Exploring the Rich History of Casinos in New Jersey

Today, Atlantic City features world-famous casino resorts where people worldwide flock together. From innovative slot machines to rewarding table game tournaments, Atlantic City casinos spare no expense to deliver the best in gambling and entertainment. Speaking of entertainment, Atlantic City casinos offer live entertainment and professional boxing bouts, such as at Harrah's.

But how exactly did Atlantic City casinos climb the mountain of success? This guide takes you into their humble origins to today's stellar and popular Atlantic City casino venues.

Atlantic City Didn't Always Have Gambling

While it might sound like a brain twister, Atlantic City didn't always sanction legalized gambling. From 1844 to 1939, the world-famous Beach Boardwalk was free of organized gambling and casinos. However, in 1939, voters approved racetrack gaming.

The Freehold Raceway officially opened in 1939, and in 1953, select non-profit organizations could hold bingo raffles. Building on this success, restrictions eased further, culminating in 1976 when Atlantic City residents voted to allow casinos. New Jersey legalized its state lottery in 1970.

Resorts International became the first casino to open its doors in 1978. Still going strong today, the Resorts Casino remains in its position on the Boardwalk.

Casino Expansion

The 1980s ushered in the glory days for Atlantic City casinos. Capitalizing on abandoned buildings and failing hotels, the expansion produced more than a dozen casinos between the late 1970s and early 1980s. This propelled a booming construction industry to repurpose old buildings into gambling powerhouses.

As the 1980s progressed, former President Donald Trump stamped his name in Atlantic City history. Atlantic City casinos reached their apex with the Trump Taj Mahal and Trump Plaza. Trump Plaza hosted WrestleMania IV and V, two of the most successful box-office WrestleMania events. In 1988 alone, Atlantic City casinos generated nearly $3 billion, outpacing Las Vegas' $2 billion.

Atlantic City casinos in the 1980s also hosted prized boxing fights, particularly Mike Tyson's during his first championship run.

Atlantic City Casinos' Decline

As the 1990s progressed, the American recession took hold. Tourism declined, and Atlantic City casinos suffered. The construction boom waned. In the 2000s, several illustrious casinos closed. More states, including neighboring Pennsylvania and New York, began allowing casinos, intensifying competition.

The Rebirth

In 2013, New Jersey legalized online gambling, becoming one of the pioneering states. This spurred investment from operators like BetMGM. Land-based casinos like Bally's and Hard Rock launched online platforms. Major properties such as Borgata, Ocean Resort, and Caesars renovated suites and added new towers, ushering in a prosperous new era for Atlantic City casinos.