Atlantic City Information

City Council passes an ordinance designating the Claridge as a historic landmark - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, the Atlantic City City Council has passed an ordinance recognizing the Claridge Hotel for its rich history and importance to the city and the region. The designation as a historic landmark could help make the property eligible for historic tax credits from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. 

City officials, state representatives and community leaders unveil a New Jersey Black Heritage Trail marker at Missouri Avenue and the Boardwalk - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, Atlantic City's historic Chicken Bone Beach was formally recognized and added to the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail. The marker at Missouri Avenue and the Boardwalk is one of 16 in Atlantic City and one of 77 Black Heritage Trail sites across New Jersey.

Mixed-use building proposed for vacant land near Tanger Outlets - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, a developer, Arctic OZ Capital LLC, has applied to the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority for site plan approval for a five-story, 24-unit mixed-use building near the Tanger Outlets. The project whoch would include both apartments and retail stores would be built on currently vacant land between Arctic Avenue and Garfield Place.

Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel to be rebranded, reopened as smaller hotel and senior housing in $100 million renovation project - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, owners of the Convention Center Hotel (LINY Investor LLC), are presently in talks with Marriott Corp. to rebrand the hotel, which for years has not met the Sheraton's brand requirements - they hope to announce a new name soon likely under one of Marriott's other hotel brands. A planned $100 million renovation (the first in the property's 27-year history) will reduce the hotel's 502 rooms by half, turning the rest into age-restricted apartments. Land use approval for the project was granted by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority in March.The existing Tun Tavern Brewery and Restaurant is expected to remain on the 3.15-acre site.

State Local Finance Board approves Atlantic City's budget - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, the Local Finance Board has approved Atlantic City's $283.8 million budget - including a state-mandated 2% tax increase. The tax increase is something Atlantic City agreed to in its memorandum of understanding with the state regarding the transitional aid it has been receiving. The city's original budget reportedly called for a 2.3-cent tax rate decrease. If enacted it would have been the seventh consecutive year of decreases. Additional reporting from The Press of Atlantic City.

The Showboat Resort Atlantic City announces Summer Expansion - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, The Showboat Resort Atlantic City has announced property-wide investiments including new guest rooms, family attractions, dining concepts and entertainment offerings.Additional coverage from The Press of Atlantic City.

New Jersey Gaming News

Bill authorizing New Jersey participation in national self-exclusion list for gaming activities advances - As recorded by the New Jersey legislature Senate Bill 2055 was reported favorably from the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee on June 11. The  bill authorizes the Division of Gaming Enforcement to participate in a national self-exclusion list for gaming activities, and to create necessary forms for participation. Additional reporting from Play NJ. 

Bill prohibiting offering of "micro bets" advances - As recorded by the New Jersey legislature, Bill A3258 which prohibits sports wagering licensees from offering micro bets online and establishes penalties, advanced out of the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee on June 1st. Additional reporting from The Press of Atlantic City. 

Caesars opens new beach club - As reported by Play NJ, Caesars opened the new Caesars Beach Club on June 19. The venue features lounge seating, private cabanas, a full-service bar, and a rooftop deck with DJ entertainment and VIP sections overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. 

Casinos Unite Against Hunger campaign raises $380,000 in the past year - As reported by Play NJ and  The Press of Atlantic City, the casino industry and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey have coordinated a campaign against hunger. The Casinos Unite Against Hunger campaign has raised enough to provide more than 1.1 million meals to those in need since launching in May 2025.

Delaware North owned, Ember Casino goes live in New Jersey as newest internet gambling site - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, the state's newest online casino, "Ember Casino" went live on June 4 through the license of Caesars Interactive Entertainment New Jersey. Delaware North has casinos in New York, New Hampshire, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, West Virginia, Ohio and Illinois. The company also serves as developer and gaming and hospitality consultant for the Catawba Nation's $1 billion casino resort project in North Carolina.

Following Tilman Fertitta's bid to purchase Caesars Entertainment, Barry Diller offers to buy MGM Resorts International - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, MGM Resorts International, the parent company of Atlantic City's Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, has received an offer of purchase. Barry Diller, of His People Inc., already owns 26.1% of MGM's outstanding common stock and has offered to acquire all outstanding shares of MGM, resulting in a just over 50.1% majority ownership of the company, at the cost of approximately $18 billion. The MGM Board of Directors is reported to be considering the offer.

Ilitch family buys out Luxor Capital for total ownership Ocean Casino Resort - As reported by Play NJ and The Press of Atlantic City, the Ilitch family of Detroit has announced plans to buy out Luxor Capital for total ownership of Ocean Casino Resort. The newly formed Ilitch Gaming company brings together the family's interest in Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit, and the Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D'Iberville, Mississippi. 

Legislators introduce bill which would establish regulatory framework for predictions markets - As recorded by the New Jersey legislature and reported by Play NJ, on June 11, legislators introduced a bill (S4447) would establish a regulatory framework for prediction markets, prohibit certain controversial markets, and impose new taxes on operators serving New Jersey residents. As of June 29 S4447 and its counterpart A5336 were advancing through both chambers (Play NJ).

Unite Here Local 54 signs short-term contracts with six of nine Atlantic City casinos - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, As of June 9, Unite Here Local 54 and six of Atlantic City's nine casinos had reached an agreement - accepting a one-year deal given the significant uncertainty facing the Atlantic City casino market. Bargaining remained to be completed at Resorts Casino Hotel, Golden Nugget Atlantic City and Bally's Atlantic City.

National Gaming News

Caesars Entertainment expands partnerships with three of Maine's four tribal gaming operators, online casino skins authorized under the state’s new tribal iGaming law - As reported by Gambling Insider, Caesars Entertainment has expanded existing sports betting partnerships with Penobscot Nation, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians into online casino gaming. Subject to regulatory approval, Caesars plans to launch Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, and Horseshoe Online Casino in the state - occuplying three of the state's four authorized online casino skins .

Chicago City Council votes against sweepstakes machine ban amid ongoing debate over VGTs/Virtual Lottery Terminals - As reported by Gambling Insider, members of the Chicago City Council voted to reject a proposal that would have banned sweepstakes machines citywide. The proposal sought to prohibit terminals that resemble slot machines but offer “free play” options and coupons to winners instead of cash, placing them outside Illinois’ regulated gaming framework. The city is aware of approximately 7,000 such machines operating across the city making use of a legal grey area as officials continue to debate the expansion of video lottery terminals and their potential impact on Bally’s planned permanent casino.

Details of Nevada Gaming Control Board hearing revel timeline for Fertitta Entertainment Inc. acquisition of Caesars Entertainment Inc. - As reported by Las Vegas Review Journal, the testimony of two longtime Fertitta Entertainment Inc. executives, who are currently seeking to become licensed company directors, outlined the regulatory and financing steps still required before the deal to acquire Caesars Entertainment Inc. can close.

Michigan withdraws from National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) citing organization's partnership with Kalshi - As reported by Gambling Insider, he Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has withdrawn its membership from NCPG. Regulators cited the organization’s partnership with Kalshi as a conflict with MGCB’s mission to protect consumers and promote responsible gaming.

Ohio legislators propose bill to end statewide mobile sports betting - According to Legal Sports Report, Ohio lawmakers are considering a bill (HB971) which would amend the Ohio sports betting law and geofence mobile sportsbook operations to casinos. The bill would also end prop bets on individual athletes and all betting on college sports.

Package of gambling consumer-protection bills proposed in Pennsylvania - As reported by Play USA and Legal Sports Report, lawmakers in Pennsylvania have proposed the 'Pennsylvania Online Consumer Protection Act,' a package of three bills that would limit the number of deposits bettors can make in a 24-hour period, ban push notifications, and strengthen gambling advertising guidelines.

Pennsylvania lawmakers consider bill that would require online gambling operators to block access to their apps on school property - As reported by Play USA and Gambling Insider, a bill (HB 2631)proposed before the Pensylvania legislature would require lincensed sportsbooks and internet casinos to use enhanced geolocation or geofencing technology to prevent app access while a user is physically on school property. If enacted the measure woule create 'digital exclusion zones' around schools including auxilliary buildings, playgrounds, and sports fields.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court rules skill games are subject to the state’s Gaming Act and Crimes Code, plans to impose a tax meet public opposition - As reported by Gambling Insider and Play USA, on June 15, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that skill games are subject to the state’s Gaming Act and Crimes Code. This effectivly classifies skill gaming machines as illegal gambling devices under current law. The decision overturns multiple lower court rulings and closes a legal grey area that had allowed as many as 70,000 skill gaming machines to operate accross thes state. Plans to legalize the machines and impose a tax on them equal to taxes currently levied on casino slot machines met with public opposition as 350 volunteer firefighters and small-business owners gathered on the steps of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg on June 24 to protest the tax. 

Responsible Gaming advocates focus on preventing harm from wagering on World Cup - As reported by Gambling Insider, analysts predict wagers on the FIFA World Cup could surpass $50 billion. Responsible gaming organizations accross the country are focused on preventing harm from this activity. 

Rhode Island legislator look to expand sports betting market - According to Legal Sports Report, Rhode Island legislators are considering a bill (SB3118) which would allow for between four and six new online gambling operators in the state. If passed, the Lottery would open an invitation to applicants for sports betting contracts on Jan. 1, 2027.

Sportsbooks take action to ban "Bad Actors," protect athletes from harrassment from betters - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, Fanatics Sportsbook has announced a partnership with Integrity Compliance 360 and Signify Group to establish the Bad Actor Program. The program is responsible for compiling a list of customers whose online activity is deemed harassing or threatening to one or more athletes, coaches or staff. Sportsbooks can then use the list to suspend or terminate a customer's ability to bet on their particular platform. While Fanatics is the first to use the Bad Actor program, BetMGM adopted a similar policy in February. Additional reporting from Legal Sports Report and Play NJ.

Hospitality & Tourism News

Atlantic City celebrates pride month with festival - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, community members gathered on June 20 to celebrate pride month with the third annual Great Pride Festival in O'Donnell Memorial Park.

Atlantic City Soccer Celebration brings community together - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City a crowd gathered to watch Team USA’s first game of the World Cup as part of a free family-friendly event hosted by the City of Atlantic City's Multicultural Services Office. Stockton University also got into the World Cup spirit hosting the Haiti national team for the first round of play. 

Ocean City Council votes to move forward with Wonderland Pier redevelopment - As reported by WHYY and The Press of Atlantic City, members of the Ocean City Council voted on June 25 to designate the former Wonderland Pier property as an area in need of rehabilitation. The designation is a procedural step that could expand redevelopment options for the property. A proposal by developer Eustace Mita to build a 252-room, multistory hotel at the Wonderland site is reportedly still on the table.

Sixth annual Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring coming to Atlantic City July 12-18 - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City the fishing tournament drew more than 60 boats last summer and paid out over $1 million. About 75 boats and 600 anglers are expected to compete this year. The tournament is based out of Sen. Frank S. Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget Atlantic City, with a secondary weigh-in station at the Sunset Marina in Ocean City, Maryland.

South Jersey Transportation Authority offers incentives to airlines, seeks to boost service at Atlantic City International Airport following Spirit Airlines' departure in May - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, the South Jersey Transportation Authority has established an incentive program for existing and prospective airlines at Atlantic City International Airport. The program, which is expected to be open until June 30, 2027, provides waivers of certain airport fees to help offset costs associated with introducing new destinations or increasing flight frequencies on existing routes.

Spiegelworld’s “The Hook” set to end its residency in Atlantic City - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, after three years and more than 1,000 performances, Atlantic City's only permanent, year-round show is set to close at the end of the summer.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awards $19.5 million for Ocean City beach projects - As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $19.5 million contract to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company of Houston for a beach fill project at the northern end of Ocean City's beaches.