Atlantic City: The East Coast Gaming Capital

Atlantic City, New Jersey, legalized casino gambling in 1976, becoming the second US state after Nevada to allow it. The Boardwalk casinos were once the unchallenged East Coast destination; today, the city has fewer casinos than at its peak but remains a meaningful regional hub.

The current casino landscape

As of 2026, nine casinos operate in Atlantic City: Borgata (the largest and most-visited), Hard Rock Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Resort, Bally”s Atlantic City, Caesars Atlantic City, Tropicana, Resorts, Golden Nugget, and Harrah”s. The Borgata anchors the southern end of the Marina district; the others spread along the Boardwalk.

Vegas vs Atlantic City

Atlantic City is significantly cheaper than Vegas for accommodation (USD 80-200 vs USD 200-500+ on the Strip). Table game minimums are also generally lower. The trade-offs: less entertainment variety, smaller casino floors, less impressive resort amenities, and the Boardwalk area beyond the casinos has had economic struggles.

Getting there

From New York City: 2.5 hours by bus or car (NJ Transit buses run frequently). From Philadelphia: 1.5 hours. The Atlantic City International Airport handles regional flights but most visitors fly into Philadelphia or Newark and drive.

Beyond the casinos

The Boardwalk, the original gambling-era amenities (Steel Pier amusements), Brigantine Beach for daytime, Lucy the Elephant in nearby Margate, the Atlantic City Aquarium. The non-casino entertainment is limited compared to Vegas but not nonexistent.

Practical tips

Mid-week stays offer significant discounts. Online casino gambling is also legal in New Jersey, which has affected foot traffic to physical casinos. Many properties offer comp programs that reward even modest play with reduced room rates and food credits.