You’ve probably heard the rumors. People love to say Atlantic City is "dying" or that it’s just a shadow of its former self. Honestly? They’re mostly wrong.
Walking down the Boardwalk in January 2026 feels different than it did even two years ago. There’s a weird, electric tension in the air. It’s a mix of massive infrastructure projects, a looming battle over cigarette smoke, and a digital betting boom that is basically rewriting the rules of how these resorts make money.
The latest atlantic city nj casino news isn't just about who won the most at the slots last night. It’s about a city trying to reinvent itself before the "downstate" New York casinos open their doors and try to eat AC’s lunch.
The Smoking Ban: The Fight That Won't Die
If you want to see a room get heated fast, bring up Senate Bill S212.
Just a few days ago, on January 13, 2026, New Jersey lawmakers officially reintroduced the bill to eliminate the smoking exemption for casinos. It’s been a years-long saga. For a long time, the casinos have argued that a total ban would send gamblers fleeing to Pennsylvania or Maryland.
But the workers? They’re done waiting.
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"We shouldn't have to choose between a paycheck and our health," is the common refrain you'll hear from the dealers at the Borgata or Caesar’s. With a new legislative session starting and Governor Mikie Sherrill taking the reins, the pressure is higher than it’s ever been.
The industry is terrified. They point to data suggesting a potential 10% to 15% drop in revenue if the "puff and play" crowd disappears. Yet, advocates argue that a smoke-free environment would attract a whole new demographic of younger, health-conscious travelers who currently avoid the gaming floor because of the smell.
The Revenue Paradox: Record Numbers, Empty Floors?
Here’s something kinda wild: Atlantic City is making more money than ever, but the physical casino floors sometimes feel quieter.
How does that work? Two words: Internet Gaming.
Looking at the most recent data from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the "total gaming revenue" for 2025 topped $6.38 billion. That’s a huge number. But when you peel back the layers, you see that a massive chunk of that—over $2.6 billion—came from online bets.
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- Online Growth: Up over 22% year-over-year.
- In-Person Win: Hovering around a modest 3.6% increase.
The traditional "brick-and-mortar" experience is basically being propped up by people sitting on their couches in North Jersey playing digital blackjack. This creates a massive headache for the city because of the PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) program.
The current PILOT deal is set to expire at the end of 2026. Right now, the casinos pay a fixed amount based on their revenue, but here’s the kicker: they fought to exclude online gaming and sports betting from that calculation. The city wants that money. The casinos want to keep it to fund renovations. It's a high-stakes poker game where the "pot" is the city's entire municipal budget.
Borgata’s Big Bet on 2026
If you’re planning a trip this summer, the north end of the Boardwalk is where the action is.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is currently tearing things up—literally. They’ve partnered with Big Night, a huge hospitality group out of Boston, to build an 18,000-square-foot live entertainment venue. It’s replacing the old Premier Nightclub.
They aren't just looking for DJs anymore. They’re building a multi-sensory space for touring acts and "experiential" nightlife. Basically, they realize that if they want people to keep driving down the Parkway, they have to offer something a phone screen can't replicate.
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Other Major Upgrades to Watch:
- Tropicana’s Solana Tower: The final rooms in this $500 million+ renovation are finishing up right now (January 2026). It’s a complete overhaul of nearly 600 rooms.
- The "Orange Loop" Growth: Small businesses like "The Top Hat" boutique hotel are popping up off the main drag, proving that the investment is finally leaking out of the casino walls and into the actual streets.
- Hologram Mini-Golf: Ocean’s 18 just opened with half a million dollars worth of hologram tech. It’s weird, it’s flashy, and it’s exactly what the "new" Atlantic City looks like.
The New York Shadow
Everyone in the Atlantic City NJ casino news world is looking north.
New York is expected to award its three downstate casino licenses any day now. Once those resorts open in Queens, Yonkers, or Manhattan, the "convenience gambler" from NYC might never cross the bridge into Jersey again.
AC has about 18 to 24 months to make itself a "must-visit" destination rather than just a "nearby" one. That’s why you see the frantic push for non-gaming attractions—water parks, luxury spas, and high-end dining.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Trip
If you're heading down to the shore soon, the landscape has shifted. Here is how to navigate it:
- Check the App First: Hard Rock just launched "Atlantic City Live Roulette." You can actually bet on a physical wheel on the casino floor from your phone while you're sitting at the bar. It’s a "dual-play" system that’s becoming the new standard.
- Watch the Calendar: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall is hosting indoor auto racing on January 30-31. These "non-gaming" events are when hotel prices spike, so book early if you aren't a high roller.
- Parking Hacks: With all the construction on Atlantic and Pacific Avenues (synchronized signals are finally being installed!), stick to the casino garages. The street parking is a mess of orange cones right now.
- The Smoking Factor: If you hate smoke, check the property maps. Most casinos have expanded their non-smoking sections significantly in anticipation of the potential 2026 ban.
Atlantic City isn't going anywhere. It’s just changing into a digital-first, entertainment-heavy hub that happens to have a beach. Whether that’s a good thing depends on if you’re there for the history or the holograms.