Atlantic City

When to go, how to budget, and what to expect around the casino floors.

Overview

Atlantic City is America’s classic East Coast casino town. Seaside resorts and the Boardwalk defined its early appeal; a 1976 referendum legalized casinos and ushered in the modern era. After booms and busts, today’s AC blends flagship resorts (Borgata, Hard Rock, Ocean) with value‑friendly Boardwalk properties—plus free beaches, a four‑mile Boardwalk, and easy day trips to Cape May.

Best Time to Visit

Weeknights are reliably cheaper year‑round.

Etiquette & Tips

  • Age & ID: 21+ to gamble; bring a valid government ID.
  • Smoking rules: NJ law allows smoking in up to 25% of a casino’s gaming floor; it is banned elsewhere.
  • Players clubs: Sign up for comps: Caesars Rewards (Caesars/Tropicana/Harrah’s), MGM Rewards (Borgata), Unity (Hard Rock), Ocean Rewards.
  • Budget play: Midweek mornings often mean $5–$10 blackjack/craps on the Boardwalk; weekends climb to $15–$25.
  • Poker: Borgata runs AC’s most consistent poker room with cash games and tourneys.

Between Sessions

Seasonality & Events

Major Casinos

  1. Borgata – Marina District flagship (MGM); luxury rooms, top poker room, big entertainment.
  2. Hard Rock – Former Taj Mahal reborn; concert venue and revamped gaming floor.
  3. Ocean Casino Resort – Sleek, glassy tower with ocean‑view gaming and restaurants.
  4. Caesars Atlantic City – Classic Boardwalk property with recent upgrades.
  5. Tropicana – Lively, value‑friendly with many dining options.
  6. Resorts Casino Hotel – First legal casino in the U.S. outside Nevada (opened 1978).
  7. Golden Nugget – Marina District; locals’ vibe, solid dining promos.

Casino Spotlights

Borgata

Luxury leader, MGM Rewards, AC’s most active poker room.

Official site

Hard Rock Atlantic City

Music‑centric resort on the Boardwalk; big-name concerts and renovated rooms.

Official site

Ocean Casino Resort

Modern tower with ocean‑view gaming and restaurants.

Official site

Caesars Atlantic City

Roman‑themed classic with refreshed dining and rooms.

Official site

Tropicana

Good value on the Boardwalk; late‑night dining scene.

Official site

Seasonality (Month-by-Month)

Quick glance: Jan–Mar: quiet & cheapest • Apr–May: warm-up deals • Jun–Aug: peak beach season • Sep–Oct: best balance • Nov–Dec: holiday shows, off-peak rates.

Casino Rooms Snapshot

Related

Texas Hold’em basics · Roulette basics · Tournaments index

FAQ

When were casinos legalized in Atlantic City?

New Jersey voters approved casino gambling in 1976; Resorts opened in 1978.

What’s the gambling age?

21+ with valid ID.

Where can I find $5 tables?

Midweek mornings on the Boardwalk (e.g., Resorts, Tropicana) and some Marina properties; weekends rise to $15–$25.

Is smoking allowed on the casino floor?

Yes, but limited to up to 25% of the floor per NJ law; smoke‑free areas are marked.

Best poker room?

Borgata is the most consistent room for cash games and tournaments.

Sources & Useful Links