Atlantic City might just be the most famous seaside resort on the East Coast—and for good reason. Founded in the 1850s, it offers everything from long sandy beaches to iconic saltwater taffy. But let’s be honest, for many of us, the main draw has always been the casinos. Before legalized gambling spread across the U.S., Atlantic City was known as “Las Vegas East”—and it still holds its own today.
Back when I lived in New Jersey, I was a regular visitor to Atlantic City. I made a point to visit every casino as often as possible (purely for research, of course!). These days, living in Nevada, I don’t get back as often, but I recently returned for a few days and wanted to share how things have changed, what’s new, and, of course, where the best slots are.
There are two main areas in Atlantic City where you’ll find casinos: most line the iconic Boardwalk, while a few are tucked along Abescon Bay (aka “the harbor”). Let’s dive into what each of these hot spots has to offer, starting with the Boardwalk.
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Boardwalk Casinos
Bally’s Atlantic City Casino Resort
Hotel: Once part of Caesars, Bally’s is now independently owned and features over 1,100 rooms. It’s got the basics—pool, fitness center, and spa—but it’s not aiming to dazzle with luxury.
Casino: With 1,100+ slots and 80 table games across 83,000 square feet, it’s got solid variety. Décor-wise, it’s a bit plain compared to some of the flashier neighbors. The Bally Bet Sportsbook is high-tech, though, with massive LED walls and multiple kiosks.
Dining: From subs and pizza to steak and seafood, you’ll find options like Johnny Rockets, Macau Kitchen, and Park Place Prime. The Yard and Beach Bar are fun seasonal hangouts, and Phil’s Carousel Bar—with its 360-degree rotating setup—is a must-see, even if you’re just sipping soda.
My Take: Honestly, Bally’s didn’t blow me away. Greg thought it was decent, but I like my casinos a bit glitzier. Good slot selection, though—and I’d gamble here again, but probably wouldn’t book a room.
Caesars Atlantic City
Hotel: With three towers and over 1,100 rooms, Caesars is a classic. I haven’t stayed here in about a decade, but with Nobu now on-site and renovations in place, I’d bet the rooms are pretty plush.
Casino: Over 1,700 slots, tons of tables, and a two-level layout. We had a good run this time, especially with some of our old favorite slots. Caesars Sportsbook is also here for your betting fix.
Dining: Celebrity chef alert! Choose from Hell’s Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, or NOBU. Other standouts include Superfrico at the Hook theater and Morton’s The Steakhouse. For lighter fare try: KWI Noodle House (Asian Fusion), Slice Pizzeria, AC Snack Shack or Tazza Coffee for you morning starters and after dinner coffee and dessert.
Entertainment: Between The Hook (a musical comedy show), concerts, and bars with live music, there’s always something happening.
My Take: This one’s a staple for a reason. The upgrades keep coming, and it feels luxe without being stuffy. We had a great time gambling, eating, and just soaking in the grandeur. For more details about Caesars Atlantic City check out our blog here.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City
Hotel: We stayed here on this trip and really liked it. The standard King room had everything we needed a sofa, desk, plenty of space, and the amenities were solid. If you’re looking to relax, stop by Rock Spa & Salon for some pampering, take a dip in the pool or workout at Body Rock Fitness Center.
Casino: Over 2,300 slots and 130 table games. I loved the mix of old and new games (Sky Rider fans, rejoice!). I did well here, and Greg was thrilled with the quarter wheel machines. Hard Rock Sportsbook offers a full variety of sports wagering.
Dining: If you’re looking for a quick bite or your morning coffee there are quite a few options, Starbucks, White House Subs, or The Flavor Tour which offers everything from sandwiches and salads to gourmet burgers, premium gelato, and everything in between. Casual dining options include Hard Rock Café, Sugar Factory, Harvest Buffet and YOUYU Noodle Bar. If you’re looking for a little luxury you can choose from Council Oak Steak & Seafood, Kuro or Il Mulino New York for a fine dining experience. We enjoyed great meals at both Hard Rock Café and Sugar Factory along with wonderful gelato and breakfast from Alexias Patisserie.
Entertainment: Three concert venues and loads of rock memorabilia make this place feel alive. I mean it is the Hard Rock! Even the hallways have stories to tell with Rock memorabilia.
My Take: We truly enjoyed our stay. Great food, great slots, and lots to explore, definitely a top pick. To find out more about Hard Rock Atlantic City, read our blog here.
Ocean Casino Resort
Hotel: Oceans Casino Resort has 1,860 guest rooms with a selection of regular rooms or suites. I stayed here a few years ago with my friend and the room was really clean, comfy and functional. Enjoy a day swimming at the Eclipse Indoor/Outdoor Pool or relax at Exhale Spa and Bathroom. There’s Mussels Fitness Center if exercise is what you’re looking for.
Casino: 200 slots, 130 table games. I got skunked this time (it happens!), but Greg did okay. Both of our friends hit decent bonuses, so it was a good visit! It’s a beautiful space with some slots that even look out over the ocean. If you’re looking to place bets on sports, check out The Gallery Bar, Book & Games featuring Fanatics Sportsbook.
Dining: Start your day off at Starbucks or Cafféccino. For quick bites during the day your options are The Soup Spot, Oceans Food Truck or the District Food court with four dining options. For casual fare try Harper’s, Villian & Saint or Wahlburgers. Fine dining options include Amada, Ocean Steak or Linguini By The Sea.
Entertainment: Ovation Hall is Atlantic City’s premier venue for live music and entertainment, from comedy shows and MMA fights to performances by popular artists. Local bands play their favorites at Villian & Saint. More of a night owl? Head to HQ2 Nightclub or Nola’s Bar & Lounge.
If you’re looking for more family-friendly things try strolling through the Shops at the Row and find your memento. Maybe you like golfing? Not only is there mini golf but Topgolf! The Park overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and offers 3 acres to relax and enjoy the ocean. Ocean Casino Resort offers direct access to the beach.
My Take: It’s a newer casino and has a lot going for it. You can’t beat the views. The downside? It’s at the far end of the Boardwalk, but worth the trek—or hop on the tram if you’re feeling lazy.
Resorts Casino Hotel
Hotel: This one’s smaller, with under 1,000 rooms across two towers. Ocean Tower is closest to the beach, while Rendezvous has the larger, upgraded rooms. Ocean Tower rooms are closer to the spa and fitness center, indoor/outdoor pool, sun deck, the casino, and gift shops.
Casino: 1,300 slots, 24 table games. Greg couldn’t find many machines he liked, but there’s a solid mix of old and new. There’s also a VIP Asian gaming room and DraftKings Sportsbook.
Dining: Margaritaville and Landshark Bar & Grill bring the beach vibes with casual dining. Casual dining includes Breadsticks Café, Bubbakoo’s Burritos, Ruby’s Dinette and Dougherty’s Raw Bar. If you’re looking for something quick try Margaritaville Coffee, Soup Man, Famiglia Pizza, Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy!, Dunkin’ Donuts, or Haagen-Dazs for something sweet. Fine dining experiences include: Cielo Wine Bar, Eastwind, Dougherty’s Steakhouse & Raw Bar, Capriccio Italian Restaurant and Mukashi Sushi Bar.
Entertainment: The Superstar Theatre hosts a variety of acts, and there are 10 bars to keep the fun going.
My Take: Resorts feels a bit old-school and dark inside, but still worth a stop. Margaritaville alone makes it a fun detour. We haven’t stayed here yet, but I’d go back to gamble.
Tropicana Atlantic City
Hotel: With 5 towers and 2,200+ rooms, it’s one of the largest in AC. Be sure to request an ocean view if that’s your thing. Four pools and a full-service spa seal the deal.
Casino: Over 2,300 slots, 123 tables, and a Caesars Sportsbook. We didn’t make it this trip, but it’s usually a reliable bet.
Dining: There are 20 restaurants including favorites like Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House & Sports Bar, P.F. Chang’s, and Hash House a Go Go, to name a few. There is every type of restaurant from fine dining to quick bites ensuring you won’t go hungry.
Shopping: One of the best things about the Tropicana is the great shopping area. There are over 25 stores in The Quarter with everything from clothing to sweet treats. Even if you don’t find something to buy, strolling through this unique area will remind you of a street in Old Havana.
Entertainment: Besides the twelve bars, many with dancing, you can enjoy a show at the 2,000-seat Broadway-style theater or nightly comedy shows at Kiss Kiss Nightclub. You might want to catch a movie at the IMAX theater, try to escape from AC Escape room or head to the Family Fun Station and Game UP lounge. No matter what you choose, you’re sure to have fun.
My Take: Tropicana brings a bit of the Vegas-style theming to Atlantic City. It’s at the far end of the Boardwalk, which can be inconvenient, but there’s lots to love here and worth making the trip.
Abescon Bay Casinos
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Hotel: This MGM property has over 2500 rooms and suites, all with amenities including refrigerator and coffee maker. Relax at Spa Toccare or pamper yourself at The Salon or The Barbershop. Feel like exercising? Head to the Pump Room for a great workout. There are two pools at Borgata the Outside Pool and Borgata Indoor Pool & Gardens
You might want to go for the new MGM tower. This 43-story hotel features more than 700 guestrooms and a collection of luxury Vista Suites with wrap-around views of the Atlantic City skyline. MGM Tower has two indoor and two outdoor heated pools, boutique retail shops including: Hugo Boss, Capri, and Fixation, and offers direct access to and from Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa
Casino: There are 4,000 slot machines, 180 table games, and 50 poker tables in the poker room. MGM sportsbook is the only sportsbook in Atlantic City where you can bet on horseraces.
Dining: If you’re looking for quick bites your choices are Borgata Bakery, Bread & Butter, Food Hall Eatery or Starbucks. For casual meals try The Wine Bar & Italian Kitchen, Noodles of the World, The Metropolitan, American Bar & Grill or Borgata Buffet. Fine dining restaurants include B-Prime Steakhouse, Old Homestead Steakhouse and Angeline by Michael Symon.
Entertainment: The Event Center has 30,000 square feet of space for headliner acts. The Music Box is a more intimate setting with concerts, comedians and more. Stop at one of the bars or Premiere Nightclub for more entertainment. Maybe shopping is your perfect entertainment. Not only are there plenty of shops at Borgata but The Shoppes at MGM Tower have all those high-end brands you’re looking for.
My Take: Borgata was the first true “Vegas-style” casino in AC and remains a favorite. We’ve spent a lot of time here and always have a great time. It has lots of marble and elegance, shopping, great restaurants and wonderful concert line-ups. We saw one of the first shows at the Event Center and loved how close we were to the band. I have to say we’ve seen a lot of concerts here! The rooms were spacious and comfy. We haven’t stayed here for a long time, but my friends stayed here recently and said they are still clean, comfy and have great amenities. If you want to stay on the bay side of Atlantic City, we highly recommend Borgata. It is still one of our favorites in Atlantic City.
Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
Hotel: There are 5 Towers with over 2500 rooms, some of which are suites. Amenities include coffee makers and refrigerators. Each tower has different views and a few different amenities. While you enjoy your stay be sure to check out the glass-domed pool with a constant 82-degree temperatures and a lush tropical atmosphere. Pamper yourself at the Spa and Salon or reenergize at the Fitness Center.
Casino: With over1800 slot machines and100 table games you can’t go wrong. As with all Caesar properties you’ll find an assortment of both new games and old favorites. Visit Caesars sportsbook and enjoy stadium seating or a high-top table with chairs and place your bets.
Dining: There is a good selection of restaurants for you to enjoy. For your morning treats try Café Tazza or Starbucks. For casual fare your options are Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay, Buddy’s Boardwalk Empire, Chicken Guy, Pin Up Pizza, Coastal Craft Kitchen & Bar or AC Burger. Fine dining restaurants include Gordon Ramsay Steak, La Strada at the Shore, or McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood
Entertainment: Live music, comedy, and lounges. The Baywalk is a great spot in summer for drinks and entertainment.
My Take: It’s been a while since we’ve visited, but Harrah’s was always a fun stop. It’s a bit quieter than the Boardwalk scene, which can be a nice change of pace.
Golden Nugget Atlantic City
Hotel: This former Trump Marina property was always a favorite for its marina views. It’s smaller (just 727 rooms), but well-renovated and charming. The rooftop H2O Pool is a standout with the hot tubs and fire pits.
Casino: With 1300 slot machines and table game assortment you will be able to gamble your day away. The Sportsbook has more than 50 TVs, 5 video walls, self-service betting kiosks and limited seating capacity.
Dining: For fine dining options there are Vic & Anthony’s, The Chart House, and Michael Patrick’s Brasserie. Other food options include Dos Caminos, Lillie’s Asian Cuisine, Bill’s Bar & Burger and Bean & Bread.
Entertainment: Golden Nugget has three venues, The Grand, The Showroom, and The Wave for live entertainment. There are 3 bars for nightlife fun.
My Take: We haven’t been here since it became Golden Nugget, but we loved it back in the day. The marina setting gives it a different feel than the Boardwalk casinos, and the rooftop pool alone makes it worth a visit. If you own a boat and want to keep it here for the night, this is the place to come with it’s access to the marina and slip rentals available.
Tips for Visiting Atlantic City Casinos
Bring Your Players Card: Sign up for each casino’s rewards program to get free play, comped drinks, and other perks.
Walk the Boardwalk: The best way to explore the casinos is on foot—or hop on the tram if you’re feeling tired.
Try the Food: Many Atlantic City casinos are now foodie destinations. Don’t miss out on celebrity chef restaurants and local legends.
Plan Around Entertainment: Check casino websites for live shows, concerts, and events happening during your stay.
Final Thoughts
Atlantic City may not have the over-the-top theming or glitz of Las Vegas, but it has something else: character. Each casino has its own vibe, and depending on what you’re looking for luxury, nostalgia, slots, shows, or food, you’ll find your match.
Whether you’re walking the Boardwalk, soaking up the sea air, or chasing your next jackpot, Atlantic City still knows how to show you a good time. And hey, if you don’t win big at the slots, there’s always the saltwater taffy.
If you love casinos like we do, then Atlantic City is a great place to visit. We suggest late spring or early fall to beat the crowds and still be able to enjoy the boardwalk and water. Besides gambling, there are lots of things to entertain you while on your vacation. See our travel blog for Atlantic City adventures here.
Which Atlantic City casino is your favorite? Leave a comment below or share your own AC adventure!
Atlantic City truly sounds like a destination with a unique charm. It’s fascinating how it blends classic seaside appeal with the excitement of casinos. I’ve always loved the idea of strolling along the Boardwalk, especially with so much history and entertainment packed into one place. The addition of family-friendly activities like Topgolf and The Park makes it even more versatile for different types of visitors. The new MGM tower sounds impressive, but I wonder how it compares to the older, more nostalgic casinos in terms of atmosphere. Do you think Atlantic City’s character is at risk with all the new developments, or does it manage to stay true to its roots? I’d love to hear more about what makes it feel so different from Las Vegas—is it the people, the history, or something else entirely?
thanks for the comment have a great day and hope you have a great casino trip