Over the past 45 years, New Jersey gambling has been a rollercoaster of innovation, growth, and straight-up reinvention.

Many associate the Garden State with Atlantic City’s busy casinos and boardwalks, but the history of gambling here stretches well beyond its 1980s heyday.

After working in the industry for years, there’s something fascinating about watching how the pieces always seem to shift. Here’s a closer look at the history of Atlantic City gambling — its origins, rise, and where it seems to be headed.

Before the Casinos – Early Days of Gambling in NJ

To understand Atlantic City’s rise as a gambling hub, you need to trace the roots of New Jersey gambling back to colonial times. New Jersey was no stranger to wagers. Lotteries even funded public projects during the 18th and 19th centuries.

However, gambling’s reputation took a hit in the early 1900s due to social reform movements, leaving much of the industry’s growth stalled for decades.

By the mid-20th century, a more permissive outlook had reemerged. Horse racing tracks were the first to make headway, cementing Jersey gambling as a draw for locals. However, the prospect of legal casino gambling was still a long way off at that time.

When Did Gambling Become Legal in Atlantic City?

The real shift came in 1976. A New Jersey public referendum was passed, paving the way for legal casinos in Atlantic City.

This was a decisive moment for the town, which was desperate to reclaim its status as a tourist magnet. But it wasn’t until 1978 that casinos finally opened their doors. That brings us directly to the next question people always ask.

“When did Atlantic City casinos open?” – Well, the first casino launched operations on May 26, 1978. Thus, casino gaming in New Jersey was finally born.

What Was the First Casino in Atlantic City?

The title of the first casino Atlantic City opened goes to Resorts Casino Hotel. Nestled along the boardwalk, it became an instant symbol of possibilities for the city and the state. At the time, New Jersey was only the second state — after Nevada — to legalize gambling.

Resorts Casino’s opening wasn’t just a banner day for Atlantic City. It also marked the beginning of exponential growth for other original Atlantic City casinos.

The Golden Era of Jersey Gaming

The 1980s were undeniably the peak for Atlantic City casinos. Various big gambling companies like Caesars and Bally’s poured millions into glitzy properties, and Atlantic City became the East Coast’s answer to Las Vegas. Various important developments took place in the 80s, including:

• Gambling revenue soared, making Atlantic City the No. 1 New Jersey gambling city synonymous with wealth and entertainment.
• Tourist numbers surged, with many visitors coming from nearby New York and Pennsylvania.

This was an era of cocktail lounges, big-money card games, and unique glamour. If you walked the boardwalk back then, you’d see high rollers enjoying what felt like a utopia for gamblers.

Late 20th Century Challenges and Decline

Jersey gambling began fading in the 1990s and early 2000s. Atlantic City casinos faced tough competition as nearby states like Pennsylvania and New York introduced their own gambling venues. This meant fewer visitors crossed state lines to wager.

In addition to external competition, the city saw declining tourism due to aging infrastructure and changes in consumer preferences. Several casino closures in the 2010s were a direct result of these challenges.

Yet, it wasn’t the end — and that’s the beauty of Atlantic City gambling history. The industry has always found ways to adapt.

Modern Face of New Jersey Gambling

Atlantic City is mainly embracing new gaming formats for the modern age — sports betting and online platforms. The Jersey gaming industry has shifted to the modern era and is making a savvy move to capitalize on the digital age.

Some key trends include:

• The rise of sports betting after the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision to lift its nationwide ban.
• Online casinos are licensed through Atlantic City operators, giving players new options to gamble from anywhere in the state.

Still, many people tend to be confused regarding the current state of gambling in NJ and ask: “Is gambling legal in New Jersey?” the answer is unequivocally yes — but it’s evolved far beyond just traditional casinos.

As the popularity of online gambling grows, so does the complexity of its security challenges. Industry leaders are actively engaged in discussions to address rising concerns such as data breaches and fraud. Moving forward, these discussions are expected to increasingly prioritize the development of robust security measures to ensure a safe online casino environment for everyone.

New Jersey Gambling City Beyond Atlantic City

While Atlantic City remains the New Jersey gambling city of fame, smaller entities and online gaming are redefining this designation.

Many gamblers today associate places like Monmouth Park (for sports betting) or their favorite apps with their gambling experiences as much as the physical casino floor.

The New Jersey ethos is simple — innovate or fade into obscurity.

What’s Next for Gambling in New Jersey?

Looking ahead, the NJ gambling industry will likely continue innovating. What does that future include?

• Expansion of online gambling offerings.
• Continued investments in Atlantic City to attract new gamers.
• Possible diversification into immersive tech-driven gambling experiences, like virtual reality casinos.

History of Gambling in NJ & What to Expect

As we reflect on over 45 years of casinos in New Jersey, one thing stands out: the industry has an exceptional ability to pivot during difficult times.

Yet, as someone who often hears about these shifts firsthand, I’d argue the biggest question isn’t about what the city has done but what it will become.

Reinvention takes time, but the solid foundation set in 1978 proves that Jersey gambling still has a future — and I, for one, am excited to see what’s next.