Casinos in New Jersey
New Jersey has a long history with gaming and entertainment. Gambling became legal in November 1976, after state citizens approved a referendum to legalize it in Atlantic City only.
Two years later, on May 26, 1978, the Resorts International Casino became the first casino-hotel to open in Atlantic City.
New Jersey offers everything from the best casinos to fine dining, nightlife, and luxurious accommodation. If you're looking to enjoy the picturesque view of the Atlantic Ocean while playing slot machines or poker, here is a list of active casinos worth considering.
Bally's Atlantic City
Bally's Atlantic City has a casino area covering more than 83,000 square feet, with 1,481 casino slot machines, 91 gaming tables, and a sportsbook. The New Jersey casino is open 24/7 to all players at least 21 years old. The facility provides designated smoking areas and does not enforce minimum or maximum bets.
The hotel facility has 1,096 rooms and 118 smoke-free suites. Guests can also enjoy restaurants, bars, and a VIP Lounge. If you're looking for dining options, you can try Guy Fieri's Chophouse, Johnny Rockets, Noodle Village, Guy's Bar-B-Que Joint, Buca di Beppo, or Dunkin Donuts. Bally's Atlantic City also connects directly to the Wild Wild West Casino, currently operated by Caesars Entertainment.
Bally's Atlantic City
1900 Pacific Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Phone: (609) 340-2000
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is one of the biggest casinos in New Jersey, covering 161,000 square feet. Launched in 2003, the New Jersey casino offers guests more than 4,100 slot machines, 50 poker tables, and 180 table games. Borgata also features a poker program that runs several high-stake and daily tournaments. In addition to in-house games, Borgata hosts the BetMGM Race & Sportsbook, currently the only Atlantic City location that offers horse race bets. The casino only allows smoking in designated areas and restricts access to people under 21 years old.
Borgata casino has 2,000 guest rooms and suites categorized into six tiers, including 313 Fiore Suites (700 square feet), 40 Piatoo Suites (1,500 square feet), 8 Studio Suites (900 square feet), 39 Opus Suites (1,000 square feet), two Residences (5,000 square feet), and 1,600 Classic Rooms (460 square feet). Each guest can enjoy a top-notch dining experience from renowned chefs, including Michael Symon and Michael Schulson.
You can also visit the Water Club, a 43-story boutique hotel connected to Borgata. The Water Club has 800 guest rooms, a 2-story spa, several boutique retail shops, and direct access to and from Borgata. Customers enjoy complimentary valet parking at both locations and free vehicle charging at limited stations. You can visit Borgata or The Water Club at:
Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa
1 Borgata Way
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Phone: (609) 317-1000
Email: customercare@theborgata.com_,_ info@theborgata.com
Caesars Atlantic City
Initially launched in 1979 as the Boardwalk Regency, Caesars Casino Resort has 145,000 square feet of casino space and is one of the oldest casinos in the state. Guests can enjoy 3,400 slot machines, 24 poker tables, 177 table games, and a sportsbook. You have to be at least 21 years old to play poker and slot games or 18 years old for access to non-cash games. Furthermore, Caesars enforces a $0.10 minimum bet and a $5,000 maximum bet. Games are available 24/7, except on Easter and Christmas holidays.
Caesars Atlantic City offers 1,144 rooms and luxury suites that show off the facility's antique theme. You can also enjoy meals at any of the 12 casual or gourmet restaurants, including the Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill and Morton's The Steakhouse.
In addition to the dining experience, Caesars has a full-service salon, spa, 28,000 square feet of meeting area with several meeting rooms, an attractive rooftop pool, and the Circus Maximus Theater. Ensure to watch out for designated smoking areas to avoid the casino's smoking fine. Visitors can also enjoy paid, private car, or valet parking at:
Caesars Atlantic City
2100 Pacific Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Phone: (609) 348-4411
Golden Nugget - Atlantic City
Sitting on nearly 80,000 square feet of casino space, Golden Nugget Atlantic City has 82 table games, 1,453 slot machines, and a 9-table poker room. The New Jersey casino also has a sportsbook with 5 video walls, several self-service betting kiosks, and seating space that can comfortably accommodate more than 100 people.
Access to games is restricted to players who are at least 21 years old. Furthermore, Golden Nugget does not enforce minimum or maximum bet restrictions, so if you're old enough, you can walk into the casino 24/7 to enjoy one of the many options offered. Also, remember to only smoke in designated areas.
The New Jersey hotel has 717 accommodations, including rooms and suites, and a full-service 15,000-square-foot recreation and spa area with a steam room and a sauna.
You can also enjoy nightlife at one of 10 lounges and a nightclub. What's more, Golden Nugget rewards you with a free buffet for 3 hours of cash play from Sunday through Thursday and 4 hours on Friday and Saturday.
If you'd prefer to access Golden Nugget through the waterways, you can dock a yacht at the Farley State Marina and walk into the facility. Others can enjoy free self-parking or valet parking options. Visit the casino and hotel at:
Golden Nugget Atlantic City
Huron Avenue & Brigantine Boulevard
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Email: GNACGuestServices@gnacm.com
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Atlantic City
Formerly the Trump Taj Mahal, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is another major attraction in Atlantic City. Hard Rock has a 120,000-square-foot casino with more than 100 different tables, 2,115 modern slot machines, and a sportsbook.
The casino also has an upscale Asian Gaming Room with Asian table games like Pai Gow, Asian Poker, Baccarat, and several Chinese casino options. The Asian Gaming Room also has private Baccarat rooms for guests in groups. The Hard Rock casino has no minimum or maximum bet and is open 24/7 to all players who are at least 21 years old, except on Easter and Christmas holidays. Smoking is only allowed in dedicated areas.
The Hard Rock Hotel has more than 2,000 rooms and suites, 150,000 square feet of space for venues and conferences, and several restaurants, such as White House Subs, Trattoria Il Mulino, Kuro, and YouYu Noodle Bar.
You can also enjoy a seasonal patio bar, indoor and outdoor music stages, dining rooms, and seating for more than 400 guests at the popular Hard Rock Café. There are also several accommodation discounts, including a 20% option if you book at least 2 nights in advance and up to 10% for military personnel. You can enjoy all of these and more at:
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
1000 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Phone: (609) 449-1000
Email: info@hrhcac.com
Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
Owned by Caesars Entertainment Corporation, Harrah's Resort Atlantic City offers various games across its 160,000-square-foot casino area. Harrah's Resort was the first casino in the marina district and is currently one of only three (along with the Borgata and Golden Nugget) in the district. The casino features 1,860 slot machines and video reel games, over 100 table games, and 40 poker tables.
Gaming at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City requires a $0.25 minimum bet and a maximum of $50,000. The casino is open 24/7 to all players who are at least 18 years old. However, you can only play cash games if you are 21 years or older. If you want to smoke, you must locate the casinos' dedicated smoking areas.
Harrah's Resort Atlantic City provides guests with a luxurious feel in any of the 2,500 rooms available. You can enjoy the facility's 24-hour fitness center, indoor pools, children's pool, sauna, nightclub, and a full-service spa.
Dining options include the Gordon Ramsay Steak, Waterfront Buffet, and Veracruz for Mexican food. Guests can also cater to business activities using the 100,000 square feet conference center with 50 meeting rooms and a business center. You can visit or contact Harrah's at:
Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
777 Harrah's Boulevard
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Phone: (609) 441-5000
Ocean Resort Casino
Ocean Resort Casino is a 6.4 million-square-foot facility occupying 20 beachfront acres, with a gaming area spanning 135,000 square feet and the William Hill Sportsbook covering 7,500 square feet.
Ocean casino has more than 1,900 slot machines, 108 table games, and 8 poker tables, all open 24/7 except on Christmas and Easter holidays. All players at least 21 years old can play games without any betting amount restrictions.
Guests can check out The Cove, a 7,450-square-foot high limit slot area with more than 140 slot machines. There is also The Loft, another high-limit table games area covering over 2,000 square feet. People often prefer The Loft's spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Ocean Casino has several upscale restaurant options serving Spanish, American, and Italian dishes. Casual diners can try simpler options like Wahlburgers, Makai, Villain & Saint, and Distrito. Furthermore, the hotel has over 1,300 rooms and 300 suites, a fitness center, self-parking, and valet options, and charging stations for guests with Teslas. Enjoy all of Ocean Resort's luxury at:
Ocean Resort Casino
500 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Phone: (609) 783-8000 (Reservations), (609) 783-8777 (Concierge)
Resorts Casino Hotel
Resorts Casino Hotel has 100,000 square feet of casino ground with 76 table games, 8 poker tables, more than 2,500 slot machines, and 76 table games. Anyone at least 21 years old can enjoy the casino's games 24/7.
Resorts Casino has no minimum or maximum bet. Nonetheless, the casino is popular for some of the highest limits in Atlantic City. The casino floor also has a sportsbook with 6 betting windows and a 15-foot video wall for live sporting events. Smoking is only permitted in specific areas.
You can book any of the facility's 942 guest rooms and suites in the Ocean or Rendezvous Tower. The Ocean Tower is a guest favorite for its nearness to the boardwalk and beach, Resorts' health spa, indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center, and the casino.
On the other hand, Rendezvous Tower's standard guest rooms range from 512 to 576 square feet, the largest in Atlantic City. The tower is also home to 42 lush suits with oversized bathrooms and Jacuzzi bathtubs. You can enjoy the casino, beach, boardwalk, and fine dining at:
Resorts Casino Hotel
1133 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Phone: (609) 340-6300
Tropicana Atlantic City Casino & Resort
Operated by Caesars Entertainment, Tropicana Atlantic City covers 130,000 square feet of casino space, with 2,400 slot machines that offer a range of old options to newer games.
The casino also has a sportsbook on the North Tower casino floor, 170 table games, and a private non-smoking poker room with 18 tables and 11 TVs. While there is no minimum bet, you cannot exceed $50,000 at Tropicana.
The casino enforces a minimum gambling age of 21 years in compliance with New Jersey law. Anyone old enough can play games 24/7, except during Christmas and Easter holidays. As with other casinos, remember to keep smoking to the designated areas.
One of the largest resort casinos in New Jersey, the hotel has over 2,300 rooms, 15+ bars, and over 25 restaurants, including Carmine's, Cuba Libre, The Palm, and the Seaside Cafe. There's also a business center, spa, salon, four pools, a complete fitness center, and a meeting space stretching 122,000 square feet. Visit the Tropicana at:
Tropicana Atlantic City Casino & Resort
2831 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Phone: (609) 340-4000
Wild Wild West Casino
Formerly operated by Bally's Atlantic City, the Wild Wild West Casino has several slot machines and a gaming area with a sportsbook covering 8,100 square feet, multiple betting and seating chairs, and multi-sized screens for live betting. Players of legal age can enjoy many games, including jackpot slots, buffalo slots, and $5 roulette and blackjack tables. There is also a poker room with more than 40 poker tables for several cash games and tournaments.
Away from gameplay, you can have some coffee and cake at Boardwalk Cupcakes, burgers and alcohol at AC Snack Shack, or BBQ and steak at Guy's Bar-B-Que Joint.
The casino is now run with Caesars Entertainment as its operating license holder and is part of the Caesars Atlantic City franchise. Although the Wild Wild West Casino still shares an indoor connection with Bally's Atlantic City, there is no operational or licensing relationship between both establishments.
History of Gambling in the State of New Jersey
Colonial Era Gambling
Historical records reveal that gambling in New Jersey started before the US was even fully formed. Back in the 1700s, lotteries were popular in New Jersey; they were used to fund the military during the French and Indian war as well as the American war for independence.
Lotteries were also used to raise funds for public projects during peaceful times, such as the construction of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) and Queen's College (now Rutgers University). New Jersey would eventually ban lotteries in 1844. This ban was imposed as a result of a major recession in the up-and-coming United States and the lottery's poor public image.
Freehold Raceway, a half-mile racetrack in Freehold Borough, New Jersey, is the country's oldest racetrack, having hosted informal horse racing events as early as the 1830s. When the Monmouth County Agricultural Society was formed in 1953, and the club began organizing an annual fair with harness racing at Freehold Raceway in 1854, it was officially launched. In the beginning, the focus was on horse racing and wagering; later, dog racing was introduced. The first thoroughbred racetrack (Monmouth Park) opened in 1870, though gambling was outlawed in the state not long after, in 1894.
New Jersey Gambling Prohibition and Legalization
1894-1939
New Jersey's initial gambling ban lasted from 1894 until 1939. Because New Jersey is used to gambling as a recreational activity and is mainly outside the reach of passionate religious reformers, anti-gambling laws were not strictly enforced. Gambling activities continued normally during the period, with bingo games available during fundraising events and sports betting still openly on offer. Similarly, the Monmouth Park thoroughbred racetrack continued to operate normally.
In 1939, racetrack gambling was officially legalized again. With the re-legalization, the state was able to profit from the betting at Freehold Raceway and Monmouth Park. Over the next few decades, the state passed a series of legislation legalizing various forms of gambling.
Expansion of Gambling in New Jersey
From the 1950s to the 1970s, New Jersey voters approved various expansions to gambling activities on several occasions.
1953
Voters approved a referendum allowing non-profit organizations to hold bingo and raffles. The New Jersey Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission regulates charity gambling and amusement games.
1959
Amusement games were re-legalized in 1959, following the 1957 court ruling, which declared them to be a form of illegal gambling. About 59% of voters approved the law reinstating amusement games.
1969-1970
In 1969, New Jersey voters were asked to decide whether or not to establish a statewide lottery. Nearly 82% of voters approved the change, and in 1970, N.J.S.A. 5:9-1 was enacted, establishing the New Jersey Lottery. In December 1970, Governor William T. Cahill bought the first New Jersey lottery ticket.
1974-1977
In 1974, state legislators tried to bring casino gambling to New Jersey, but voters opposed legalizing casinos throughout. However, in 1976, a new referendum was approved when about 57% of voters voted to legalize casinos but restrict them to Atlantic City. The New Jersey Casino Control Commission was founded as the state's gambling control board, responsible under the Casino Control Act for licensing casinos in Atlantic City in 1977.
1978
The Chalfonte-Haddon Hall Hotel was converted into the Resorts Casino Hotel. It opened in 1978 and was the first legal casino to operate outside of Nevada (Las Vegas). The ceremonial ribbon was cut by Governor Brendan Byrne, ushering in a new era of gambling in New Jersey. The casino was initially only allowed to operate for eighteen hours per day during the week and twenty hours per day on weekends. This law was in effect until 1991 when Governor James Florio allowed Atlantic City casinos to experiment with 24-hour gambling.
What New Jersey Cities Have Casinos?
All licensed casinos in New Jersey are located in Atlantic City. Places in Atlantic City with casinos include Marina, Uptown, Midtown, and Downbeach.
What is the Division of Gaming Enforcement?
The Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) is an enforcement agency under the Attorney General's Office that is responsible for reviewing and investigating applications for casinos, online casinos, and key employee licenses, as well as offering recommendations to the NJ Casino Control Commission. Additionally, this unit registers casino vendors and employees. Furthermore, the DGE also regulates casino operations in Atlantic City, while enforcing New Jersey gaming laws and rules.
How Many Casinos are in New Jersey?
As of 2022, there are currently nine casinos in the State of New Jersey licensed by the NJ Casino Control Commission; namely:
- Bally's – Atlantic City
- Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa
- Caesars – Atlantic City
- Golden Nugget – Atlantic City
- Hard Rock Hotel and Casino – Atlantic City
- Harrah's Resort - Atlantic City
- Ocean Resort Casino
- Resorts Casino Hotel
- Tropicana Atlantic City Casino & Resort
Is Poker Legal in New Jersey?
Yes, poker is legal in the State of New Jersey. This includes online poker which was legalized in 2013 and is permitted as long as it is done on licensed gambling sites.
Is Gambling Legal in New Jersey?
Yes, gambling is legal in New Jersey, but licensed casinos are restricted to Atlantic City. Gambling has been legal in New Jersey since 1976 and online gambling since 2013. However, gambling is only legal if done in licensed gambling sites.
Who Owns the New Jersey Casinos in Atlantic City?
All casinos in Atlantic City are commercial casinos and owned by private businesses. However, these casinos are licensed by a government body, the New Jersey Casino Control Commission. Three out of these casinos are owned by Caesars Entertainment Incorporated. They are Caesars Palace, Harrah's, and the Tropicana. In turn, Eldorado, a Nevada Company acquired Caesars Entertainment Inc. in 2020, although the company still operates under "Caesars".
Other casinos in Atlantic City and with parent companies are:
- Bally's – Atlantic City: Bally's Corporation
- Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa: MGM Resorts International
- Golden Nugget – Atlantic City: Fertitta Entertainment Holdings, LLC
- Hard Rock Hotel and Casino – Atlantic City: Seminole HR Holdings, LLC
- Ocean Resort Casino: Ten RE ACNJ, LLC
- Resorts Casino Hotel: DGMB Casino Holding, LLC
Are Online Casinos Legal in New Jersey?
On February 26, 2013, New Jersey legalized online gambling in the state with the passing of bill A2578 into law. Online casinos and gaming sites need to have a land-based operation to be approved. Most brick-and-mortar casinos in New Jersey have at least one gaming site.
Note that you have to be within the state lines and at least 21 years old to play in New Jersey online casinos.
Does New Jersey Have Table Games and Slot Machines?
Yes, New Jersey Casinos have slot machines. All land-based casinos in New Jersey have a variety of slots and slot games available to players, including poker slots, reel slots, and video slots.
Which Casino has the most slot machines?
As of April 2022, Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa has the highest number of slot machines. The casino has around 4,000 slot machines and the highest selection of slot games.
What Casinos Pay Out the Most in Atlantic City?
Casino payouts differ from game to game and across platforms i.e. online and onsite gaming. This is because every game has its house edge and return to player (RTP) – a percentage of total wagers that players expect to get back over time. However, according to a report by NJ Casino Control Commission, Borgata has the highest casino wins per square foot of game space for 2020.
In line with New Jersey gaming regulation, casino slot machines should have a minimum theoretical payout of 83%. The casino with the highest return-to-player (RTP) rate for slots is Harrah's Resort, with 91.5% RTP in 2021.
How many Slot Machines Does Harrah's Atlantic City Have?
Harrah's Atlantic City Casino has around 2,150 machines and offers a variety of options.
How Do I Place a Bet Online in New Jersey?
Online betting rules mainly depend on the game. However, most online casinos generally require that players buy chips with money, pick a game, and then bet according to the rules of that game. In slots games and most table games like craps, baccarat, and blackjack, a player wagers on a possible outcome and gets paid according to the result.
Are Drinks Free in Atlantic City Casinos?
Yes, complimentary drinks are available to persons who are gambling, although it is considered good manners to tip the servers per drink. Servers are available to take orders from your table or slot machine, although it may take some time to get the drink. People who walk up to bars often have to pay for drinks, especially if they are not gambling. Friendly conversations with the servers and good tips also help bring the servers around more frequently.
Can you smoke in the Casinos in Atlantic City?
Smoking is allowed in Atlantic City Casinos but restricted to certain areas of the casino floor. Although indoor smoking in most public buildings since 2006, New Jersey casinos can allow smoking on 25% of the floors. Hence, patrons can smoke in the designated smoking areas provided by each casino.
Does Atlantic City Have Casinos?
Yes, Atlantic City has casinos. Actually, all nine of the New Jersey casinos are located in Atlantic City. They are:
- Bally's – Atlantic City
- Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa
- Caesars – Atlantic City
- Golden Nugget – Atlantic City
- Hard Rock Hotel and Casino – Atlantic City
- Harrah's Resort - Atlantic City
- Ocean Resort Casino
- Resorts Casino Hotel
- Tropicana Atlantic City Casino & Resort
What is the Oldest Casino in Atlantic City?
The oldest casino in Atlantic City is the first casino that opened in New Jersey in 1978, the Resort International Casino – now Resorts Casino Hotel. May 2022 will mark the 44th anniversary of its establishment.
What is the Largest Casino in Atlantic City?
In terms of gaming area size, Harrah's Resort and Borgata Hotel Casino are the largest casinos in Atlantic City, with 175,000 and 160,000 square feet, respectively. However, in terms of the number of gaming machines, table games, and gaming options, Borgata Hotel Casino is the largest casino in Atlantic City, followed by Resorts Casino Hotel.
