What Happened to Atlantic City?

The story of the decline of Atlantic City and what has happened to this once gambling hub of the east...
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[@lindahrushanyk83]

Atlantic City has a lot to offer besides casinos. There's the beach, the boardwalk, restaurants, Gardner's Basin, Steel Pier and shops. There is outlet shopping. Sure you can say what happened to it, but there still is a lot of good and fun things to do in Atlantic City. I forgot to mention jet skiing and parasailing.

[@glennhuber4975]

Sure, if you want to be harassed by beggars asking for money. There is only one real amusement pier for kids and the shops are all high end and who can afford them. The fun is gone on AC, and nothing will revive it until it’s safe to go beyond the lights of the casino with doors and windows locked. And something to do for other folk who don’t gamble

[@spookily1661]

They don’t have a great atmosphere look at some of the houses and they are run down go to a place like Ocean City New Jersey

[@holdenmcgroin9774]

Who are you kidding? My cousin was eaten by a shark and he came back with half a body.

[@jsivco3sivco785]

In other words.... A.C. has nothing but the casinos!

[@314jrock]

Many east coast cities have beaches and boardwalks. All cities have restaurants, shops, and outlet shopping. These things are not exclusive to Atlantic City.

[@jeffreyg201]

Three things that the federal government did that hurt the city. 1) Running down the hotels along the boardwalk by seizing them and converting them into hospitals for veterans returning home from WW2. 2) An overabundance of federally subsidized low income housing. 3) Requiring sand dunes to be built which eventually blocked the ocean view from the boardwalk.

[@JJ-rf7dg]

Pennsylvania built their casinos and online gaming hurt Atlantic city. Also, Pennsylvania has free parking

[@themasterzman1172]

The problem is a failure of city council to put money back into the city and invest in tourism

[@MrGlenspace]

Exactly.

[@joey28]

Nah

[@jasonsimpkins9069]

Yes. I live around there. The cronies in charge suck. Casinos should all chip in and ake a power move. Hell, I've stayed down there about 30-40 days this year. And I'm less than an hour away. There's been a shit ton of people everyday. Concerts are back. GnR this weekend but a lot of other high powered concerts

[@666kingdrummer]

They need to stop trying to find this mythical "quick fix" to just magically solve the city's problems, and actually make a plan to fix the city up properly.

[@sconcept2345]

The rooms are way too expensive, the town is grimy, and the Casinos don’t invest back into the community.

[@exdemocrat9038]

Excellent point.

[@jillianleda6732]

Aww on the weekdays it's cheap

[@jacobconarck8275]

I love the galaxy brain thinking that leads someone to "the hotel rooms are so expensive so nobody goes there." It's like the old Yogi Berra joke about the restaurant no one goes to anymore because it's too crowded. There's a reason it's impossible to find a room during summer weekends, it's still a massively popular resort town!

[@dougronald561]

That's not accurate. There's something called the CRDA (Casino Reinvestment Development Authority), which the casinos are required to give money to . . . they fund projects all over town.

[@chuck6588]

Casinos contribute to CRDA, a government entity. CRDA mismanages funds.

[@JerseyJeff84]

Being a lifelong New Jersey native, AC was part of the "Shore trips" I made growing up. However, due to it being somewhat dangerous and the nightlife, my parents always opted for family friendly Ocean City, NJ & Wildwood. That was circa the early 90's. I do have fond sports memories of attending multiple WWE(WWF at the time) events there and seeing comedians such as Kevin James & Rich Little.

[@MyNameIsUnavailable]

King Kong Bundy

[@jeannelynskey6946]

Atlantic City has been up and down over many years. It will come back, as it always has. It will reinvent itself. The people are tough and resilient.

[@rickhager3288]

Atlantic City's future is not "questionable" or "bleak". The casinos have had some of their best-ever earnings in the first quarter of 2021. The sports betting and online wagering are also important assets that have helped AC to rebound. And, the fact that Atlantic City is one of only two beaches in the state that are free is also something that is very favorable. The beach bars are also very popular attractions. AC continues to work toward more "family-friendly" attractions, such as what is planned for the Showboat Hotel on the boardwalk. I have no vested interest in any of these properties and I don't gamble (other than a $20 dollar "donation" once or twice a year) but I do have a keen interest in seeing Atlantic City continue their renaissance. The Atlantic City Convention Center is one of the best in the country.

[@johnf6687]

The best earnings 20,21, for AC most likely from bailouts was a good idea 👍

[@mstyles2667]

@@johnf6687 No its from sports betting

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

Thanks for the update, Governor Murphy.

[@barco581]

I really like AC too, but lets not sugarcoat things. AC still hasn't matched its gaming revenue peak from 2006. As you said Rick, sports betting has really pumped up the numbers, but a lot of those bets are placed online and it simply doesn't create the number of jobs that in-person gaming does. How many workers were employed in AC casinos in 2006 compared to 2022? The Hilton, Sands, Showboat, and Trump Plaza are closed/long gone. Walk through Bally's Wild West and most of it is empty with a broken train and discounted drinks. How is the Pier at Caesars doing these days? Now it looks like ShopRite is going to pull out of its $1 a year lease and not come to AC. AC Convention Center "one of the best in the country?!" Are you kidding? Have you been to conventions in say Orlando, Vegas, or San Diego?

[@b3at2]

I just went atlantic city last weekend, had a great time...I stayed at the tropicana...it was pure fun.

[@davehuie7793]

I use to go to AC like every two weeks back in 2005 - 2008. Would get comped almost everywhere but lost too much and stopped going. Borgata was the best. The most like Vegas. I miss it a lot.

[@wheels9996]

Atlantic City is not a forgotten place, honestly it’s my favorite place to go. I go there about every year with my cousins and we have tons of fun.

[@christinasavannah7992]

Its much safer and better weather...than that petri dish of crime Las Vegas smh....its hot as hell which Atlantic city doesnt have it has amazing weather....also Las Vegas has so much homeless almost as much as L.A. or San francisco ....also crime is very open in vegas

[@PinkPanda_OnPaws]

I go with my family and sometimes friends. I have to much fun and my favorite part is the go karts on the boredwalk🙏

[@arnelevans4803]

Ive been going for 20 years, I love it

[@markpinkerton8417]

Wife and I go there 4/5 times a year. We enjoy it everytime we go!

[@efajahmed9917]

Thank you

[@markpinkerton8417]

@@efajahmed9917 Heading there tomorrow!

[@seize3]

Yeah Jersey lost the monopoly but I disagree in terms of the decline, at least in the past recent years. Things were looking up before covid. The free beach concerts, seafood festival, beer festival, food truck festivals, artists like Post Malone, J Balvin, Marc Anthony, etc were all different streams of revenue the city was banking on and that's what was starting to make AC different. This past weekend was EXTREMELY packed so hopefully they recover sooner rather than later

[@travelmanMN]

Would you go there solo and single??

[@seize3]

@@travelmanMN I would and I have lol done that plenty of times

[@genuEngine]

Definitely on the upswing , sure the city itself is not so great , but hundreds of millions of $ are being invested into a huge water park , massive arcade and within the casino themselves , the new Hard Rock is fantastic

[@13bcoffee]

Atlantic City could possibly out survive Vegas. It's near the ocean and huge cities and a heavily populated state. The top notch beaches alone could lead to AC being a top destination for years to come. Even now AC is still the #2 destination behind Vegas. AC is in the process of considering two measures that would put them ahead of the new casinos in PA and DE. That would be the legalization of cannabis. Yep... imagine being able to legally smoke at the casino. The other is a measure that would allow alcohol in closed containers on the boardwalk. Places would make drinks to go where people could stroll the boardwalk drink in hand!

[@rwboa22]

Another way that AC could still compete with other states could be a Federal law that limits full sports betting to only Nevada, Atlantic City, and Federally-recognized Native American nations and grandfather Delaware for parlay betting during the College Football and NFL seasons. Elsewhere, where most states have their casinos at horse racing tracks, they would be restricted to only betting on horse races. The only reason Nevada has an advantage over anywhere else is that Vegas changed and adapted itself as a Disneyland for adults, yet also, except for Clark County, permits legal prostitution.

[@brendonfragola3574]

Dude everyone smokes wherever they want in AC and you can walk around and drink wherever you want. AC is a piece of shit. There's nothing there

[@johnf6687]

I think your right AC would outperform L. Vegas the cause of this potentially California senero

[@beambooi6431]

Except AC’s beaches are not top notch. They are crusty as hell

[@rwood87]

@@rwboa22 SCOTUS ruled on sports betting.

[@Simplepinoy703]

Just got back. Trops, Borgata, Hard Rock were pretty busy. Every thing else were pretty dead. Love the no smoking inside. Most restaurants are back open and you can drink inside as well. It was a good trip.

[@Dog.soldier1950]

I was there in the mid 80’s. Once you got away from the strip of casinos the place was a run down dump

[@josephbell5806]

I'm afraid that, by and large, it's still that way.

[@jimfaust6342]

Just like Vegas

[@sasha71299]

Yes, and when I went I realized that the hard way.

[@joemckim1183]

@@jimfaust6342 I think that you have to go a little further away from the strip of Vegas before you get into the bad parts of town. I think that Vegas still has plenty of off strip casinos for locals.

[@uzifelner6147]

They do have a beautiful beach, buy yet, so does Ocean City, and Asbury Park.

[@SacTownLions0]

After going to Vegas a few times and loving it, I heard about AC and found out it was on the ocean with boardwalk and beaches. I kept telling me friends, lets go to AC! Everybody always said, "you don't want to go to AC."

[@JerseyJeff84]

And on the flip side, having been to AC many times(it's only 40 mins from me), i always said "Let's go to Vegas!" And people who had lived in or been to LV would tell me it wasn't all that cracked up to be. Haha funny how we got similar responses to both.

[@thismothafuckasaid7304]

They are complete opposite places, except for both having casinos.

[@whooelse9444]

AC has the beach so thats the edge it has over vegas. Vegas has more casinos & dispensaries, although NJ just legalized rec weed so im more than certain that more people will flock to AC in the near future when a dislensary pops up.

[@sm1734]

Don't keep believing your friends go for yourself

[@misslolmomo]

It’s nothing out there

[@3006Ave]

I used to go here every summer and Christmas in the late 80's and early 90's to Trump Plaza and Taj Mahal. It was very crowded during that era.

[@stalegum]

I'm originally from South Jersey. Nobody goes to Atlantic City unless you have to.

[@rjharper2597]

Facts

[@thehammer4625]

That is factually untrue, before Covid, 25 million visited Atlantic City and in 2019, the casinos generated $3 billion in revenue. I go there all the time and enjoy the beach, boardwalk, restaurants and bars. You don’t even need to visit the casino.

[@jaquandrejones]

Id hardly call Michigan a close state to New Jersey lol

[@VLA1234-t2t]

Took away all the Midwestern crowd that would gamble

[@UserName-ts3sp]

eh it’s within a day’s drive

[@jaquandrejones]

@@UserName-ts3sp almost half the states are, since most are tiny and tucked on the eastern half of the county. Even then, a day's drive isn't close by any means if you ask someone in Europe

[@UserName-ts3sp]

@@jaquandrejones within the us it’s fairly reasonable for a longer weekend trip

[@jaquandrejones]

@@UserName-ts3sp 10 hours by car is a stretch for close is all im saying. Ohio is close, Wisconsin is close. Don't think id keep counting as far as jersey and Connecticut as close lmao

[@piattrocks]

I work in Atlantic City and have lived there in the past. If the $ from the casino redevelopment fund taken from visitors parking, you know that extra dollar of the $50 event parking you pay to see a "free" concert, went back to the people of Atlantic City, it would've been tremendous. The city started developing on the bay area, that Harrahs / Borgata / Golden Nugget area, because it's away from foot traffic. So rather than investing in it's people, it invested to get away from it's people. Meanwhile, "greyhound therapy," the practice of other towns taking their homeless and in need of mental health population and sticking them on a one-way ticket to AC never really stopped. Every other neighboring state legalized gambling and has casinos, so there's increased competition. I thought for a while that AC should legalize cannabis and try to get the Cannabis Cup, an international event with no home, to take place out of the AC Convention Center, to retain that "there's something legal here that isn't legal in the rest of the state" attraction point, but I guess someone in a high place really just wanted to invest as a city in those beach concerts, which had little to no long term effects on the city. The AC Boardwalk is also boring, with Ocean City, Wildwood, and virtually every other local boardwalk having more unique stores per mile than AC by a wide margin. Block after Block of Casino awnings on the boardwalk makes for a weird experience. Visitors kind of come and are confused. THIS is the famous AC Boardwalk? There's been development in recent years: Stockton University has some dorms where the old ACHS used to be, and The Walk's outside shopping outlets are still a thing. But it's a city that's main industry, the casinos, just went through a mass exodus a few years back, before Covid, and during Covid most remaining casinos liquidated a big percentage of their employees. This is an issue that rebranding isn't going to fix. There just isn't a reason to go here, and the local population isn't enough, and shouldn't have to, make up the slack for the slow of tourist traffic caused by watering down of the entire AC experience over 30 years.

[@travel4fun103]

This is an Essay! Nah!

[@piattrocks]

@@travel4fun103 I can't sum up a 60 year decline into 2 sentences! 🤣

[@bplup6419]

Lived near AC my entire life. I'm still baffled why people come here.

[@abombnyy13]

Lol same I’m about an hour north in Toms River and my girlfriend works in AC was just there two weeks ago it really is a dump

[@Itsme-vo4fx]

I remember going to Atlantic City in early 60’s. I wanted to see that famous horse on the pier dive ,from way high, into a relatively small pool of water. Boy was I disappointed when I finally paid to see “the show” and realized that the horse didn’t actually “dive” into that pool of water. What actually happened was the platform the horse was standing on was collapsed from under him and he literally FELL. The process was exactly how they hang people, but without the rope tied to his neck. I can only imagine how that horse felt each time he was put on the elevator to be hoisted up to that platform.

[@holdenmcgroin9774]

Animal cruelty back in the 60s

[@mommachupacabra]

The horses from what I learned from the riders actually loved it - the rider's job was less to ride the horse up and more to keep the horses from running up so they could get to the top and jump sooner.

[@colorwalk80]

Vegas is overrated. AC has a more relaxed atmosphere; I've been there many times and I love the city.

[@brendonfragola3574]

You must love drugs and homeless ppl

[@ngbbarti589]

vegas better

[@pseudonymshqipe854]

@@ngbbarti589 Atlantic City has a beach. Do I need to say more?

[@ngbbarti589]

@@pseudonymshqipe854 yes

[@mariogiresi6792]

Vegas is a complete ripoff. Everything is overpriced. Absolute crap.

[@giannatorchia7236]

Present day in 2021, they are still some great places in Atlantic city like the board work and other outdoor shopping areas . As well as great restaurants.

[@toplaycool21]

I think Atlantic City should re-invent itself like the other Jersey shore areas. Look at Asbury Park. It had gambling at one point in time but now it doesn’t and it has become something different. Atlantic City might have to do the same.

[@bobbycv64]

Thank you for your SUCCINCT and FACTUAL Information on why AC City is doomed. We use to visit often in the 2005-2010 and the place was awesome. The last time we visited prior to COVID, 2019? WAS DISCUSTING. 50% of the people are at least 400 pounds, not 300, 400+ These 50% are riding the boardwalk bus or in those old people carts, RASCALS. Here's the best part, they are drinking sugar sodas, JUST LIKE THE MOVIE. Ever see the movie Wall E - that's AC City.

[@EbillsTV]

Atlantic City is on the rise personally speaking I’m a doorman there and I can tell you with New Jersey’s biggest arcade opening at showboat and the largest indoor water park on the east coast opening next year 2022 Atlantic City is getting better and better by the day. I personally see a lot of progress day by day. Feel free to come see for yourself guys

[@barco581]

Time will tell on the water park. That has been talked about for years, and Blatstein doesn't exactly have the best track record in AC. How did he do with the Pier?

[@trololyep]

Seems pretty packed there this weekend

[@dogcowrph]

Even in the seventy you wouldn’t want to stray far from the boardwalk. AC is a dangerous city especially at night. It rivals some very bad cities in the third world.

[@skylar18100]

🤪

[@davidllewis4075]

Never having been to neither city may I suggest another factor for consideration: weather. There are simply more year-around days available in NV with decent weather.

[@griffina2340]

Completely true, especially since the biggest draw in AC besides the casinos is the beach and boardwalk and all the casinos in LV have pools you can go in year round.

[@jacobconarck8275]

@@griffina2340 " all the casinos in LV have pools you can go in year round." LOL I'm guessing you've never been to Vegas in the winter. Shit's cold dude, it's the fucking desert. Also give me summer in AC over summer in Vegas every day of the week.

[@Raja-bz4yw]

Not really. People go to AC also a lot during the winter and Fall. They really only go for concerts, comedy shows, parties the hotels and casinos put on for holidays like NYEs, Halloween, and Christmas. And there's many indoor pools in the major hotels in AC too. Yes, a huge portion of AC is the beach even though a good chunk of us NJ people don't go to the AC beach cause it's not the cleanest but it does bring in some traction during the summer months. During the winter and Fall, the beach turns into places for events. Theres fireworks on the beach during NYE and I saw an ad once for ice sculpting contest on the beach once too. The boardwalk remains open as well. Tons of stuff to do from arcades to attractions to yummy food. Weather isn't really a factor.

[@Rockhound6165]

Having been to both cities Vegas is just a better run city.

[@barco581]

David, spot on. A lot of people talk about all the mistakes made in AC and how it could have been the East Coast version of Vegas. I disagree. AC's climate is just not favorable to support a heavily visited year round destination. With the exception of a couple weeks in December, Vegas is packed all year. Now perhaps an East Coast Vegas could have been done in a place like Orlando.

[@dougronald561]

I live right near Atlantic City. Notice the guy narrating this video isn’t reporting from Atlantic City, he’s just showing pictures from there. I can tell he’s never been to Atlantic City.

[@DaniMrtini]

To be fair you can just do research online which is what pretty much everyone does when making videos like this. Why would he need to be in Atlantic city when he can just Google what's going on?

[@dougronald561]

@@DaniMrtini because the situation on the ground is very different from all the data being recycled here. Sometimes a reporter needs to go there, show pictures and footage of the scene she is reporting, and interview people involved. That was not done, and it shows. A.C. has been quite busy leading up until and after covid. There is a big sense of growth and positivity. The Ocean Resort Casino has been making renovations. Caesars just announced more renovations. Sports books were just added, and sports better has already exceeded Vegas.

[@jimfaust6342]

No mention of the beach at all. Weird. Ripley's is also at Atlantic City. It's not all casinos.

[@dougronald561]

@@jimfaust6342 Yes, I enjoyed Ripley's on the boardwalk. They have a good collection.

[@johnandrus3901]

@@DaniMrtini Atlantic City had plenty to do. I feel quite safe and have no problem walking around. As in any city, there are places to avoid. It is what you make of it.

[@timothymoroney9100]

I lived up the shore from AC for a decade. The city had plenty of chances to fix its inherent problems. The local politicians were just happy to collect checks. I want to Biloxi, Mississippi. Biloxi is what Atlantic City wished it could be.

[@mikeshilling8499]

Yep, many people are unaware of the long history of political corruption tied to the mafia in AC

[@vietnamvet4533]

Yep went to AC way back in the day, shix hole then and guess what haven't been their in 25 years, but don't need to fill me in, the native of AC make me sure that it would never change. MGM will fly me and the wife to Biloxi from Florida we do it 3-4 times a year. And never fear walking around.

[@jamesalexander5623]

@@mikeshilling8499 If the Mob was running AC it would be fine! ..... Politicians should not try to run Businesses and Businessmen should not try to run Politics!

[@johnf6687]

I’ve heard good thing about Biloxi but never been there even when offered trips to other areas free

[@eliza2.0]

Me and my husband go often in between our main vacations for the year because it's close and easy to get to. You will have a good time. Will be there next month for a girls trip

[@rondas7772]

Really, thx for sharing!

[@exdemocrat9038]

Eat at the famous White House.

[@daughterofzion9017]

Would u recommend for families ?

[@eliza2.0]

@@daughterofzion9017 I see families there with small children so yes, I'm not 100% sure of all the family activities available but there is the beach, boardwalk with rides. My daughter is an adult now but I have taken her when she was a teenager and let her bring a friend. Teenagers will find something to do and have fun. I can't speak personally about smaller kids but I see smaller kids there all the time so there are probably activities available. If you are a gambler... kid's cannot be on the actual casino floor.

[@stevepaglia6982]

Any single girls ha

[@mxchael9931]

its kinda sad. Atlantic city was really my childhood. I remember every time on a Friday when I was 5 that I would ride an academy bus from new york to ac, which was the best part, and remembering staying in trump plaza(rip) and caesars. I'm now 23 and hopeful to revisit my childhood really soon

[@Jiggy609]

I’m from south jersey and we still party in AC in the summer and it’s Still a bangin time. Love AC

[@ashiasnow8749]

And i escort there every weekend

[@Reminisce1]

Yessir I’m for middle New Jersey

[@Jiggy609]

@@ashiasnow8749 hmu

[@kylecolletti6994]

The showboat is in the early stages of building a water park on the property and shifting to a more family-friendly resort in the city. Perhaps this is AC’s Future

[@whooelse9444]

Thats actually not a bad idea. Go for a splash & then hit the casino to try to win some cash.

[@michaelmojica5507]

No water park but they did open a huge arcade with a bar opening tomorrow

[@sm1734]

Atlantic City will bounce back next year at this time there will be an indoor water park connected to showboat for family to bring their kids don't count Atlantic City out it's got a lot to offer and if you like betting sports . each hotel's has a great sports book you can sit down and spend the whole day there drinking for free and watching every game that's being played right in front of your eyes with like 10 to 12 TVs .actually Atlantic city's got more to offer than Vegas

[@ikeswp4959]

People go to Wildwood Atlantic city's a dump no matter what they do

[@sm1734]

People go to Wildwood because they have kids if you just want to lay on the beach . Then take your kids on the rides then it's fine .but the beach in wildwood is the same beach in Atlantic City it's the same water Atlantic City is for adults but do have rides for kids. And a gigantic arcade just opened for kids at the showboat and next year at this time there will be an indoor water park which will attract more families with kids .Wildwood is way overpriced the prices for rooms are ridiculous Atlantic City you can get a great bargain and have the beach and have the gambling Atlantic City offers much more than Wildwood .in wildwood you can walk the broad walk with your kids and go on the rides and eat at a bunch of hamburger joints that's fine if that's what you want ..but if you are an adult there's much more to do in Atlantic City there are great high-end restaurants . .in wildwood the prices of the rooms are much much more money than Atlantic City.in Wildwood the motels are like motel 6s they couldn't compare with the great hotels in Atlantic City

[@michaelgreen1365]

People got tired of being ripped off by casinos😮 That’s what happens😮

[@edwardmckeown6560]

Donald Trump had at least 3 casinos and they all went bankrupt and closed.

[@thehammer4625]

Four, don’t forget Trump Worlds Fair, the former Playboy. Some of the casinos went bankrupt multiple times.

[@dougronald561]

Not much to do nearby? How about the beach? Not one room in Vegas has an ocean view with no exceptions. Why don’t you go to Atlantic City? It’s been packed post Covid.

[@barco581]

True, but Vegas hotels do have great views of the strip, desert, and mountains.

[@HonuFlight]

Nevada has "ladies of the night" that are regularly tested as well.

[@calebsaleeby7422]

Im literally going there tomorrow. Had this trip planned for 4 months now. Hell I hope its a good time

[@mlaunder1995]

I'm going there today for the weekend

[@candypietravels]

Ya it's still good just wish more things were open due to covid

[@Legend-lc9bv]

I’m going Friday

[@ghettohiphopdrop817]

Who plans a trip to atlantic city😭

[@Legend-lc9bv]

@@ghettohiphopdrop817 I did last year it was lit

[@CasaiTX]

The real nail in the coffin was Hurricane Sandy destroying most of the beach in the city that was drawing a ton of people in

[@thehammer4625]

That is not accurate, the Boardwalk on the north end was rebuilt, its very nice, I walk it all the time. There is plenty of beach to spread out.

[@dougronald561]

Yes, that’s not accurate. Only one small part of the North Shore boardwalk was destroyed in Sandy. Most of the boardwalk was fine. They continually put sand back on the beach and just completed a big project with the Army Corps of Engineers a few weeks ago.

[@chrisstarr4523]

It really sucked, people quit going and the labor unions drove it into the ground. I’m shocked there is still anything there.

[@quinn377]

Great video! Camden, NJ next stop?

[@shous99]

Everything dies baby that's a fact But maybe everything that dies someday comes back Put your makeup on fix your hair up pretty and meet me tonight in Atlantic City (B. Springsteen)

[@raydavison4288]

❤ I love that song.

[@chop3625]

Never thought that song would ever run true 👍

[@karonhamilton7314]

Atlantic city is so seedy!!!! We went in 2006 and 2008 both times crackheads, garbage and prostitutes everywhere! It was so scary! Las vegas seems not to far off with the reopening brought thugs, shootouts and homelessness right on the damn strip! It used to be so classy, not anymore!!!!

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

Another obstacle for Atlantic City, as a gambling destination, is the outrageous number of tolls an out-of-stater has to pay just to get there. With local casino's within 1/2 hour from their homes, why would anyone what to pay $60 in tolls and drive 3 hours to get there?

[@maloavi]

Atlantic City needs mires direct flights with quality airlines

[@SilverHonda0767]

I remember going to Atlantic City in the late 90s. We used to take the Martz Trailways bus in Allentown, PA buy a ticket for about $25. Redeem part of the ticket and get a roll of quarters and redeem another part of the ticket towards the Buffett.

[@georgejetson1025]

Went in 92 Casinos were nice , boardwalk was nice But a couple blocks away, what a scary city Anything change ?

[@griffina2340]

Barely, there is some new development kinda near the aquarium but otherwise any wear off the boardwalk is kinda a no go, besides like the outdoor shopping mall. Also trump doesn’t own a single casino AC anymore, all of them have either gone out of business and been torn down or gone out of business and sold

[@nicotheclown695]

2021 update the casino are grimly the boardwalk is scary BLM has ruined most of the city nothing but drug addicts begging for money and or dieing on the streets lmfao it's really a damn shame what's happened to this once beautiful and historic city

[@13bcoffee]

Yes... Many areas have been cleaned up and there is new looking housing. But more improvement is needed. I would prefer to live in nearby Brigantine or Ventnor.

[@sujeng402]

What a clown. I was there last week it was fine. You’re just shouting out your prejudices.

[@colesworldd]

@@nicotheclown695 it wasnt that bad when i went there a few weeks ago

[@MrEmanuel1223]

Been to both on numerous occasions one can see over the years AC was very slow to invest in itself while Vegas was constantly adding new features. You can see the big difference in the two bad management on the AC team let it run down. Now legalize cannibus and rebuild AC and you have a good product

[@murp61]

In the summer of '72 my Aunt drove my sister and I to Atlantic City from Philly and the whole place was virtually abandoned except for the Boardwalk which was still popular. Really creepy place at the time but we still had fun at the beach.

[@ziggy2shus624]

Corrupt local politics and corrupt local labor unions helped destroy Atlantic City. Las Vegas is now, by far, the number one convention city in the US. Businessmen on big expense accounts attending conventions and blowing money big time, is what keeps Vegas alive.

[@TheRealInsideSports]

Another great video bro. Keep up the good work.

[@docwillis1443]

Atlantic City is my favorite place on earth. Had some pretty wild times there.

[@Murph_.]

The biggest problem in Atlantic City is the same problem Las Vegas had at one time. Corruption. Even during those times in Las Vegas, they still made sure to put money into the city and casinos. Atlantic City's corrupt government ended up with large amounts of money in their pockets, rather than reinvesting in the city. Since the beginning, the casino/boardwalk area and the rest of the city are two completely different zones. There is extreme poverty RIGHT NEXT TO extreme wealth. If the government did its job PROPERLY, it would have used all that tax income from the casinos to build up infrastructure and lift up its people from their severe economic situation. Atlantic City could have been more...

[@Jvaldes609]

As a Atlantic City native much of the video is accurate once you water down the market bad things will happen if a leadership is not on point. But Atlantic City holds its own the casinos that are there are good still have world-class restaurants and the beach and boardwalk are OK great for a weekend getaway if you stay inside the hotels.

[@rondas7772]

So you do recommend a visit, that's good bcz I've never been

[@Jvaldes609]

@@rondas7772 Absolutely as long as you stay in the casinos hotels or outlets you should be fine. It’s still a great tail eventually shows will come back the mayor is trying to bring more to the city.

[@rondas7772]

@@Jvaldes609 ok thanks so much

[@rondas7772]

@@Jvaldes609 ok thx, do I need a rental car or can I just Uber there from the airport? Also do I need a rental car in general, can I just stay on boardwalk area?

[@Jvaldes609]

@@rondas7772 no if you just gonna stay in the boardwalk area and stay in a casino you don’t need a rental car I mean it also depends on how long your trip is, so Uber from the airport to the city and hang around the boardwalk area without a rental car is a good plan to me in my opinion.

[@johnparks9986]

Haven't been there in almost 15 years. Would like to go back. I know not to venture too far from the Boardwalk. Met Dennis Rodman there last time I visited.

[@thehuntx]

There is nothing but a bunch of bums in AC everybody looking to get high of anything. I get high off Big Women.

[@ryanm4013]

AC is such a scummy place. Not sure how anyone can enjoy visiting that filth and those low class resorts.

[@realreviews4102]

The fact the flights there are extremely limited and only spirit offers it doesn’t help.

[@jflow08]

Doesn't help at all, lol.

[@sue08401]

That was a corrupt mayor (actually all of AC's are) but the sad part is that the airport was one of the few that was designated a space shuttle landing airport - It was a FAA test airport and I had a friend that worked there and told me of a really bad storm I think in the 70's where they actually were landing 727's using the taxi strips and turned the main runways into 2 separate landing strips. They were the only place with the electronic gear to handle the storm (I also got real lucky and got to park on the side of the road and watched the 747 with shuttle on top make it's test landing at Pamona

[@johnandrus3901]

@@sue08401 There really hasn't been but a few decent mayors since they went to the strong mayor system. Started right off the bat with Mathews and with the exception of Guardian and Whelan and maybe Usry, they've all been pretty regrettable.

[@indianapatsfan]

Atlantic City wasn't the only thing that the boom of legalized gambling destroyed. God only knows how many lives and families have been destroyed by having a casino so close to home. I know it'll never happen but I wish for the old days when gambling was a Nevada only novelty.

[@weareorigin]

Yeah I had a friend who purposely signed up to ban himself from casinos.

[@angelovalavanis2314]

History always repeats itself. Atlantic City will rise again.

[@griffina2340]

Nothing unique about AC? Idk what he’s talking about, just to name one there’s the longest boardwalk in the world. Plus he makes it seem way worse then it actually is, it may be in decline but it’s still a major tourist destination and the boardwalk is always packed year round.

[@thehuntx]

Been loving here 5 years and FN hate this town.

[@codyjackson245]

Lol the boardwalk is a shithole though

[@TomLennox24]

I think Ocean City, Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach have longer boardwalks. Possibly Venice, California too.

[@corporatehousing5452]

Lived there in 2010. Loved it. Still sad to see it fail to succeed

[@stevenundisclosed6091]

I'd like to visit Atlantic City at some point in my life just to say I've gone.

[@acecubano2634]

It’s ok place if go to Tropicana try carmine or Cuba Libra

[@jillianleda6732]

It's the best place in the world to me, if there's a better place let me know

[@acecubano2634]

@@jillianleda6732 Vegas

[@paulburns1333]

Just say it anyway, who knows?

[@holdenmcgroin9774]

My cousin went to Atlantic City and they called us at the morgue to identify him.

[@boogitybear2283]

If you want great gambling in a great atmosphere, go to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It shows how great they maintain their region.

[@Rockhound6165]

Oh, and fun fact: the marina area is far better than the boardwalk area. There's a reason why The Borgata is the best casino in AC. Personally I miss Trump Castle. I really liked that place. My uncle was an iron worker and he helped build many of the casinos like Bally's, Tropicana, the now defunct Playboy, etc.

[@whooelse9444]

AC has a beach & boardwalk so it still has an edge over others on the east coast. Its almost beach season so its definitely gonna be an increase in foot traffic & lodging. Im only about an 80 min. drive away so whenever it hits 75 degrees, im hitting the AC beach for sure.

[@vietnamvet4533]

Yea but stay off the sidewalks.

[@whooelse9444]

@@vietnamvet4533 i've been up & down those sidewalks too many times. If ur saying what i think ur trying to say then i can only say this: just mind ur business & you'll be fine out there.

[@vietnamvet4533]

@@whooelse9444 Yep I think you know what I am saying if you been up and down those sidewalks in AC. Minding ones own business is a great idea, one you and your community should embrace. Sadly for the people who visit AC without the whole story and think that a nice midnight stroll outside the casinos and off the board walk be just great. Need to know the truth AC is has been and I bet will continue to be a dirty crime filled city, where even if you are minding your own business you are still at risk if you don't just stay in the casinos. Or at least on the boardwalk, from a guy that was going to AC way back in the late 70s, maybe even before you were born.

[@PatrickRandolphJr]

I live in AC let’s just say the downfall of AC wasn’t gambling. It was the bums😂

[@carriekivlin4174]

I think “unfortunate people” would be a better word then bums, don’t you?

[@paulburns1333]

@@carriekivlin4174 Yes but not the truth. They're bums.

[@vincentsmith8284]

I haven’t seen a lot of bums there in a decade they all went to California

[@jamesalexander5623]

By Bums you meant the Trumps ..... Right?

[@chuck6588]

Incompetent local government, along with over-regulation from the state government are two huge factors in the city’s demise.

[@johnf6687]

Good point there really has been no real leadership and plan to this area

[@rgreenberg35]

Going there as a kid was awesome even not being able to gamble. Boardwalk food in any New Jersey town is the GOAT

[@666kingdrummer]

The local government of Atlanta City really are frustrating. Ever since the "success" of the casinos in the late 70's, they've been obsessed with trying to find this next big "Quick Fix" to the city's problems, that simply doesn't exist. If they really wanted to help the City, they'd address the real issues effecting it like the homeless problem, the drugs, the crime, the lack of jobs outside of tourism and the casinos, and the high cost of living. If they would address just one or two of these issues, than people would consider coming back and actually have some hope for the city, but they just won't.

[@michealgarcia2170]

I went to Atlantic city when I was 12 years old. My mother and step father took me and my brother there. I remember the time there was laser games there. I wanted to go in the casino but security said no children allowed in the casino.

[@illswagr1]

They need to open a hard rock in East Rutherford. Nobody from north jersey wants to drive 2 hrs to go to ac

[@gregj831]

What happened to Atlantic City is the same thing that happened to Vegas. It died with the Mob and the Showgirl. Like everything else they touch, Progressives made it boring.

[@callmebirdboy]

Thats why Macau is blowing up. Triads built it.

[@JB-pl1iu]

Boring like the useless red states that mooch off the federal tax dollars of those progressive blue states.....

[@Elkamino71]

Believe it or not the first decline of Atlantic City actually started in early 2000's with the smoking bans. It is plagued with corrupt politics, ramped drugs and crime. AC is not a destination. They do not even market the ocean and beaches. A major overhaul would be necessary just to return to a quarter of what it used to be. The pandemic was just about the nail in the coffin if online gaming didn't carry it through.

[@barco581]

Actually AC casinos were exempt from the state smoking ban of the early 2000s. AC gaming revenue peaked in 2006. PA got casinos in 2007 and is now the second largest gaming market in the US.

[@Dalt21]

It’s packed here every weekend in the summer. Also pre-covid I’ve noticed the winters being busier too. I think it has something to do with Stockton University adding an Atlantic City campus. More kids are out and about. Not to mention the addition to the beach concerts. Did you see the crowds for the Phish concert last weekend?

[@Rambl3On]

They destroyed all their incredible architecture of the past when cars became popular and then built bland uninspired casino, hotels, and parking lots.

[@FrankG5874]

Why should I go to Atlantic City as Parx Casino is just twenty minutes southwest of New Jersey’s state capital of Trenton in Bensalem, Pennsylvania outside of Philadelphia. It’s closer and more convenient.

[@email5023]

I think that was answered in the video.

[@Nicki-q4m]

Because all those casinos are terrible

[@jakdax5461]

I'd never heard of Atlantic City New Jersey till I watched this video.

[@marisa768]

Just came back from a short trip there. Yeah, once you go outside the perimeters of the outlet shops/boardwalk-lining hotels it's a bit of a scary place, but in the more touristy areas it's not that bad. I mean, I don't think Gordon Ramsay would have restaurants (they're at Caesar's and Harrah's in AC) somewhere that he thought was essentially scum of the Earth. It has some redeeming qualities despite its downsides, just like any other city. Grew up an hour from here, closer to Philly, and I always have fond memories of shore trips here several times a year.

[@jdog804]

AC is still a go-to destination. Mohegan Sun and Hard Rock just invested in new casinos a few years ago. Only issue is politics of the City Council that hinders it being a powerhouse destination.

[@toddburgess8285]

Also, for years though, a large majority of Atlantic City gamblers came be bus, many from PA, for day trips only, not to stay overnight in Hotels.

[@johnf6687]

The bus stops have stalled the cost of tickets fuel expenses has destroyed the traveling gamblers

[@noahnorman6877]

I feel like while Atlantic City is definitely past its prime, there’s still some home left. The people in charge are trying to make an effort to stray away AC from just gambling, So who knows? Maybe AC will make a resurgence one day, it’s kind of already starting to show as many of the hotel-casinos have underwent renovations in the few years since COVID, which means that people have definitely started making trips down there again and the people who run the hotels are taking notice. But still I think a lot should be done in order for Atlantic City to see tourist numbers like it did in the early 20th Century.

[@sarahdanette]

Miss America left too.. How sad

[@ianward3647]

literally going there on vacation next weekend

[@jillianleda6732]

Have fun!!! I'm here now!

[@carlfromtheoc1788]

Internationally, when the average person thinks a a big time gambling destination, it is Las Vegas. Period. High end it is probably Macao and maybe Monaco, and to a certain extent Las Vegas. ALL of these places have a certain cachet built over decades that other places do not. Also, Las Vegas and Macao have large dedicated airports, so it is easy to fly in an out of, which really helps. Monaco? You fly into Nice and go by train, limo, car, or yacht along the French Riviera to get there, but to stay in Monaco you need large stacks of money.

[@neilbender3050]

Great video. My aunt lives on the north side of the island in the city of Brigantine. Loved going to boardwalk and beach as kid in 80s but aunty says the CRIME “not organized “ is of the chart! Sad☹️

[@vietnamvet4533]

Big difference between Brigantine and AC you need to let everyone know what that is. I know you know but you don't have the balls to tell us now do you Neil.

[@thehammer4625]

Neil, Brigantine is its own island. Stick to the boardwalk, you won’t have a problem.

[@juanshaftpatel7488]

@@vietnamvet4533 blacks

[@SRMkay]

The biggest issue with Atlantic City today is the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority--a state agency that heavily regulates city governance and development, while conveniently diverting almost all of the casino tax revenue back to the state rather than the city.

[@michaelbrewder9508]

Vegas is just as bad go down East Fremont St. The past few years I have been to Vegas I have ended up spending 3 times as much as I budgeted due to so called cheap airlines like Spirit that changed their whole itinerary 3 weeks before departure, resort fees etc. I could have gone to Hawaii for as much money it's time to give Atlantic City another chance

[@michaelbrewder9508]

I have over the past three years spent at least 3000 more than I expected going to Vegas Thank you Spirit airlines for changing your itinerary 2 weeks prior to departure and having to spend 500 dollars plus missing work time so I didn't miss my trip altogether

[@michaelbrewder9508]

And even better the year before my girlfriend had to cancel at the last minute so she didn't come with me I did could not get through to Spirit airlines so I just went trying to go home they canceled BOTH of our tickets and had to pay 300 dollars more on an under booked flight that I had ALREADY FUCKING PAID FOR to get home may they go out of business and I will drive to AC

[@holdenmcgroin9774]

Atlantic City is great for casino but do not venture into the city. I found out the hard way when I got hit in the groin by a bullet. Long story short I am eunuch today.

[@johnmajane3731]

The city and state drained the income from gambling and didn't reinvest in the cities. Many of the neighborhoods have become crime infested dumps. Get off the boardwalk and you are not safe. Corrupt politicians closed Bader field which allowed easy access to the city by both General Aviation Aircraft and regional airliners cutting off that flow. I was at Bader in 1985 and it was a mini O' Hare. Now the field sits empty next to the abandoned ball park they built on the property, an opportunity laid waste as is the rest of the city. Sad.

[@RockStarMichael]

I've lived in the shadow of this dump my entire life. The casinos are criminal and the entire town should be flushed into the Atlantic Ocean. What a piece of garbage the town is.... And always was.

[@sm1734]

At this time next year there will be an indoor water park right next to showboat so families can bring their kids and showboat just opened up a kid's arcade it's magnificent the best arcade in Atlantic City actually Atlantic city's got more to offer then Vegas does especially during the summer

[@travel4fun103]

Vegas has more to offer however Vegas is very expensive!

[@megawavy09]

This so sad bc I grew up in Atlantic City and still live pretty close by, I got back all the time. I’m 24 now but when I was growing up there I never new it used to be a much brighter place filled with more life and less crime, always just thought poverty and crime was always how it was. When I got older of course I caught on but it’s just sad to say my home city in such bad condition especially when I got family there still, don’t even get me started on old friends I lost due to crime.

[@dragonli7106]

Atlantic City will be turning into a ghost town

[@johnf6687]

For the older crowd it’s almost a full time part time job money exchange to supplement elderly that reside on fixed expenses

[@123videos456]

The beach and boardwalks are great and as long as you stay in the hotels/casinos you’re fine. But that’s it. You don’t want to “explore” the city after dark. I’ve been going to AC for years and the city outside the aforementioned areas are still full off strung out junkies and beggars and the parts of the city that aren’t flush with money are run down and dilapidated. That’s always been AC or at least in the 17 years that I’ve been going there.

[@666kingdrummer]

AC always did have a shady side, but not like this.

[@patrickracer43]

One of the main problems was the three states surrounding the state of New Jersey opening casinos, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York, also, the state of New Jersey allowed casinos to be in North Jersey

[@THEBANDIT7979]

Atlantic City needs to model itself after Hollywood Florida or Venice beach California. More affordable housing and high end condos. Develop the city People don’t really go to casinos just to gamble but to experience the dining and nightlife options. Las Vegas knows this. Stop blaming poor people ( ghettos ) for the mistakes of corrupt and short sighted bad city planning. How is a casino town broke ? Where’s the money going ?

[@Augustgetmoney]

They be Mike Tyson fights the main reason why i even went

[@dafordkidfilms2264]

I came here for the weekend. Haven’t been here since summer the 2012, a few months shy of Hurricane Sandy. I can tell the charm it had when I was last here it’s not the same. This place lost so many attractions and it’s literally nothing here. Idk what happened but coming here this weekend made me realize how much stuff was gone. It’s literally a shit hole.

[@evangorski7992]

2:44 watching this video while currently in that building lmao