The Dramatic Decline of Casinos in Atlantic City: How Many Have Shut Their Doors?

Atlantic City, once a bustling hub of gaming and entertainment, has witnessed a significant transformation over the years. With the rise of online gambling and the emergence of new gambling destinations, the iconic Atlantic City casinos have been hit hard. This article delves into the closure of casinos in Atlantic City, shedding light on the number of properties that have shut their doors and the reasons behind the closures.

The number of casinos in Atlantic City has dwindled dramatically over the past two decades. In the 1970s, when the city was at its peak, there were nearly a dozen casinos. However, as the years passed, the number of casinos began to dwindle. Today, only a handful of properties remain open. So, how many casinos in Atlantic City have closed? The answer is not straightforward, as the closure of some casinos has been a gradual process.

In the early 2000s, the number of casinos in Atlantic City started to drop. The first major closure came in 2001 when the Sands Casino Resort closed its doors. The Sands was the city's first casino, and its closure marked the beginning of a challenging phase for Atlantic City. The next major closure occurred in 2014 when the Showboat Casino Hotel shut down. Since then, several other casinos have followed suit, leading to the current state of affairs.

As of now, the following casinos have closed in Atlantic City:

1. The Sands Casino Resort (2001)

2. The Showboat Casino Hotel (2014)

3. The Atlantic City Racecourse (2014)

4. The Revel Casino Hotel (2014)

5. The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (closed temporarily in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic)

6. The Tropicana Casino & Resort (closed temporarily in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic)

So, in total, six casinos have closed in Atlantic City since the early 2000s. This includes three major closures in 2014 and two temporary closures in 2020. The remaining casinos, including the Borgata and the Tropicana, have faced numerous challenges, but they have managed to stay open so far.

The closure of Atlantic City casinos can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the rise of online gambling has taken a toll on the traditional casinos. With the convenience of online gaming, many gamblers have shifted their preference to digital platforms, leading to a decrease in foot traffic at the casinos.

Secondly, the emergence of new gambling destinations in neighboring states has also contributed to the decline of Atlantic City casinos. States like Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey have introduced their own casinos, which have drawn away a significant portion of the gambling revenue from Atlantic City.

Additionally, the city's struggling economy and high unemployment rates have made it difficult for the casinos to sustain their operations. The increasing competition from neighboring states, coupled with the economic downturn, has put immense pressure on the casino industry in Atlantic City.

1. Q: How has the closure of casinos in Atlantic City affected the local economy?

A: The closure of casinos has had a severe impact on the local economy. It has led to a loss of jobs, decreased tax revenue, and increased unemployment rates in the city. The casino industry was a major employer, and the loss of these jobs has had a ripple effect on other sectors of the economy.

2. Q: Are there any efforts to revitalize the Atlantic City casino industry?

A: Yes, there are several efforts to revitalize the Atlantic City casino industry. The city's government and the casino operators are working together to develop new attractions and amenities that can attract tourists and gamblers. This includes the renovation of existing casinos, the development of new resorts, and the expansion of non-gaming activities.

3. Q: Have any new casinos been built in Atlantic City recently?

A: No, there have not been any new casinos built in Atlantic City recently. The focus has been on revitalizing the existing properties and making them more competitive in the face of increasing competition from neighboring states.

4. Q: Are the temporary closures of the Borgata and Tropicana permanent?

A: The temporary closures of the Borgata and Tropicana in 2020 were due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of now, there is no official announcement regarding the permanent closure of these casinos. The casinos have resumed operations, but the long-term impact of the pandemic on the gaming industry remains uncertain.

5. Q: Can Atlantic City recover its former glory as a gambling destination?

A: It is challenging to predict whether Atlantic City can fully recover its former glory as a gambling destination. The competition from neighboring states and the rise of online gambling have made it difficult for the city to regain its dominant position. However, with the right strategies and efforts to revitalize the industry, Atlantic City may be able to regain some of its past prominence.

In conclusion, the closure of casinos in Atlantic City has been a significant factor in the city's decline. The closure of six casinos since the early 2000s has had a severe impact on the local economy. While the future of the Atlantic City casino industry remains uncertain, there are efforts to revitalize the industry and attract new customers. Only time will tell if Atlantic City can recover its former glory as a gambling destination.