Casinos in New Jersey

Casinos in New Jersey: A Complete Guide to Atlantic City and Beyond

New Jersey occupies a singular place in American casino history. When Resorts Casino Hotel opened its doors on May 26, 1978, it became the first legal casino outside of Nevada, drawing more than a million visitors in its first month of operation. That opening transformed Atlantic City — a once-thriving seaside resort that had fallen into decline — into the East Coast’s answer to Las Vegas and set off a wave of casino development that reshaped the economy and landscape of southern New Jersey.

The Road to Legalization

Casino gambling did not arrive in New Jersey easily. A statewide referendum in 1974 to allow casinos failed when 60 percent of voters rejected the proposal. Two years later, legislators reframed the question, proposing legalized gambling restricted exclusively to Atlantic City and explicitly tied to urban redevelopment. That narrower bill passed in November 1976 with 56 percent support. Governor Brendan Byrne signed the New Jersey Casino Control Act into law on June 2, 1977, creating the Casino Control Commission and establishing the strict regulatory structure that governs the industry to this day.

The Casino Control Commission and the Division of Gaming Enforcement together form one of the most thorough oversight systems for casino gambling in the world. Every casino employee, executive, and vendor with significant ties to a casino must be licensed and investigated. The Division of Gaming Enforcement, housed within the Office of the Attorney General, conducts background checks, investigates criminal activity, and monitors financial operations at all nine operating properties.

Atlantic City: New Jersey’s Only Casino Destination

All nine of New Jersey’s licensed casino properties operate in Atlantic City, a city of roughly 38,000 people on Absecon Island along the Atlantic coast. Atlantic City sits approximately 60 miles southeast of Philadelphia and about 130 miles from New York City, making it the only major casino market within a two-hour drive of the combined 6 million residents of the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

The casino corridor divides primarily between the Boardwalk and the Marina District. The famous Atlantic City Boardwalk — the world’s first, built in 1870 — runs along the oceanfront, and most of the city’s casinos are positioned either directly on it or just steps away. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Ocean Casino Resort, Caesars Atlantic City, Tropicana Atlantic City, Bally’s Atlantic City, and Resorts Casino Hotel all hold Boardwalk-adjacent positions. The Marina District, located about a mile north of the Boardwalk near the bay, is home to Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, and Golden Nugget Atlantic City.

The Major Properties

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa at 1 Borgata Way is consistently the highest-grossing casino in New Jersey. Opened in 2003 as a joint venture between MGM Resorts and Boyd Gaming, Borgata redefined expectations for Atlantic City by combining a serious casino with fine dining, a world-class spa, and premium hotel accommodations. MGM Resorts eventually acquired full ownership, and Borgata operates under MGM’s MGM Rewards loyalty program. The property features over 160,000 square feet of gaming floor, multiple celebrity-chef restaurants, and an events center that draws top-tier entertainment.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City occupies the former site of the Trump Taj Mahal, which it replaced with a full gut renovation and reopening in June 2018. Hard Rock transformed the building with music memorabilia throughout the property, an expansive gaming floor, and the House of Blues Atlantic City performance venue. The casino spans more than 130,000 square feet of gaming space and features the Unity by Hard Rock loyalty program.

Ocean Casino Resort opened in 2018 on the former site of the Revel, a $2.4 billion development that closed after just two years of operation. After ownership changes, Ocean has stabilized and grown into a genuine competitor, offering a tiered loyalty program with four levels, a 1,399-room hotel tower, and a casino floor with over 100,000 square feet of gaming space, including dramatic ocean views. The Ocean Rewards program includes a partnership with Virgin Voyages providing exclusive cruise benefits at upper tiers.

Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort, and Tropicana Atlantic City all operate under the Caesars Entertainment umbrella and participate in the Caesars Rewards program — one of the most widely recognized loyalty programs in the casino industry. Caesars Rewards members earn Reward Credits on gaming, hotel stays, dining, and entertainment across all Caesars properties worldwide, including the Las Vegas Strip. Harrah’s, located in the Marina District, is notable for its 2,590-room hotel tower and direct access to the Atlantic City Expressway. Tropicana, at the southern end of the Boardwalk, offers a distinctive indoor shopping and entertainment complex called The Quarter, featuring more than 25 dining and retail outlets.

Bally’s Atlantic City holds a historic position as one of the original Atlantic City casino-hotels, having opened in 1979. The property sits at Park Place and the Boardwalk, the location that inspired two of the most famous squares on the Monopoly board. Bally’s Corporation acquired the property and invested in the Bally Rewards loyalty program, which received recognition from Newsweek as one of the top players clubs in the country.

Golden Nugget Atlantic City operates in the Marina District at 600 Huron Ave, having revitalized the former Trump Marina. Landry’s Inc. took over the property in 2011 and invested $150 million in renovations. Golden Nugget participates in the Landry’s Select Club loyalty program and is known for consistent customer service ratings. The property features a notable poker room and a marina view that distinguishes it from the Boardwalk properties.

Resorts Casino Hotel holds the distinction of being Atlantic City’s first casino, and it continues to operate on the northern Boardwalk at 1133 Boardwalk. Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority manages the property under a management agreement, and Resorts has remained a viable competitor by focusing on player rewards, entertainment programming, and a renovation of its beachfront facilities.

Online Gambling and Sports Betting

New Jersey is one of the most significant markets for online gambling in the United States. In February 2013, the legislature passed and Governor Chris Christie signed a bill legalizing internet casino gambling, tying online operations to Atlantic City’s licensed land-based casinos. The law took effect in November 2013, and New Jersey has been a leader in both regulation and revenue ever since.

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement reported total gaming revenue of $6.30 billion for 2024, a 9.0 percent increase over 2023 and a record for the state. Internet gaming win alone reached $2.39 billion in 2024, a 24.1 percent increase year over year. Sports wagering — legalized in New Jersey in 2018 following the Supreme Court’s Murphy v. NCAA decision — generated $1.09 billion in gross revenue in 2024. New Jersey was among the first states to accept legal sports bets after that ruling and remains one of the top sports betting markets nationally by handle.

All online casino and sports betting platforms operating in New Jersey must be licensed by the DGE and geofenced to accept wagers only from individuals physically located within state borders. Each online brand must be linked to a licensed Atlantic City land-based casino or racetrack. As of 2026, more than 30 licensed online casino platforms operate in the New Jersey market. For the current registry of approved internet gaming operators, visit the NJDGE official website at njdge.gov.

Loyalty Programs at a Glance

Atlantic City’s nine casinos offer five distinct loyalty programs. MGM’s MGM Rewards covers Borgata. Caesars Rewards covers Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s, and Tropicana, giving those players cross-property benefits at hundreds of Caesars properties nationwide. Hard Rock’s Unity by Hard Rock program covers Hard Rock Atlantic City. Bally’s Atlantic City offers the Bally Rewards program. Ocean Casino Resort has its own Ocean Rewards program with four tiers and exclusive perks. Golden Nugget participates in the Landry’s Select Club. Resorts Casino Hotel offers the Resorts Rewards program managed in concert with Mohegan Sun’s loyalty infrastructure.

Getting to Atlantic City

Atlantic City is served by Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) in Egg Harbor Township, approximately 10 miles west of the city center. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), roughly 60 miles west, is the primary gateway for most visitors.

NJ Transit’s Atlantic City Rail Line connects Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station directly to the Atlantic City Rail Terminal near the Convention Center, with multiple stops in southern New Jersey. The trip takes approximately 90 minutes. Shuttle and jitney service connects the terminal to casino properties. Greyhound and regional bus lines connect Atlantic City with New York, Philadelphia, and other East Coast cities. The Atlantic City Expressway provides direct highway access from Philadelphia, while the Garden State Parkway serves travelers from northern New Jersey and New York.

Regulatory Structure and Consumer Protection

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement enforces the Casino Control Act, investigates complaints, and maintains the registry of licensed operators and games. All slot machines and table game equipment must be certified before use. Since legalized gaming began in 1978, gaming tax revenues have provided more than $13 billion for programs benefiting New Jersey’s senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. The state collects an 8 percent tax on casino gross gaming revenue, with a 15 percent tax on internet gaming gross revenue.

Atlantic City’s Market Position and Revenue Trends

Atlantic City remains the third-largest casino market in the United States by gross gaming revenue, trailing only Las Vegas and, in some recent years, the Philadelphia metro market. The nine properties generated $2.77 billion in land-based casino wins in 2024. That figure, combined with internet gaming revenue of $2.39 billion and sports wagering gross revenue of $1.09 billion, pushed total gaming industry revenue past $6 billion for the first time in the state’s history.

The market has transformed significantly since its peak in 2006, when 12 casinos generated nearly $5.2 billion in land-based revenue. Between 2014 and 2016, five properties closed — the Atlantic Club, Showboat, Revel, Trump Plaza, and Trump Taj Mahal — reducing the market from 12 casinos to the current nine. The industry has since stabilized and grown through diversification, with internet gaming and sports betting now accounting for more than half of total gaming revenue.

Borgata consistently leads the market, generating more than $500 million in annual casino revenue in strong years. Hard Rock, Ocean, and Caesars round out the top tier. The Marina District properties — Borgata, Harrah’s, and Golden Nugget — draw a higher percentage of regional overnight guests, while Boardwalk properties see more day-trip visitors from Philadelphia and New York.

What to Expect as a First-Time Atlantic City Visitor

Atlantic City is a compact casino destination. All nine properties sit within a two-mile stretch of the city, and the Boardwalk provides a pedestrian link between most of them. The Atlantic City Jitney, a shared van service operating 24 hours a day, connects all casino properties for a flat per-ride fee and is the most practical way to move between Boardwalk and Marina District properties.

Most properties comp parking for players with active players club cards. Self-parking is available at all nine casinos; valet is available at the resort-tier properties. Hotel rates vary dramatically by season — summer weekends command premium prices, while midweek and off-season rates are often dramatically lower and frequently include free play credits as part of packages.

Table game minimums on the Boardwalk tend to be lower than Marina District properties during off-peak hours, making Boardwalk properties like Caesars, Tropicana, and Resorts more accessible for lower-bankroll players. Borgata and Hard Rock have the highest table minimums on average but offer the deepest selection of high-limit rooms for premium players.

Slot machine denominations range from penny multiline games through $100 single-line machines. New Jersey mandates that all slot machines be set to return a minimum of 83 percent of wagers to players; actual house averages across Atlantic City properties run closer to 88–92 percent, consistent with competitive pressure.

Sports Betting Infrastructure

New Jersey’s sports betting market is one of the busiest in the country. The state’s proximity to three of the largest sports markets in the US — Philadelphia, New York, and the broader northeastern corridor — drives exceptional handle. Multiple licensed mobile sportsbook operators compete in the New Jersey market, each linked to an Atlantic City casino license. Retail sportsbooks are located at all nine casino properties as well as at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport and The Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford.

The Monmouth Park and Meadowlands facilities are significant because they extend legal sports betting beyond Atlantic City into northern New Jersey’s population centers. Monmouth Park was the first venue in the state to take a legal sports wager after the Supreme Court ruling in May 2018, opening its book on the same day the decision was issued.

New Jersey accepted $13.2 billion in sports wagers in 2024, ranking it among the top three states nationally by handle. The state’s tax rate on sports wagering is 8.5 percent of gross revenue for retail and 13 percent for internet, generating significant annual revenue for the state budget.

Atlantic City Redevelopment Beyond the Casino Floor

Atlantic City’s casino economy has historically been criticized for concentrating economic activity inside casino walls rather than generating broad community benefit. In recent years, city and state officials have pushed for diversification. The Atlantic City Tourism District, created in 2011 and administered by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), oversees infrastructure investment and tourism development using a portion of casino revenues.

The redeveloped Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall — the historic 14,000-capacity venue that has hosted events since 1929 — anchors entertainment bookings that draw visitors who may not be primarily casino-focused. The adjacent Hard Rock Hotel and the refurbished beachfront areas have expanded the city’s appeal as a summer beach-and-entertainment destination beyond its casino identity. Hotel room nights outside the casino corridor have increased modestly as a result.

Comparing Atlantic City to Online Play in New Jersey

For New Jersey residents who prefer the convenience of home gambling, the state’s licensed online casino market offers nearly all games found on land-based casino floors. More than 30 platforms hold NJDGE internet gaming licenses, each tethered to a licensed Atlantic City property. Every platform is geofenced to accept play only from individuals physically located within New Jersey’s borders.

New Jersey online casinos offer blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker in both RNG (random number generator) and live dealer formats. Live dealer tables — staffed by human dealers in professional studio settings, streamed in real time — have become the dominant premium option for online players seeking a more authentic experience. Evolution Gaming powers the live dealer operations for most major NJ online platforms.

State law requires online operators to maintain the same responsible gambling tools available at land-based casinos: deposit limits, session limits, self-exclusion, and cooling-off periods. New Jersey’s self-exclusion program, administered by the DGE, allows players to exclude themselves from all online and land-based casino gambling simultaneously.

Player Protections, Compliance & Legal Framework

Regulatory body: The New Jersey Casino Control Commission (NJCCC) issues gaming licenses and sets policy; the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), housed in the Office of the Attorney General, handles day-to-day enforcement, background investigations, and financial monitoring.

Legal gambling age: 21 for online casino games and licensed poker sites. 18 for pari-mutuel wagering and lottery. Social gaming has no minimum age requirement.

Games restrictions: Sweepstakes are prohibited in New Jersey as of August 21, 2025. Cardrooms are prohibited — poker is only legal inside the state’s nine licensed Atlantic City casinos. Tribal gaming is not available; there are no federally recognized tribes in New Jersey. Loot boxes are unregulated.

Self-exclusion: The New Jersey Casino Gambling Self-Exclusion Program, administered by the DGE, allows players to ban themselves from all Atlantic City land-based casinos and licensed online gambling platforms simultaneously. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey operates a 24/7 helpline. Additional resources: 800gambler.org and ncpgambling.org.

Deposit threshold: Under DGE regulations, when an online player’s lifetime deposits exceed $2,500, the platform is required to pause the player’s account until they acknowledge the threshold, understand their ability to set responsible gambling limits or close their account, and receive information about the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.

Dormant accounts: If a player’s account is inactive for more than 12 months — meaning no deposits, withdrawals, or wagers — the platform must make a good-faith effort to contact the player and encourage withdrawal. Failing that, the remaining balance is seized and split 50/50 between the casino and the state.

Tax withholding: Federal withholding tax on gambling winnings is 24%, withheld automatically by the platform. An additional 3% New Jersey state income tax is owed by both residents and non-residents on winnings earned within the state. Platforms issue a W-2G form for wins of $1,200 or more from slots or bingo, $1,500 or more from keno, $5,000 or more from poker tournaments, or $600 or more from other gambling where the payout was at least 300 times the wager.

Geolocation: Players must be physically located within New Jersey to access licensed online casino games. All platforms use geolocation technology to verify this in real time.

Affiliate licensing: Marketing companies promoting New Jersey’s licensed operators are subject to state licensing requirements. Affiliates compensated via cost-per-action, revenue share, or hybrid models must hold an ancillary Casino Services Industry Enterprise license. Affiliates compensated via cost-per-click, cost-per-impression, sponsorship deals, or flat-rate CPA must register as vendor registrants.

Multi-state internet gaming: New Jersey participates in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), meaning licensed online poker players in New Jersey can be pooled with players in Nevada, Delaware, Michigan, and West Virginia, increasing liquidity at online poker tables.

Key Differences from Las Vegas

Atlantic City and Las Vegas serve similar functions — large casino resort clusters drawing regional visitors — but differ in several structural ways that affect the visitor experience. Atlantic City’s nine properties are all concentrated in a single city, while Las Vegas has distinct market segments (Strip, Downtown, suburbs, Lake Tahoe, Reno). Atlantic City’s table game markets are heavily weighted toward baccarat — driven by significant Asian-American and high-roller visitation — in a way that mirrors Macau more than Las Vegas. Poker rooms in Atlantic City are generally smaller and less varied than those on the Las Vegas Strip, with Borgata’s poker room consistently rated as the top facility in the market.

Las Vegas offers a greater variety of dining price points across the broader metro area, while Atlantic City’s dining options are largely confined to casino restaurant programs. For value-focused visitors, Atlantic City offers generally lower hotel rates and more accessible table minimums during off-peak periods than equivalent-tier Strip properties. Atlantic City’s oceanfront location provides a beach experience that Las Vegas cannot match — a meaningful seasonal draw from May through September when beach access is a primary motivation for visitors.