Atlantic City is weird. I mean that in the best way possible. You walk down the Boardwalk and one minute you're smelling salt air and overpriced fudge, and the next you’re standing under a 50-foot neon guitar. People think AC is just a "mini Vegas," but honestly? It’s got a much grittier, more soulful vibe that Vegas can't replicate.
If you’re looking for a list of casinos in Atlantic City New Jersey, you’ve probably noticed the landscape shifts constantly. Places close, get rebranded, or spend $50 million on a facelift just to stay relevant. It’s a lot to keep track of.
Right now, in early 2026, there are nine major casino resorts still standing. They basically split into two camps: the Boardwalk icons and the Marina District heavyweights.
The Boardwalk Giants
The Boardwalk is the heart of the city. It’s where the history is. If you want to stumble out of a slot tournament and immediately put your toes in the sand, this is your zone.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
This place is loud. Not just the music—the whole energy. They took over the old Taj Mahal space and basically scrubbed the "Trump" out of it with rock and roll. You’ve got over 2,000 rooms here and a massive gaming floor, but the real draw is the memorabilia. You can’t walk to the bathroom without seeing a guitar owned by Prince or a gown from Beyoncé.
Ocean Casino Resort
I’ll be real: Ocean had a rough start when it was Revel, but it’s arguably the most beautiful building in the city now. They just wrapped up a massive $50 million investment in 2025. That money went into 500 new "Blu" rooms and a huge expansion of their Asian gaming space. If you like floor-to-ceiling windows and a view that makes you feel like you’re floating on the Atlantic, this is the spot.
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Caesars Atlantic City
The classic. It feels like the anchor of the mid-Boardwalk. They’ve been pouring money into this place lately, specifically the Nobu Hotel and the high-end dining. It’s connected to the Playground Pier, though that’s seen better days. The casino floor itself still feels like "Old Money" AC.
Tropicana Atlantic City
Tropicana is huge. It’s basically a city inside a city. "The Quarter" is their indoor shopping and dining hub, which is great when the Jersey weather turns sour. They just finished the Solana Tower renovations this month—January 2026—adding about 600 reimagined rooms that have this cool, vintage coastal vibe.
Resorts Casino Hotel
Resorts was the first. The OG. It opened in 1978 and it’s still kicking. It’s smaller, which makes it easier to navigate. They just opened a new "XO Bar" pop-up for the 2026 season. It’s got a Margaritaville theme integrated into the property, which feels a bit "dad-vacation," but the service is usually friendlier than the mega-resorts.
Bally’s Atlantic City
Bally's is right at the "Center of the Action" at Park Place. They’ve spent the last few years trying to reclaim their glory after spinning off from Caesars. The new FanDuel Sportsbook there is a major draw for the betting crowd.
The Marina District: A Different World
If the Boardwalk is the party, the Marina is the VIP lounge. It’s quieter, more secluded, and a bit more upscale. You can’t walk to the beach from here, but the views of the bay are killer.
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Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
For a long time, Borgata was the undisputed king. It’s still the top earner in the city for a reason. It feels like a Vegas property—sleek, gold, and expensive. As of early 2026, they’re rolling out a brand-new loyalty platform and a luxury wellness center. If you’re a serious poker player, this is where you go. Period.
Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
Harrah’s is famous for "The Pool." It’s a massive glass dome that stays 82 degrees year-round. They’ve been busy lately with room renovations in the Laguna and Coastal towers. It’s very family-friendly for a casino, but the nightlife at the pool is definitely not for kids.
Golden Nugget Atlantic City
The Nugget is the "locals" favorite in the Marina. It’s smaller than its neighbors but has a great outdoor deck (The Deck) with live music during the warmer months. They recently announced a $44 million infrastructure project to modernize the property, which was long overdue.
What Most People Get Wrong About AC
Most people think Atlantic City is dying. I hear it all the time. But the numbers don't really back that up.
Sure, the mid-2010s were brutal. We lost the Atlantic Club, the Showboat (as a casino), and a few others. But the remaining nine have found their footing. The competition from Pennsylvania and New York casinos is real, but they can't offer the ocean.
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One thing to watch in 2026 is the Atlantic Club site. There's been talk for a year now about it reopening as a "mega-resort" condo-hotel under the Hilton brand. It won't have a casino, but it's going to change the vibe of the South End significantly.
Survival Tips for Your Visit
- Parking is a scam: Unless you have a rewards card. Seriously, get the card at the first casino you hit. It usually pays for your parking after a few minutes of play.
- The Jitney is your friend: Those small green buses? They run 24/7. Use them. Don’t try to walk from the Boardwalk to the Marina. You'll regret it.
- Check the schedule: Hard Rock and Borgata get the biggest names for concerts, but Ocean has been booking some surprisingly good mid-tier acts lately.
Choosing the Right Spot
It basically comes down to what you want.
If you want luxury and don't care about the beach, go to Borgata.
If you want to be in the middle of the chaos with the best views, choose Ocean.
If you’re there for a bachelor party and want to stay up until 4 AM listening to a cover band, Hard Rock is your home.
The list of casinos in Atlantic City New Jersey might be shorter than it was in the 90s, but the quality is actually higher. The "survivors" had to get better to stay alive.
If you're planning a trip, your first move should be to check the current promotional calendars for Caesars Rewards and MGM Rewards. These two giants own multiple properties in town, and you can often "status match" your player card from one to the other if you're a high enough tier, which unlocks free rooms and better dining options instantly.