It's hard to get away from Las Vegas when talking about the best casino city in the US – and arguably the world. But Atlantic City is an awesome destination that deserves lots of respect as the true gambling capital of the East Coast. Here's our casino player's guide to Atlantic City – just remember that looking the part is essential if you want to impress at the casino table, or on the stunning beaches.
Atlantic City features ultra-modern casino gaming, but your first port of call should be some of the iconic resorts that have been strutting their stuff since the 1980s.
Bally's opened in 1979, is found in Midtown, and is famed as one of the biggest casinos in the city. The casino features a spa, family fun zone, as well as the Bally's and Wild Wild West casino lounges packed with every game imaginable.
Opened in the early 2000s, Borgata is found in the Marina and features a classy rustic Tuscan style. This is the pick for lots of serious poker fans, since the resort hosts the biggest daily poker tournament in Atlantic City. Don't miss dinner at Borgata, where you'll often spot famous singers and actors.
Everyone's taste is different, but staying at Resorts Casino Hotel definitely means you're staying in a casino with a high-class reputation. This is an elegant venue, with a 'roaring 20's' style.
Atlantic City's reputation as a legitimate casino gambling city stretches back into the 1970s, but once you've visited the iconic venues like Bally's it's time to experience the cutting-edge casinos. The investment has been charging-up in recent times, with launches like Hard Rock and The Ocean attracting gambling tourists from all over the planet.
Lunched in 2018 and backed by the iconic Boardwalk, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City matches Vegas for world-class casino gaming and all-round entertainment. There's a Hard Rock Cafe, nightclub, cocktail bars, shows, a huge casino, and VIP hotel rooms with ocean views.
It's a similar story at The Ocean Casino, which was also launched in 2018 and features one of the best spa centres in New Jersey – ideal if you want to wind down after action-packed casino sessions.
While you can opt for classic casino designs or ultra-modern decor, some Atlantic City casino resorts feature interesting themes. Two must-visits are Caesars and Tropicana.
This offers a special Asian influence on the second floor, with amazing iconography. The casino is infamous for lucky seats that mysteriously create lucky wins. You can stay in the Temple Towers, the Ocean Tower and the Centurion Tower – but be sure to sample the nightlife on offer.
This is the perfect resort to hit after a long day soaking up the sun around the pool or beach, with a tropical Cuban influence making it paradise for casino players. With 2,000 rooms, countless bars, luxury restaurants and shopping malls, Tropicana has something for everyone, including a 27/7 casino featuring blackjack, roulette, craps, three card poker, premium poker area, Asian games, and jackpot slot machines.