​

         -- Casino-Hotels

*  Home 
​*  History
*  Population
*  Government
*  Politics
*  Lobbyists 
*  Taxes
*  State Symbols
*  Biographies
*  Economy
*  Employers
​*  Growth Companies
* ​ Venture Capital
​*  Law Firms
*  Labor Unions
*  Associations
*  Real Estate
*  Transportation
*  Education
*  State Colleges
*  Recreation
*  Restaurants 
*  Hotels  
*  Health 
*  Environment​
*  Stadiums/Teams
*  Theaters 
*  Historic Villages
*  Historic homes 
*  Battlefields/Military 
*  Lighthouses 
*  Art Museums 
*  History Museums 
*  Wildlife 
​*  Climate  
*  Zoos/Aquariums
*  Beaches  New!
*  National Parks  New!
*  State Parks  New!
*  Amusement Parks  New!
*  Waterparks  New!
*  Swimming holes  New!
*  Arboretums   New!
More...
*   Gallery of images and videos
*   Fast Facts on key topics
*  Timeline of dates and events
*   Anthology of quotes, comments and jokes
*   Links to other resources
New!
*  Online gambling
*  Social Media Links
*  Congressional Delegation
*  Media/Opinion/Blogs
*  Leading companies
​*  e-books
​*  Anthology-Quotes, jokes & thoughts
*  Public Universities & Colleges
*  Hospital Ratings & Profiles
​*  Image Gallery-Princeton

​

Picture
Governor Brendan Byrne holds bill--the Casino Control Act-- he had just signed on June 2, 1977 establishing process for licensing casinos before crowd in front of Atlantic City Convention Hall. Image: New Jersey State Archives
Bert Parks sings 'There She Is, Miss America' at the Pageant in 1990, returning with former Miss Americas for first time after he was dismissed as master of ceremonies in 1979
​* Bally's  *  Borgata  * Caesars  *  Golden Nugget   *  Hard Rock  
*  Harrah's  
*  Ocean Casino Resort  *  Resorts  *  Tropicana

-- See also Sports Gambling
- Overview

-- Casino-hotels
​
        In 1976, New Jersey voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing casino gambling limited to Atlantic City. After the subsequent enactment of legislation setting standards for the licensing of the casinos, the first casino-hotel, Resorts Atlantic City, opened in May 1978. Resorts and the casino-hotels which followed experienced strong initial growth, but by the mid-1980s their regional monopoly  began to decline with new competition in nearby states such as Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware. The failure of the casino-hotel industry and the state and local governments to invest in diversifying Atlantic City with attractions other than gambling also contributed to the decline as newer casino resorts gradually eroded the City's market.

​       Within the City, the opening of the new Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in July 2003 also adversely impacted its older competitors, some of which had implemented costly expansion and renovation projects in anticipation of the new property. In the next few years, however, the industry experienced a sharp drop in visitors and erosion of its financial position, exacerbated by the high debt burdens from expansion costs and the economic recession which took hold in 2008. Commencing in 2007, for the first time in the City's history, total casino revenue fell from the year before, an annual decline which continued through 2015--marking a precipitous fall from the peak of $5.2 billion in 2006 to $2.6 billion in 2015. In 2016 and 2017, modest growth was restored, but only due to the addition of new revenue from Internet gambling.
     
        In 2014, four of the then twelve casino-hotels closed, including the new Revel Casino, which opened in 2012 after a construction cost exceeding $2.4 billion, but declared bankruptcy two separate times before closing in September 2014. In October 2016, the Trump Taj Mahal, which had been acquired out of bankruptcy by investor Carl Icahn, closed after a prolonged strike by its employees. Atlantic City's municipal government also was placed under state management in November 2016 pursuant to legislation authorizing a takeover to restructure its operations and finances.

       In June 2019, Eldorado Resorts announced its proposed acquisition of Caesars Entertainment for some $17.2 billion in stock and cash, creating (upon the final approval of the deal by shareholders and regulators projected for early 2020), the largest  casino company in the US with 60 properties in 16 states.

    
Pennsylvania Online Poker Sites

       In June 2018, two of the previously closed casinos--Revel and Trump Taj Mahal--were re-opened following bankruptcy reorganization under new ownership and new names, with the former Revel now the Ocean Resort Casino and the Taj Mahal as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The decision of the US Supreme Court allowing New Jersey and other states to authorize sports gambling--which some Atlantic City casinos began offering in the summer of 2018--also is expected to assist the recovery of the Atlantic City gaming market.

       In the 2018 calendar year, total casino revenue in New Jersey reported to the state Division of Gaming Enforcement by the nine casinos in operation increased over 2017 to $2.89 billion, but gross operating profit decreased by 15.4% to $582.6 million. The occupancy rates for all casino-hotels was 80.7%, 6.2 percentage points lower than the comparable period in 2017.
*   2018 Casino-Hotel Revenues, NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement
*   Atlantic City Gaming Revenue, 1986-2017, Center for Gaming Research, University of Nevada Las Vegas
*   Atlantic City Casino Profits Plunge 15 Percent in 2018, Increased Competition Blamed, 4/9/2019, Casino.org 
Picture
Bally's and section of former Dennis Hotel. Image: NewJerseyAlmanac.com
Picture
Marlborough-Blenheim Hotel pictured in post card circa 1930s. Image: NewJerseyAlmanac.com
  • One of three casino-hotels in AC, along with Caesars and Harrah's, operated by Caesars Entertainment, which emerged from bankruptcy October 2017,  corporate restructuring created new real estate investment trust VICI Properties to own Caesars 19 gaming, lodging and entertainment properties operating under names including Caesars, Bally's, Harrah's, Horseshoe and Planet Hollywood, with  Caesars, Bally's and Harrah's hotels in AC along with other properties leased back to and managed by Caesars Entertainment> In June 2019, Eldorado Resorts (parent of Tropicana in AC) announced its proposed acquisition of Caesars Entertainment for some $17.2 billion in stock and cash, creating (upon the final approval of the deal by shareholders and regulators projected for early 2020), the largest  casino company in the US with 60 properties in 16 states. Deal followed reports of pressure for sale of Caesars by largest shareholder Carl Icahn, other potential buyers included  Tillman Fertitta, billionaire owner of Golden Nugget and other properties through his wholly-owned Landry's> Bally's opened 1979 as 'Bally's Park Place,' after demolishing former Marlborough-Blenheim Hotel built in 1913, with its address 'Park Place and the Boardwalk' premier locations on table game 'Monopoly', hotel name revised 2000 to 'Bally's Atlantic City'> Also includes section of restored Dennis Hotel as Dennis Tower> 1997 expansion added Wild Wild West Casino with frontier town theme and design, now being converted to sports gambling lounge> Restaurants include Guy Fieri's Chophouse; Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill; Nero's Italian Steakhouse; Palace Court Buffet; only casino-hotel with Dunkin' Donuts outlet in lobby>  Indoor pool, spa with fitness center, whirlpools set in tropical landscape with seasonal outdoor bar and observation deck.
  • Eldorado buys Caesars in $17B mega casino deal, 6/24/2019, NJ.com
       
         *  Ratings & reviews: 3.5 of 5 stars, Oyster.com; 3.5 of 5 stars, TripAdvisor.com
PictureImage: Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa

  • Named February 2019 as Best Atlantic City Casino in  NJ.com; October 2018 as 'Property of the Year,' top gaming resort in world at Global Gaming Expo sponsored by American Gaming Association, largest industry trade association> Leading AC casino-hotel in gambling revenue, rooms (2,767 rooms largest of any NJ hotel), average room rate ($133 for 2017)> Ranked 'Best Casino-Hotel' in NJ, USNews.com> Originally conceived as project of Steve Wynn and his Mirage Resorts, with Mirage interest bought out for $4.4 billion in 2000 by MGM Grand (renamed MGM Mirage and later MGM Resorts International), which entered 50-50 partnership with Boyd Gaming until MGM Resorts International acquired full ownership in 2016 with $900 million purchase of Boyd's half interest> MGM also operates other casinos in US and abroad, including Bellaggio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Mirage, newest in MD, MA> Borgata opened 2003, added adjacent upscale 43-story, 800-room The Water Club at Borgata in $600 million expansion completed 2008, direct access between hotel towers, Water Club consistently ranked as most upscale hotel lodging in AC> Two spas and fitness centers-Immersion Spa at Water Club and Spa Toccare-with massage, skin care, women and men's hair salons, pool and gardens; 18,000 square feet of meeting and event space; five heated pool-indoor and outdoor, retail shops including Hugo Boss, Capri and Fixation,  signature restaurants of chefs Bobby Flay, Wolfgang Puck, Michael Symon, Michael Schulson, (Schulson's Izakaya named as one of ten AC 'essential restaurants' by Eater.com);  Greg and Marc Sherry> More informal options include Borgata Buffet; Bars include Long Bar (lobster tacos, clams, pizzas), Gypsy Bar (live music, focus on tequila with tastings), Borgata Beer Garden (outdoor seasonal canopied bar with lawn games, fire pits, over 15 beers and bar snacks> Also sponsors 'Savor Borgata Culinary' series with celebrity chefs from around world and multiple tasting events> Over 180 table games, 3,000 slots, Poker Room with daily tournaments along with high-stakes professional competitions> Immersion Spa on 32nd floor of The Water Club features lap pool, cold water plunge pools along with Jacuzzi and steam rooms, Fitness Center, luxury skin care in 16 treatment rooms>  Spa Toccare located at Borgata with over 30 treatment rooms, women and men's hair salons, pool and gardens, and fitness center>.The Water Club has three indoor pools and two outdoor pools, additional indoor pool at Borgata> Retail shops include Hugo Boss, Curina.
Picture
Image: Atlantic City Blog, Caesars License Company, LLC.
 PictureReproduction statue depicting Julius Caesar in lobby. Image: NewJerseyAlmanac.com
  • One of three casino-hotels in AC, along with Bally's and Harrah's, operated by Caesars Entertainment, which emerged from bankruptcy October 2017,  corporate restructuring created new real estate investment trust VICI Properties to own Caesars 19 gaming, lodging and entertainment properties operating under names including Caesars, Bally's, Harrah's, Horseshoe and Planet Hollywood, with  Caesars, Bally's and Harrah's hotels in AC along with other properties leased back to and managed by Caesars Entertainment> Shares amenities with adjacent Bally's AC (including Ballys indoor pool), with internal access connecting casinos of both Caesars and Bally's> Like sister hotel Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Caesars AC design and marketing features ancient Roman theme, dimly-lit lobby highlights reproduction classical Roman columns and statues> Second AC casino licensed after Resorts, opened in 1979 as Boardwalk Regency, initially as renovation of 11-story Howard Johnson's Regency Motor Hotel, name changed in 1987  to Caesars Atlantic City, subsequent renovations largely replaced original structure, added Roman facades, newly-built tower, Circus Maximus Showroom, one of largest theaters in AC, site of top-line concerts, boxing, wresting> Skybridge over boardwalk connects hotel second floor to The Playground shopping and dining pier over beach with ocean promenade, shops include Tiffany, Burberry, restaurants and bars> Dining includes Nero's Italian Steakhouse (named 'Best Romantic Restaurant Atlantic City,' CasinoPlayer.com), Morton's The Steakhouse; (one of 78 locations, including Hackensack); Phillips Seafood (ranked 4.5 of 5 stars on OpenTable.com) The Playground Pier overlooking ocean, 8th location of MD-based chain); Buddakan (also on Playground Pier, upscale Asian, ranked 4.7 of 5 stars, OpenTable.com); 4.5 of 5 star rating on TripAdvisor.com; Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill (located off lobby and casino, pub menu features Scotch Eggs, Shepherd’s Pie, Ale-Battered Fish & Chips, Hell’s Kitchen Beef Wellington) Nightlife venues include Toga Bar, 2100 Bar & Lounge> Other amenities Qua Baths & Spa with 15 treatment rooms, Roman-themed interior baths, adjacent outdoor pool and bar> Rooftop outdoor pool open during summer, guests also have access to Bally's indoor pool
Advertising & Sponsorships
Pennsylvania Online Poker Sites
Easter Sunday 1904 crowds on Atlantic City boardwalk in film by Thomas Edison
Postcard circa 1890  Image: NewJerseyAlmanac.com
Film of Atlantic City in 1930s
PictureImage: TripAdvisor.com

  •  Originally built by Hilton Hotels, but after Hilton rejected for NJ casino license, opened 1985 after acquisition by Donald Trump as Trump's Castle, underwent bankruptcy reorganization 1992, renamed Trump Marina in 1997, bought for $38 million from Trump Entertainment Resorts in 2011 by Landry's, Inc. and renamed Golden Nugget Atlantic City (name of former Golden Nugget opened on boardwalk in 1980 by Steve Wynn> Landry's based in Houston, owns and operates over 600 restaurants, hotels, casinos and entertainment destinations in 35 states and DC, wholly-owned by billionaire Tilman Fertitta, who acquired Houston Rockets NBA team in 2017, also stars on CNBC TV series 'Billion Dollar Buyer'> Fertitta reportedly made offer October 2018 to Caesars Entertainment which was rejected by Caesars board>  Located over a mile north of boardwalk near the Borgata, on shore adjacent to 640-slip Frank S. Farley Marina (owned by Division of Parks & Forestry of NJ Department of Environmental Protection and managed by Landry's)> Smallest casino-hotel in guest rooms with 728 as of fall 2018> Seven restaurants include Chart House seafood ('Best View in AC,' CasinoPlayer.com); Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse; Lillie's Asian Cuisine; Grotto Italian Ristorante> Haven Nightclub ('Best Nightclub Atlantic City,' CasinoPlayer.com); Rush Lounge ('Best Place for Cocktails in AC', CasinoPlayer.com); 462-seat theater; recreation deck with health spa, outdoor heated pool, hot tubs, cabanas, tennis and basketball courts, jogging track; nine-story parking garage with direct walk-through into hotel complex; .
PictureGolden Nugget with Frank S. Farley Marina in background. Image: Booking.com
PictureBoardwalk entrance of Hard Rock. Image: Bill Gatti
  • Atlantic City hotel re-opened June 2018 by Hard Rock International after $300 million renovation of former Trump Taj Mahal opened in 1990 by Donald Trump, following 2016 bankruptcy of Trump Entertainment Resorts control acquired by Carl Icahn, closed 2016 after Icahn unable to reach agreement with unions representing employees> Features music theme and decor throughout hotel, two separate arenas with seating exceeding 7,000, Hard Rock Cafe and special audio features in guest rooms, curated collections, guest use of Fender® guitars and amplifiers> Hotel also displays collection of musical artifacts such as Michael Jackson’s crystal glove, Elvis Presley's 1963 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, Prince’s Versace shirt and John Lennon's suits and handwritten lyrics to 'Imagine'> Upscale dining features Council Oak Fish; Kuro Japanese, Il Mulino Italian, Robert's Steakhouse, also 400-seat Hard Rock Cafe overlooking boardwalk> More informal options led by outlet of White House Subs, AC's acclaimed sub shop> Major concerts, events at 7,000-seat Hard Rock Live Etess Arena, state-of-art video and audio Daer Nightclub, also  Howie Mandel's Comedy Club> Branch of strip club Scores continues operating on pre-existing lease with Taj Mahal, lawsuit by  new owners seeking to void lease and replace it dismissed by court>  Parent corporation Hard Rock International origins in 1971 founding of coffee house in London, acquired in 2007 by Seminole Tribe of Florida, now 23 hotels and 11 casinos, also restaurants and live music venues in 74 countries in North and South America, Asia, Europe> Hard Rock joined by minority NJ partners including members of Morris family, led by Jack Morris, CEO of Edgewood Properties real estate development and property management firm based in Piscataway and Jingoli family principals headed by Joseph Jingoli, CEO of Joseph Jingoli & Son and COO of DCO Energy (Jingoli-DCO) and Michael Jingoli, CFO of both companies headquartered in Lawrenceville involved in construction and development of energy system and industrial projects> Jingoli firm also principal contractor for $220 million AC Gateway Project featuring new campus for Stockton University opened fall 2018 with dormitory for over 500 students, classrooms.
PictureImage: Caesars Entertainment

  • One of three casino-hotels in AC, along with Bally's and Caesars, operated by Caesars Entertainment, which emerged from bankruptcy October 2017,  corporate restructuring created new real estate investment trust VICI Properties to own Caesars 19 gaming, lodging and entertainment properties operating under names including Caesars, Bally's, Harrah's, Horseshoe and Planet Hollywood, with  Caesars, Bally's and Harrah's hotels in AC along with other properties leased back to and managed by Caesars Entertainment> First casino-hotel built in Marina District away from boardwalk, which now includes Borgata, Ocean Resort, Golden Nugget> Announced November 2018  plan for $56 million renovation to be completed by summer 2019, including of its Harbour Tower and renaming it as Coastal Tower, with renovation of 507 guest-rooms and suites> Initially conceived as project of Holiday Inns, which acquired Harrah's Corporation and used late founder Bill Harrah's name as Harrah's Marina Resort upon opening in November 1980 as AC's fifth casino> Most recent room renovations completed 2017 for upscale rooms, suites in Bayview Tower, also renovated indoor pool with glass dome,  landscaped with palm trees and  tropical plants, at night on weekends becomes The Pool after Dark with DJs> Harrah's sponsor of World Series of Poker, at various hotel sites, Harrah's AC with 40 poker tables ('Poker players will simply love the Harrah’s Atlantic City casino...The poker rooms at this casino are a pleasure to visit both for players who are just beginning to take the game seriously and the masters alike': PlaySolidPoker.com)> Restaurants include branch of Martorano's Italian specialties with music, including later night rock, disco and hip-hop along with high-definition TVs showing classic movies; Gordon Ramsay Steak features aged prime, Kobe beef, Beef Wellington; Veracruz upscale Mexican tacos, tapas> Branch of Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon & Spa with massage, facials, hair salon, wet zone, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi> Eden Lounge bar features nightly live music and DJ’s> Hosts Viking Cooking School with classes and culinary shop> Free shuttles to boardwalk and to other Caesars hotels.
Picture
Harrah's indoor pool which becomes night club after dark. Image: Caesar's Entertainment
 PictureOcean Resort Casino. Image: Yelp.com
  • Former Revel Casino which opened 2012 after reported $2.4 billion construction cost, but underwent two separate bankruptcy reorganizations until closing in 2014> Re-opened June 2018 under new name after purchase for $229 million by AC OCEAN WALK, a subsidiary of Integrated Properties, Denver-based real estate developer and investor headed by Bruce Deifik with over 100 commercial properties in several states> January 2019 sale by Deifik of majority control, while retaining minority interest, under pressure from fellow investor, hedge fund Luxor Capital Group, due to alleged complaints over Deifik's management, disappointing initial casino performance, Luxor Capital replaced top management of casino after assuming control> Deifik died in auto crash April 2019 in Denver> New management announced re-naming of hotel from 'Ocean Resort Casino' to 'Ocean Casino Resort' as part of larger marketing shift to emphasize gambling over other resort amenities, also to stress affordability after initial disappointing financial performance following June 2018 re-opening> Failure of Revel attributed to high construction costs, isolated location at northern end of boardwalk, interior design locating casino away from other amenities, focus on high-end market with lack of more moderate dining, entertainment options> New ownership announced plans to broaden amenities to attract wider range of visitors, one of first casinos to launch sports gambling, operated by veteran British gaming firm William Hill PLC> Restaurants include Amada by Latin American chef Jose Garces of Philadelphia, features Spanish Andalusian menu; American Cut surf and turf; Dolce Marie with pasta, seafood; Harper's brunch> Also offers Exhale Spa with massage, fitness, yoga> Building tallest in AC at 710 feet, third highest in NJ> Six pools, 165,000 square feet in meeting and convention space, 5,700-seat Ovation Hall concert and event hall and 7,700-space parking structure> Also partner with Hyatt Corp., which markets reservations through its Unbound Collection
  • Colorado developer, former casino owner, Bruce Deifik, dies in crash at 64, 4/8/2019, DenverPost.com
  • Atlantic City's Ocean Resort Ousts Operating Partner, 1/14/2019, GGBNews.com
Picture
Ocean Resort casino floor. Image: Ocean Resort
Picture
Ocean Resort casino-level pool. Image: NewJerseyAlmanac.com
Picture
Image: Booking.com
  • Located on 21 acres at northern end of Boardwalk> First NJ casino-hotel, opened May 26, 1978, by parent corporation Resorts International, which also owned casino-hotel on Paradise Island in Bahamas> Site included former rooming houses Chalfonte House and Haddon House across street, both built just after Civil War as Quaker rooming houses, and later converted and expanded to hotels, with Haddon House renamed Haddon Hall>
Picture
Former Haddon Hall and Chalfonte Hotels in postcard circa 1930s. Image: NewJerseyAlmanac.com
PictureCrowds at opening of Resorts Casino on May 26, 1978. Image: NJ State Archives
Resorts International acquired both properties prior to approval of NJ casino referendum in 1976, renovated Haddon Hall to upgrade rooms, comply with initial NJ casino licensing requirements> Rehabilitation of existing property gave Resorts initial monopoly, led to highly successful operation until subsequent openings by competitors of newly-built hotels with enhanced amenities eroded its position> Resorts later subject of battle for control by Merv Griffin and Donald Trump, with 1988 settlement providing for Griffin ownership of Resorts Atlantic City and its Paradise Island property, with Trump assuming title to unfinished Taj Mahal project begun by Resorts, later opened as Trump Taj Mahal> Resorts sold in 2001 for $140 million and for $301 million in 1996, but depressed real estate market and slump in casino revenue led to near bankruptcy averted 2009 by surrendering property to creditors, subsequent sale 2010 for $32 million to investor group led by Dennis Gomes, former president of Tropicana and of Trump Taj Mahal, and Morris  Bailey, an Atlantic City native and head of NY-based real estate investment firm JEMB Realty, with Bailey remaining as principal owner> After Gomes death in 2012, Resorts entered agreement with Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority owning casinos in CT, PA, LA and WA for Mohegan to manage Resorts in AC and all Mohegan casinos marketing jointly>  942 rooms and suites in either 27-story luxury Rendezvous Tower with largest standard rooms on Atlantic City boardwalk, or  Ocean Tower, underwent recent $25 million renovation with  tropical beach-inspired décor> Rated 'worst' AC casino February 2019 by NJ.com;  as #2 'Best Hotel in AC' (behind Borgata); #2 in 'Best Casino' (behind Borgata); #1 in 'Best Staff'; #1 in  ‘Best Suite’ by CasinoPlayer.com 2018> Entertainment modifications adopted Roaring '20s theme following popularity of 'Boardwalk Empire' HBO TV series> Second-smallest casino-hotel in AC with 942 rooms, larger only than Golden Nugget with 716 rooms> Dining includes , gourmet Italian restaurant Capriccio (ranked #1 of 276 restaurants in Atlantic City on TripAdvisor; 'Best Italian Restaurant’ by CasinoPlayer.com> Also branch of Gallagher's Steak House, named 'Best Steakhouse Atlantic City' by CasinoPlayer.com; adjacent Gallagher's Burger Bar (Thrillist.com: Wagyu Kobe Foie Gras Burger one of 9 Best in AC: 'If you’re looking to class up your burger dining experience look no further. The delicious Kobe patty is topped with porcini mushrooms and foie gras from Hudson Valley); Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, with nightly live entertainment and tiki bar> Also health club, spa, salon, 1,350-seat Superstar Theater; Conference Center with 24 meeting and function rooms, including 6,500-square-foot Atlantic Ballroom.

*  Ratings & reviews: 'Worst' Atlantic City Casino, NJ.com;  'Best Overall Service Atlantic City,' CasinoPlayer.com; #3 0f 51 hotels in Atlantic City, traveler comments, TripAdvisor.com; 3 of 5 stars, Oyster.com; 'Very Good,' 8.1 of 10 stars, Booking.com
PictureBoardwalk entrance of Tropicana. Image: DrVenkman/Wikimedia Commons

  • Built on site of former Ambassador Hotel, where three-day 'Atlantic City Conference' took place in May 1929 of organized crime bosses from around country hosted by Enoch 'Nucky' Johnson with attendees including Al Capone, Meyer Lansky, Lucky Luciano, Dutch Schultz, Bugsy Siegel, Mo Dalitz, Longie Zwillman and several others, reportedly to avoid internal violence such as the 'Saint Valentine's Day Massacre' which Capone engineered against his Chicago rivals earlier in same year and to plan for loss of revenues from expected repeal of Prohibition> Present casino-hotel originally developed by Ramada hotels, which later spun off its casino properties in 1989 into newly-created Aztar Corp., bidding for control of Aztar in 2006 won by investor group Columbia Sussex, but its license application rejected by NJ Casino Control Commission, led to bankruptcy, appointment of state trustee over operation, subsequent 2010 acquisition by Carl Icahn and reorganization in 2010 as Tropicana Entertainment, with Icahn selling October 2018 for $1.85 billion all casino interests to Eldorado Resorts, Reno-based gaming company owning and operating 20 properties in 10 states> Present AC hotel completed $75 million in renovations 2016 of 500 hotel rooms, casino floor areas and property entrances> Features 'The Quarter,' streetscape modeled on Old Havana integrating shopping and dining, along with Sea Spa, large screen IMAX Theatre (only movie theater in Atlantic City) also 2,000-seat Broadway theater; 3 outdoor and one indoor pools> Restaurants include Olon (seafood) by Latin American chef Jose Garces of Philadelphia ('Best Outdoor Dining in AC,' CasinoPlayer.com); Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar;  The Palm steakhouse; Il Verdi (northern Italian); (The Palm and Il Verdi both named 2018 among 'Top 10 Best Overall Restaurants in Atlantic City, OpenTable.com)> Nightlife includes Tango's Lounge ('Best Lounge in AC,' CasinoPlayer.com)> Conducts outdoor Multimedia Sound & Light Show and seasonal fireworks> Opened spring 2018 formerly-closed non-casino hotel adjacent Chelsea Hotel, which Tropicana purchased in 2017,  with skybridge to Tropicana, adds restaurants, pools.
Picture
'The Quarter' at Tropicana. Image: Tropicana Casino & Resort
Casino-hotel
Rooms
Average rate per occupied room $
Occupancy rate %
Bally's
1,251
102.92
85.9
Borgata
2,767
133.04
88.3
Caesars 
1,141
104.28
91.0
Golden Nugget
716
83.38
77.8
Harrah's
2,587
110.62
86.6
Resorts
942
88.22
90.0
Tropicana
1,882
90.21
85.8
Industry total
​11,286
108.35
​86.9
Source: NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement, Data for 2017 calendar year
Online casino gambling
Government
*  Casino Control Commission, State of New Jersey
*  Division of Gaming Enforcement, New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety
*  Casino Reinvestment Development Authority
*  City of Atlantic City
*  County of Atlantic

Lodging and reservations
*  TripAdvisor.com
*, Booking.com 
*  Hotels.com
*  Expedia.com

Media and reference
*  Casino Association of New Jersey
*  CasinoConnectionAC.com
*  PressofAtlanticCity.com (Casinos & Tourism)
*  NJGamblingWebsites.com
*  Atlantic City Guidebook
*  American Casino Guide
*  Center for Gaming Research, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
*  Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism, Stockton University

 
-- See also Sports Gambling


-- Restaurants  -- Hotels  -- Theaters
-- Stadiums/Arenas/Teams  -- Historic Homes
-- Battlefields/Military  -- Lighthouses
-- Art Museums  -- History Museums
​