Atlantic City has been synonymous with East Coast gambling since casinos were legalized there in 1976, and it remains the physical and regulatory anchor of New Jersey’s entire online gambling industry.
A Brief History
Atlantic City’s casino era began with Resorts Casino Hotel opening in 1978, the first legal casino on the East Coast. Since then, the Boardwalk has been home to a rotating cast of major properties, several of which now anchor the online casino brands NJ players recognize today.
What’s There Today
Active casino properties include Borgata, Caesars, Bally’s, Harrah’s, Ocean Casino Resort, Resorts, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock, and Tropicana — each also licensed to operate an online casino and/or sportsbook brand under NJ law.
Visiting
Beyond the casino floors, Atlantic City offers the Boardwalk, beachfront access, concert venues, and a dense restaurant scene across its major properties, making it a full weekend destination beyond just gaming.
