Atlantic City: Everything you need to know

Although Las Vegas is the number one gambling destination in the world, another hugely popular gambling spot in America is Atlantic City.

Located in New Jersey, Atlantic City has positioned itself as the number one gambling destination on the East Coast and attracts more than 27 million tourists every year who flock to its hotels, gambling halls and concerts. 

You might already be aware of everything that Atlantic City has to offer, but if you want to find out more, then you have come to the right place. In this guide we will tell you everything you need to know about one of the most established gambling cities in the world. 

Atlantic City: A History 

Although legal gambling is relatively new to most States across America, New Jersey was one of the first to legalise gambling and passed its Gambling Act all the way back in 1976.

With government officials worried about the impact legal gambling could have on New Jersey residents, it was decided that only in Atlantic City could legal gambling take place. 

Limited to the borders of the seaside town, those who had been inspired by the rise of Vegas in the West were quick to invest in America’s newest gambling city, and the first hotel that facilitated mass gambling was opened in 1978. By the end of the 1970s, the town had swelled, and Vegas giants Ballys and Caesars both had a significant presence on Atlantic City’s famous Boardwalk. Although in its early days, it was clear that Atlantic City was here to stay.

The 80s sees Atlantic City rise into a gambling giant, and Trump takes over 

With investors seeing how popular Atlantic City had become, its famous Boardwalk saw a huge flurry of activity, and as we moved into the 80s, the city was awash with some of the biggest and best casinos in the country.

One man who found his fortune was former President Trump. Seeing the huge financial potential of owning gambling establishments in the heart of Atlantic City, by the end of the 90s, twelve of the super casinos located on the famous Boardwalk were owned by Trump.

Being able to learn from what had made Vegas one of the greatest cities in America, soon mass entertainment made its way to the city. 

As well as concerts, Atlantic City played host to several high calibre boxing bouts, including four Mike Tyson heavyweight fights and two successive Wrestlemanias. 

By the turn of the millennium, Atlantic City had firmly become the entertainment capital on the East Coast. 

Atlantic City today

Although Vegas is still America’s top gambling destination, Atlantic City is still able to attract legions of tourists. 

Whilst some may say that the Boardwalk has become a little outdated, in 2017, two new super hotels opened, and Atlantic City has been able to ride the wave of legalised sports betting.

Now, with comprehensive sportsbooks added to its already top-class casino offerings, there is something for everyone to enjoy when they visit.

One problem that both Vegas and Atlantic City are trying to counter is the rise of online gambling.

The online gambling market is now worth billions, and its popularity and worth are only set to rise further.

The knock-on effect from the online gambling boom is that fewer people are gambling in traditional gambling establishments. Whereas in Vegas, there are plenty of other things to do, Atlantic City doesn’t quite enjoy the same luxuries. 

Gambling in Atlantic City should always be popular; however, over the decades, it’s fair to say that the city has enjoyed its share of highs and lows. 

The recent investment of hotels in the area shows that Atlantic City is still alive and kicking, but the city will need to keep reinventing itself if it is to survive in this digital new age.