Atlantic City casino industry dreading the arrival of three new casinos in New York City
How bad will it get for AC?
The East Coast Gaming Congress wrapped up their annual meetings at Hard Rock Atlantic City where executives warned about the coming nightmare.
Three planned New York casinos could cost Atlantic City 30% of its annual gambling revenue says Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock.
Former NJ Gov. Chris Christie made an appearance. He’s not a fan of so-called prediction companies like Kalshi and Polymarket. Christie claims this is a threat to traditional casinos and sportsbooks that needs to be brought under state control.
Prediction market companies are online platforms that allow users to buy and sell shares on the outcome of future events—such as elections, economic data, or sports—using real money to forecast probabilities. By aggregating diverse opinions, these platforms produce highly accurate, real-time probability estimates that can outperform traditional polls or expert forecasts
George Goldhoff, president of Atlantic City’s Hard Rock warns that North Jersey gaming could reduce number of casinos in the Atlantic City market.
Mayor Marty Small dismissed any fears. Small claims the city will rise to the challenge. Will Mayor Marty Small crack down on crime?
Alarm bells ring louder in AC while Mayor Small shrugs and litigates.
Mark Giannantonio, President of Resorts, says city, casinos and state must come up with real plan to improve the city and visitor experience.
Brighter, safer streets would be an excellent start. Mayor Marty Small still not in agreement. Small says streets are already clean and safe. Small also prefers a smaller police force. Forget the stats, perception is that AC is not safe.
Small downplays failed cannabis roll-out.
Fear of casinos at Monmouth Park Racetrack and Meadowlands.
Another statewide referendum on NJ casino expansion could be on the way.
Sen. Paul Sarlo says New Jersey should consider building “a world-class convention center and casino at the Meadowlands.”
Ask yourself: Can CRDA help? CRDA board members have no skin in the game. Most CRDA board members don’t live in AC.
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Casino Association of New Jersey says Atlantic City needs to become more attractive to visitors who soon will have more options.
- Enforce building codes.
- Take action on blighted and abandoned properties.
- Determine why developers are leery.
- Fix tourism district and Boardwalk.
- Cracking down on nuisance crimes.
- Make visitors feel safe and welcome.
- Improve infrastructure, roads.
- Immediately repair, add streetlights.
- Beautify streetscapes
- Create clean, walkable environment.
Plus get rid of some of the cannabis stores ! We aren’t the weed capital of the U.S. but we look like it.
The list you made above about improvements are “spot on”. Need all of them to happen or improve.
Turn this gem of a town into a sparkling jewel. Enforcement is key.
Atlantic City is like a ghost town in between the months of January and May not unless there’s a big convention or big show and the people mostly stay indoors. AC ( the city) has such a bad reputation for darkness, crime and few activities so visitors are afraid to walk the streets. I don’t think the NY casinos will do as much long term damage as much as the Pennsylvania casinos are already doing. Make some new boardwalk activities and brighten it up some after the sun goes down. AC is a great place but needs to clean up it’s image.
Who cares if they put casinos in dirty corrupt new york. So many of us will always choose AC. The ocean and boardwalk and restaurants and shops and atmosphere and beautiful skys and family friendly Beats anything that corrupt state could offer. Not safe. That’s for sure.
The mayor of Atlantic City needs to wake up. Roads are in terrible condition. The panhandling is in every corner in and out of the city. Not even local workers feel comfortable and he wants a smaller police force. More police presence will bring people back around because they feel safe. The mayor needs to talk to local workers and know what visitors are really saying!!!! He has tuned a deaf ear and buried it in the sand,this is not helping to restore the city nor will it ever. Really hoping someone can help find a way to bring visitors back to AC and allow them to feel safe so they go home and tell all their friends. Word of mouth costs nothing!!!!
Laughable. What were they smoking at the conference? The casinos opened in 1979. All of the points they decided on were overlooked since the 90’s. Christie fundamentally ruined the casino industry when he deregulated it.
Atlantic City has been one big pot hole (no pun intended) for years! There is no excuse for that Mr. Small.
The casinos should go down to 10:00 am until 4:00 am as when they opened. Most of the employees are working two or three jobs.
Tired employees are not helping your bottom line Mr. Allen.
The Mayor needs to get his head out of his ass and see that more police will make the boardwalk and streets a lot better.
Move the weed heads to some place off the boardwalk.
Protect and promote more family friendly environments.
Wow the two biggest a**** in NJ talking to each other. What convention was that?
I use to come to AC as a child growing up. We use to get dressed up to walk the boards at night. Today I don’t even go near the boardwalk.
Panhandlers are all over and there really isn’t a whole lot to see except casino fronts.
You hear police sirens all the time.
We use to stay at Caesars, but you’d see hoods coming of the boards and steal purses etc. and take off running.
The politicians have always been corrupt and I don’t see that changing with the current mayor.
FBI crime stats from 2025 show AC as being the fourth highest crime city in the country. This is not “opinion”. This is fact. Clean up the crime and business & new tourists would rush into AC. Keep it like it is, and it will never thrive. Small and his cronies are the problem.
Atlantic City is and always has been a seasonal, seaside resort. The City needs to better capitalize on its amenities, a beach, a boardwalk, a bay.
Casino gambling is available in nearly every state. Existing Licensees should be offered licenses in other NJ State areas (Meadowlands, Camden, etc.); other states are not limiting areas of operations within their state, New Jersey should not be either.
Atlantic City should be offering a clean and safe environment for all its resident and visitors. A memorable experience each and every time they visit.
For Atlantic City, Casino gambling should be one on a list of entertainment amendities available.
Atlantic City, its residents, its government and its businesses need to create a proper balancing of amenities.
There is a lot that needs to be done to accomplish a seasonal, seaside resort properly balancing its amenities to result in the best experience to visitors along with a great place to live for its residents.
Went for daytime walk on the Atlantic City boardwalk this weekend to see the sights:
People in front of Tropicana smoking pot.
Stores lining boardwalk selling shabby clothing, CBD products and vaping in rear of stores.
Former Atlantic Club literally falling apart.
“Ambassadors” busy on their phones.
Some police cars empty with engines running and lights flashing.
Several e-bikes zoomed by, electric skateboards, too.
Dogs walking along boardwalk with owners without doggie poop bags. Had to side step excrement.
Atlantic City doesn’t have to blame NYC and North Jersey casinos for it’s demise. Just take a long walk and see for yourself.