Walk down the Boardwalk today and you'll feel it. That salt-air breeze, the sound of seagulls screaming over a dropped fry, and the unmistakable hum of a city that lives for the gamble. If you haven't been here in a minute, you might be wondering about the landscape. Honestly, people ask me all the time: Atlantic City how many casinos are actually left?
It’s a fair question. This town has a history of opening and closing doors like a revolving hotel lobby. But as of right now, in early 2026, the number is holding steady at nine.
Nine distinct, massive properties.
Some are glitzy and towering, others are gritty and full of that "Old AC" charm. If you're planning a trip, knowing which is which makes a huge difference. You don't want to end up at a Marina property when you wanted the Boardwalk vibe, or vice versa.
The Nine Survivors: Who’s Still Standing?
The current roster is a mix of legends and the "new" kids on the block. Basically, you can split them into two main neighborhoods: the Boardwalk and the Marina District.
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The Boardwalk Heavyweights
The Boardwalk is the classic. It's where you find the most foot traffic and that iconic ocean view.
- Bally’s Atlantic City: Sitting right at the center of the action. They've poured a lot into renovations lately, trying to shake off that "dated" feel.
- Caesars Atlantic City: Still the king of the Roman empire vibe. It’s huge, it’s gold, and it’s connected to the Pier Shops.
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: This used to be the Taj Mahal. Now, it’s all about music memorabilia and massive concert lineups. It’s loud in a good way.
- Ocean Casino Resort: This is the giant glass tooth at the north end. It had a rough start as Revel, but now? It’s arguably the most "premium" feeling spot on the boards.
- Resorts Casino Hotel: The first. Literally. It opened in 1978 and still has that Roaring Twenties aesthetic.
- Tropicana Atlantic City: Down at the south end. It feels like its own little city inside, especially with "The Quarter" shopping area.
The Marina District Trio
If you want to escape the Boardwalk crowds, you head to the Marina. It feels a bit more secluded, a bit more "Vegas" because you aren't looking at the beach every five seconds.
- Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa: The undisputed heavyweight champion of revenue. Even in 2025 and moving into 2026, Borgata usually doubles the earnings of its closest competitors.
- Harrah’s Resort: Known for that massive indoor pool that turns into a nightclub. It’s a trek from the Boardwalk, but usually worth it for the amenities.
- Golden Nugget: A bit smaller, but it has a loyal following. It’s the place to go if you have a boat or just like looking at them.
Why the Number "Nine" Matters
It’s not just about counting buildings. For a long time, Atlantic City had twelve casinos. Then came the "Great Collapse" around 2014 when four properties shut down in a single year. It was a ghost town for a bit.
The fact that we are still at nine in 2026 shows a weird kind of stability. The city has found its "right size."
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But here is the thing most people get wrong: they think more casinos means a better city. In reality, the nine we have are currently fighting a massive battle against the internet. According to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, online gaming win is actually neck-and-neck with the physical casino "win" these days.
In late 2025, for instance, online gaming revenue was hitting records—around $250 million a month. That’s huge. It means the physical buildings have to work twice as hard to get you to actually show up in person.
The Ghost Casinos: What happened to the rest?
You'll still see the shells of the past.
The Showboat is still there, right next to Ocean, but it’s not a casino anymore. It’s a massive hotel with a giant waterpark. It’s actually kinda cool if you have kids, but if you’re looking for a blackjack table, you’ll be walking next door to Hard Rock.
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Then there’s the Atlantic Club, which has been sitting vacant for over a decade. It’s a bit of an eyesore on the south end, a reminder of the 2014 era. And of course, Trump Plaza is gone—imploded back in 2021. The lot is still there, a weird empty gap in the skyline.
Practical Advice for Your 2026 Trip
If you're heading down, don't just pick a name out of a hat.
- Check the "Vibe": Want to party? Hard Rock or Harrah’s. Want a quiet, high-end dinner and a spa day? Borgata or Ocean.
- Parking Hacks: Most places charge for parking, but if you have a player’s card, you can often get it validated or pay with points. At Bally's, you can sometimes park for free if you spend $50 at their restaurants.
- The "Third District": People forget about the Orange Loop. It’s not a casino, but it’s a block of independent bars and restaurants near Tennessee Avenue. It’s where the locals actually go to eat when they’re tired of casino buffets.
The "how many" question is easy. The answer is nine. But the "which one" question? That’s where your trip actually begins. Atlantic City is in a weirdly good spot right now. Revenue is up, the summer of 2025 was one of the best in a decade, and the city feels alive again.
Next Steps for You:
If you're ready to book, I’d suggest looking at the event calendars for Hard Rock and Ocean first. They’ve been competing heavily for big-name acts lately, and you might find a show that makes the hotel price worth it. Also, download the apps for whichever property you choose before you get there; the "new member" offers for 2026 are surprisingly decent as they try to compete with the convenience of online betting.