Atlantic City Information

Atlantic City named one of the best locations for content creators - As reported by NJ 101.5, in a new study released by HostingAdvice, Atlantic City was ranked number four in a nationwide pool of 529 U.S. cities based on internet reliability, cost of living, employment opportunities and creative community. 

Atlantic City schools invest $30 million in renovations and capital improvements - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, during the Summer 2026 break, Atlantic City's schools invested $30 million in renovations and capital improvements across the district. Projects included restroom and locker room upgrades at Atlantic City High School, new HVAC systems, boilers, roofs, lockers, gym floors, restrooms, entrances and science labs.

Atlantic City selected to receive a $30,000 Abandoned Property Rehabilitation Act (APRA) scholarship - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, Atlantic City was one of two municipalities chosen to receive a $30,000 Abandoned Property Rehabilitation Act (APRA) scholarship from the Center for Community Progress. The scholarship provides up to 125 hours of technical assistance from national experts, along with a two-day site visit, recommendations for improving local strategies, funding guidance and the opportunity for three city representatives to attend the Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference in Pittsburgh.

Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) board approves 14 community grants, totaling nearly $1.8 million, during the first six months of 2026 - As reported by ROI NJ, the CRDA has approved over $1.8 million in community grants in the first half of 2026. This year’s grants were awarded to a variety of local nonprofits and community partners working in the following industry sectors: food security, workforce development, youth services, adult education, public art, homelessness outreach and free public entertainment. Additional reporting from Play NJ.

Construction begins on 'Atlantic Lofts' - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, construction has begun on 'Atlantic Lofts' a housing redevelopment program led by Odin Properties. The $22.5 million project aims to convert the historic and long vacant, eight-story Schwehm Building at 1 S. New York Ave. into 56 modern loft-style apartments ranging from 350 to 900 square feet. The location will also include approximately 2,741 square feet of ground-floor retail space, a fitness center, a bike storage room, and a resident package room. The project has been approved by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) and is supported by up to $8 million in NJEDA State Historic Tax Credits.

Ribbon cut on new MBCA Park - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, on Aug. 18 the community celebrated the opening of a new community space at North Carolina and Pacific avenues. MBCA Park is named after the Metropolitan Business & Citizens Association, which raised $40,000 for the project that was designed by students from the Atlantic County Institute of Technology.

Rüfüs Du Sol performs to sellout crowd with return of Atlantic City beach concerts - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, the Aug. 29 concert, the first major beach concert event since 2023, drew an audience of 35,000 to the resort.

U.S. Senator Cory Booker says no low-income city in the nation has more growth and development potential than Atlantic City - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, on the final day of his annual tour of the state's 21 counties, spoke to the press about the potential of low-income areas to become emerging markets and the particular assets of Atlantic City. "Atlantic City is coming back," he said, "I hope folks will be able to see that."

New Jersey Gaming News

Atlantic County Economic Alliance estimates impact of New York casino expansion - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, Atlantic County Economic Alliance estimates that New York casino expansion and other pressures could cost Atlantic City about 5,100 casino jobs and nearly $815 million in revenue by 2035. Additional reporting from ROI NJ, WHYY,Play NJ and Insider NJ.

Bally's Atlantic City names Tom Pohlman as new president - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, Bally's Atlantic City has named Tom Pohlman, former Golden Nugget Senior Vice President and General Manager, as president. Pohlman is a veteran in the Atlantic City gaming market having served 15 years as head of Golden Nugget Atlantic City.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa to commit $107 million to renovations - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, Borgata expects to spend $107 million on a renovation of the Borgata Tower. The project includes "makeovers" to guest rooms and suites, corridors and the tower’s main lobby, known as The Living Room. Additional reporting from Play NJ.

Fertitta still on track to buy Caesars Entertainment after higher bid from Carl Icahn, Stakeholders vote Sept. 22 - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, despite offering a bid of $34 per share for Caesars, topping the $31 per share offered by Tilman Fertitta, Caesars Entertainment has declined a bid from Carl Icahn choosing to continue pursuit of a deal with Golden Nugget owner Fertitta. Icahn retains ownership of the former Trump Plaza site, a small remaining building next to the main tower that was demolished, and a parking garage across the street. Also as reported by The Press of Atlantic City a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission indicates that Caesars Entertainment set a shareholder vote on whether to approve the sale of the company to Fertitta for Sept. 22 at the Eldorado Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Additional reporting from Play NJ.

Fire in front of Bally's Atlantic City Hotel & Casino does not interrupt operations - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, a fire that originated underneath a section of the Boardwalk in front of Bally's Atlantic City Hotel & Casino on Aug. 16 was dealt with before it could do further damage or disrupt any daily operations at Bally's. The city's Boardwalk Division and casino facilities began immediate repair work at the affected entrance area.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City presents donation to the Hope Exists Foundation - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City made a $25,000 donation to the Hope Exists Foundation in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day. The foundation works to improve the health and stability of people facing substance use, mental health challenges, homelessness and food insecurity by providing recovery outreach, essential resources, and connections to treatment and community support services across Atlantic County.

Ilitch Gaming Finalizes Acquisition of Remaining Interest in Ocean Casino Resort - According to an August 3 news release, Ilitch Gaming has finalized the requisition of the remaining 50% ownership interest in Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City. The transaction follows Ilitch Companies’ formation of Ilitch Gaming in June as a dedicated platform to oversee the organization's gaming-related businesses and support future growth initiatives. Additional coverage by Play NJ and ROI NJ. 

Local 54 of Unite Here reaches agreements with all nine of Atlantic City's casinos - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, Local 54, the main casino workers union in Atlantic City, has reached new contracts with all nine of the city's casinos. The one-year deal, set to expire May 31, 2027, grants workers a 2.5% pay increase. The shorter term of the deal reflects current market uncertainties. The next round of bargaining is expected to begin in February or March 2027. 

National Gaming News

Canadian Regulators Say Sports Event Contracts Are Not Securities - According to Legal Sports Report, the Canadian Securities Administrators and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization have issued joint guidance stating that sports- and entertainment-based event contracts should not be regulated as securities or derivatives.

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) reminds predictions market operators of their responsibility not to mislead consumers - According to a news release from the CFTC and coverage by Legal Sports Report, predictions market operators have been "warned that displaying pricing information in the ‘American’ odds format used by casino gambling bookmakers is likely to mislead market participants about the nature of the transaction." 

New Gallup Poll - Fewer U.S. Adults Say They Gamble - According to a recently released poll from Gallup, Americans are significantly less likely than they were 10 years ago to say they participate in a variety of gambling activities. All three of the most common forms of gambling, buying a state lottery ticket, gambling in-person at casinos and participating in office pools, saw declines in participation compared to 10 years ago. Further coverage from Legal Sports Report. 

Nevada Council on Problem Gambling leaves National Council on Problem Gambling - According to Legal Sports Report, the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling has cut ties with the National Council on Problem Gambling in response to the latter's new relationship with Kalshi. The National Council's partnership with Kalshi in May of 2026 has caused conflict and Nevada is not the first state council to step away. The Michigan Gaming Control Board stepped back from the National Council in July of 2026. 

New Jersey Attorney General petitions U.S. Supreme Court for decision regarding legality of predictions markets offering action on sports events - As announced by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, on Sept. 2, Attorney General Jennifer Davenport filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court. The Petition for Writ of Certiorari asks the Supreme Court "Whether the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act preempted states from regulating sports bets that occur within their jurisdictions if those bets are offered on markets registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission." Additional coverage by The Press of Atlantic City. 

Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) announces Marketing and Advertising Code - According to an August 18 news release ROGA has released new standards for marketing and advertising with the aim of advancing consumer protection. Coverage by Legal Sports Report.

States, Predictions Markets engaged in legal conflicts nationwide - According to Legal Sports report, state regulators in New York, Nevada, Connecticut, Washington and other jurisdictions continue to clash with predictions market platforms over maters of legality and regulation. 

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit sides with the Nevada Gaming Control Board likely sending debate over sports predicitions to Supreme Court - According to Legal Sports Report, on Aug. 28, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed a lower court’s ruling saying that Kalshi’s sports event contracts are sports bets, not “swaps” subject to exclusive Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) jurisdiction. The Ninth Circuit directly rejected Kalshi’s core legal theory that CFTC registration and listing on a designated contract market shield sports contracts from state gambling regulation. An appeal by Crypto.com and request for injunctive relief from Robinhood were also rejected. These decisions are at odds with the Third Circuit Court’s decision to protect Kalshi in New Jersey (Reuters). Such conflict will likely lead to a hearing in the Supreme Court. 

Hospitality & Tourism News

African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey hires first executive director - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey will hire its first executive director following a $100,000 donation from the A & R Mack Charitable Foundation. The museum has operated for nearly 25 years under the direction of founder Ralph E. Hunter, Sr. Anthony Mack and Rita Mack were the owners of two McDonald's franchises in Atlantic City. Through their foundation, they have donated to countless organizations, including Stockton University, Atlantic Cape Community College, Faith Baptist Church and now the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey.

Cocktails to-go becomes permanent in New Jersey - As recorded by the New Jersey Legislature and announced by New Jersey Governor, Mikie Sherrill's Office, temporary rules first established during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow certain retail consumption licensees to sell mixed cocktails in closed and sealed containers for off-premises consumption have been made permanent. Senate Bill 4384 was signed into law on August 28.

FIFA World Cup host committee estimates the event generated $3.5 billion impact, NJ Transit shuttles 370,000 to eight World Cup matches, ends with a $4 million loss - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, the 2026 FIFA World Cup host committee estimates the event generated $3.5 billion across the New York/New Jersey region with approximately 60% to 70% of that impact realized in New York City. Also as reported by The Press of Atlantic City, NJ Transit lost 7-cents per dollar spent in support of transportations services to World Cup events. This is being seen as a success as NJ Transit normally loses 85 cents of each dollar spent to provide service to MetLife events, such as NFL games, concerts and other events. Additional insights on impact of the 2026 World Cup from Tourism Economics.

Margate and Wildwood business organizations hold rubber-duck races - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, the events hosted by the local small business community were designed to attract families and generate business before the end of the summer tourism season. A late-season boost for businesses facing a variety of operational challenges from unpredictable weather to an end-of-season “staffing-squeeze” as seasonal workers leave for fall commitments. 

New Jersey officials call for state's withdrawal from lawsuit challenging Paramount Skydance-Warner Bros. Discovery merger - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, a coalition of 12 Hudson County, New Jersey, officials  released an op-ed on Aug. 31, advocating for the state's withdrawal from a lawsuit in which a number of state attorneys general are attempting to stop the movie studio merger. The officials cited the potential impact of the “creative economy” stemming from Paramount's investment in the state. Specifically, Paramount's investment in Hudson County was called “the most consequential economic development opportunity Hudson County has seen in half a century.”

Ocean City Council continues to meet regarding future of former Gillian’s Wonderland property - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, Ocean City Council called a "special meeting to discuss the property at 600 Boardwalk, which has become the center of a broader debate over what kind of development should be allowed at one of the city’s most prominent beachfront locations." The meeting came in response to a lawsuit filed on Aug.10 "seeking to void the city’s designation of the former Wonderland property as an area in need of rehabilitation."

Report finds travelers altering, not canceling, travel plans amid global disruptions - According to a report from McKinsey & Company, travel demand has remained strong amid recent geopolitical volatility. But the uncertainty "has delayed bookings, reshaped travel patterns, and influenced spending and channel choices." Further reporting from The Press of Atlantic City. 

Transportation platform OurBus reports 21% increase in summer travel between New York City and Atlantic City - As reported by ROI NJ, new data released by OurBus shows summer travel between New York City and Atlantic City increased 21% this year. Ridership exceeded 2025 levels during nearly every week analyzed, with year-over-year increases ranging from 2% to 46%. Several weeks posted gains of more than 25% compared with the same period last summer.

Wildwood Board of Commissioners introduce ordinance call for redevelopment of Boardwalk - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, on Aug. 28 Wildwood officials introduced a plan for the redevelopment of the city's Boardwalk. The scope of the project includes the full 1.3-mile wooden way and about 4.7 acres from East Bennett Avenue north to East 26th Avenue, generally extending west toward Ocean and Atlantic avenues, and calls for taller mixed-use buildings, new hotels and apartments, centralized parking garages and larger projects stretching across entire blocks.