iGaming/sports betting, technical supervision).
Casino Control Commission (CCC) - adjudication functions for a number of issues.
Market model: a bunch of offline casinos ↔ online "skins"; strict KYC/AML, geolocation, RNG/content technical certification, daily reporting.
3) Operating Atlantic City Casino Resorts (2025)
3. 1 Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (Marina District)
The flagship of the upper-luxury level: an extensive gaming floor, a strong poker room, a restaurant scene and an active MICE. Suitable for high-limit and advanced players.
3. 2 Caesars Atlantic City (Boardwalk)
Classic "Roman" style, direct access to Forum-/Pier Shops through the Caesars cluster, convenient location in the center of promenade life.
3. 3 Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City (Marina District)
A large resort off the promenade line with a popular pool complex/night stage; strong convention block and sportsbook.
3. 4 Tropicana Atlantic City (Boardwalk)
A multi-tower resort with a lively atmosphere, restaurants, bars and a large selection of slots/tables; convenient for "all in one under the roof."
3. 5 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City (Boardwalk)
Music brand, active concert program, large game floor, modern sportsbook; good balance for couples/friends.
3. 6 Ocean Casino Resort (North Boardwalk)
Modern interiors with panoramas of the ocean, spacious casino-hall, emphasis on gastronomy and SPA; a comfortable choice for the weekend.
3. 7 Bally’s Atlantic City (Boardwalk)
Solid mid-market with updates after rebranding; strong location in the center of promenade activity and available rates on weekdays.
3. 8 Resorts Casino Hotel (Boardwalk)
The historical name (the first casino in the city after legalization), today is a compact resort with friendly pricing and a classic atmosphere.
3. 9 Golden Nugget Atlantic City (Marina District)
Cozy format next to the yacht marina; convenient for quiet rest and players who appreciate the "home" atmosphere and promo for slots.
4) Online gaming and sports betting
iGaming (online slots/desktop, poker) is one of the most mature markets in the United States; online brands work like "skins" at land-based casinos.
Sports betting: Retail sportsbooks in casinos + mobile apps across the state.
Technologies: mandatory geolocation, KYC/AML, content certification, daily reporting feeds in DGE; developed omnichannel (single wallets/ onlayn↔oflayn loyalty).
5) Economy and employment
Employment: hotels, restaurants, security, IT/analytics, events.
Tax role: GGR tax and fees from iGaming/sports betting are important state revenue items.
Revenue structure: the share of non-gaming (numbers, F&B, shows, retail, MICE) is growing, reducing dependence on fluctuations in the game result.
6) Game offer (what to expect on the floor)
Slots: From classics to the newest progressive jackpot series; many denom options for different budgets.
Board games: blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat; in high-limit rooms - improved limits and service.
Poker: Regular cash games and series (see Borgata/Hard Rock/Harrah's for schedule).
Sportsbook: large video walls, individual chairs, booking seats for top matches.
7) Gastronomy, show and shopping
Restaurants: from high-end establishments at Borgata/Hard Rock/Ocean to casual on the boardwalk; in season, seafood and cocktails with ocean views.
Shows/concerts: concert venues at Hard Rock, Borgata, Ocean; stand-up and variety show - three-minute walking distance.
Shopping: Galleries in the Caesars cluster and outlet centers within walking distance of Boardwalk.
8) Practical advice to the guest
1. Seasonality: summer - traffic and prices are higher; off-season - favorable rates for rooms and packages.
2. Loyalty programs: issue players cards - rate upgrades/food credits/room discounts.
3. Budget and bankroll: on tables, find out the minimum limits in advance; at the slots, set the denomination and time/deposit limits.
4. Sports and events: On big match days, book slots in sportsbooks; promotions are often tied to league schedules.
5. Parking and moving: Boardwalk is convenient on foot and by tram along the boardwalk; Marina District is a short taxi/rideshare ride.
6. Responsible game: limits of deposits/losses, "cooling," if necessary - regular self-exclusion.
9) Las Vegas comparison
Product: Atlantic City is more compact and more "ocean," with seasonality; Vegas - megacourts and MICE dominance.
Online Focus: New Jersey is a leader in iGaming, which strengthens offline brands through omnichannel programs.
Price corridor: on weekdays and off-season AS is often more budgetary; on peak weekends, prices are comparable to top Vegas properties.
10) Growth points and the future
Renovations and rebranding of existing resorts.
Strengthening iGaming/sports betting and cross-channel loyalty.
Event calendar: concerts, gastronomic festivals, poker series.
Urban environment: improvement of the promenade zone, security, transport - the key to a further increase in tourist flow.
Atlantic City in 2025 is a mature resort and gaming cluster with nine casinos, a strong online link and an increasing share of non-gaming revenue. For the guest, this is a convenient "short trip" from the East Coast, for the operator - a market with clear DGE/CCC rules and a high standard of technological compliance. Choosing the right area (Boardwalk vs Marina), hotel and game format turns the weekend into a balanced sea + casino + show experience.