What Casinos Are Left in Atlantic City?
Atlantic City has been a hub for gaming, entertainment, and tourism for decades. However, the city’s fortunes have waxed and waned over time, with the industry experiencing significant challenges over the years.
Currently, the city is home to several casinos, all of which are fighting for a share of the market in a city that has seen the closure of several gaming establishments in recent years. In this article, we will take a closer look at what casinos are left in Atlantic City, how they are faring, and what the future may hold for the industry in this iconic Jersey Shore location.
The Current State of Atlantic City Casinos
In the past two decades, Atlantic City’s gaming industry has seen a series of ups and downs. In particular, the city was hit hard by the 2008 financial crisis, which led to several casinos closing their doors. Since then, several casinos have closed down due to a variety of factors, including increased competition from neighboring states, changing gaming preferences, and economic challenges.
As of 2021, there are nine casinos still operating in Atlantic City. These are:
- Bally’s Atlantic City
- Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
- Caesars Atlantic City
- Golde Nugget Atlantic City
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
- Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
- Ocean Casino Resort
- Resorts Casino Hotel
- Tropicana Casino & Resort Atlantic City
While the number of operational casinos has decreased over the years, the remaining ones have adapted to the changing industry landscape, incorporating new gaming options, restaurants, and entertainment venues for their visitors.
However, the closure of several casinos has had a significant impact on the city’s economy, with a loss of jobs and revenue affecting many who depend on the industry.
A Guide to the Remaining Casino Options in Atlantic City
Each of the remaining gaming establishments in Atlantic City offers its own unique mix of amenities and attractions. Visitors can find slots, table games, sports betting, and poker rooms, among other options, at these casinos.
Some casinos also offer spa services, shopping options, and shows to attend. Here is a brief overview of what each of the remaining casinos in Atlantic City has to offer:
- Bally’s Atlantic City – Bally’s offers over 1,500 slots and video poker machines, along with table games like blackjack, craps, and roulette. The casino also hosts a William Hill sportsbook and a poker room that is part of the WSOP circuit.
- Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa – The Borgata is one of the biggest casinos in Atlantic City, with over 3,000 slot machines, table games, and a poker room. It also has a full-service spa, various dining options, and an event center that hosts big-name performers.
- Caesars Atlantic City – The Caesars casino has over 1,000 slot machines, table games, and a large poker room. It also has a spa, a rooftop pool and bar, and several dining options to choose from.
- Golden Nugget Atlantic City – The Golden Nugget features over 1,400 slot machines, table games, and a poker room. Visitors can also enjoy a spa and salon, a marina, and multiple dining and entertainment options.
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City – The Hard Rock is a newer addition to the Atlantic City casino scene and features hundreds of slot machines and table games, with a focus on rock-themed entertainment. It also has several dining options, a large concert venue, and a beach bar.
- Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City – Harrah’s offers over 2,000 slot machines, table games, and a poker room. It has several dining options, a spa, and an indoor pool and fitness center.
- Ocean Casino Resort – The Ocean Casino Resort has over 1,500 slot machines, table games, and a poker room. It also has a William Hill sportsbook, a spa, and a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city and the ocean.
- Resorts Casino Hotel – Resorts offers over 1,500 slot machines, table games, and a poker room. It has multiple dining and entertainment options, as well as a beach bar and a margarita-themed casino area.
- Tropicana Casino & Resort Atlantic City – Finally, the Tropicana has over 2,400 slot machines, table games, and a poker room. It also features several dining options, a spa and fitness center, and a multi-level entertainment venue called The Quarter.
Each casino also has its own location and unique features to explore, making the choice of which one to visit a personal one based on individual preferences.
The Rise and Fall of Atlantic City’s Casino Industry
Atlantic City’s casino industry has a storied history, with the first casino opening in 1978. For several years, the city experienced a boom in gaming and tourism, as people from around the country flocked to the Jersey Shore for its beaches and entertainment options.
However, over the years, increased competition from nearby states like Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut, as well as changing gambling preferences, impacted the city’s fortunes. The 2008 financial crisis also led to several casino closures, as there simply were not enough visitors to sustain so many gaming establishments.
The city has attempted to revive its fortunes over the past decade with various initiatives, such as legalizing sports betting and investing in non-gaming attractions. As a result, the remaining casinos have been able to hold their own, but the industry remains a challenging one.
COVID-19’s Impact on Atlantic City’s Casinos
The COVID-19 pandemic has rocked the gaming and tourism industries worldwide, and Atlantic City has not been immune. During the pandemic, all the casinos in the city were shut down, and while they have since reopened, it has been a difficult road to recovery.
However, the casinos have adapted in a variety of ways to keep visitors safe. For example, many have implemented temperature checks and health screenings, as well as mask mandates and social distancing requirements. The casinos have also invested in new cleaning protocols to keep their spaces as sanitary as possible.
While the pandemic has certainly been a challenge for Atlantic City’s casinos, the industry has shown resilience, and there are hopes for a bright future as vaccinations continue to roll out and travel resumes.
The Best Casino Hotels in Atlantic City
If you’re planning a trip to Atlantic City and want to stay at a casino hotel, you have several options to choose from. Here are some of the best hotels, based on a variety of criteria:
- Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa – Best overall amenities and entertainment options.
- Tropicana Casino & Resort Atlantic City – Best for families, with multiple kid-friendly options.
- Ocean Casino Resort – Best for luxury, with a high-end spa and upscale dining options.
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City – Best for music lovers, with a rock-themed atmosphere and multiple music-related events.
- Bally’s Atlantic City – Best for budget-friendly options without sacrificing amenities.
Of course, each hotel has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to do your research and determine which one fits your needs best.
Maximizing Your Chances of Winning in Atlantic City Casinos
While there is no surefire way to win big at the casinos, there are some tips and strategies that can help increase your chances of walking away with a positive outcome. First and foremost, it’s important to play games that you understand and enjoy – if you’re having fun, you’re more likely to stay in the game longer and have better odds.
In addition, budgeting your money wisely and setting limits on your play can help prevent overspending and allow for more playtime. Finally, learning some basic strategies for games like poker and blackjack can help you make more informed decisions and potentially increase your winnings.
The Future of Atlantic City’s Casinos
While Atlantic City’s casino industry has faced numerous challenges over the years, there are still reasons for optimism. As the pandemic subsides and tourism picks up, there is hope that the industry can continue to adapt and thrive.
New properties may also be on the horizon, with several companies reportedly exploring options for new casino resorts in the city. These new additions could bring more jobs, revenue, and visitors to Atlantic City, helping to revitalize the industry and the city as a whole.
Conclusion
While the number of casinos in Atlantic City has decreased over the years, there are still several options for visitors to choose from. Each casino offers its own unique blend of gaming, amenities, and entertainment, providing a range of experiences for anyone looking to try their luck at the slots or table games.
The city’s casino industry has faced numerous challenges over the years, from increased competition to economic downturns and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the remaining casinos have adapted and shown resilience, and the future looks promising, with the potential for new properties and continued growth and innovation in the industry.
Overall, Atlantic City remains a vibrant and exciting destination for gaming and entertainment, and it’s worth a visit to see what all the fuss is about.