How Atlantic City went from a bustling tourist hub to a ghost town
Atlantic City's true heyday was in the early 1960s, when traveling cross-country was not economical for most families.
Even before gambling was legal in the area, the city served as the East Coast's go-to beach destination. Now, even on a 90-degree day the beaches can feel eerily empty.
Opening its doors in the summer of 1978, the Resorts International Casino was the first casino to open in Atlantic City. It was the first time gambling was legal outside of Nevada, and it was a bold attempt to bring more tourists to the area.
Major casino operators including Caesars, Bally's, and Harrah's flocked to Atlantic City once gambling was legal. All three are still open and operating.
Donald Trump also had high hopes for the city. He got an Atlantic City casino license in 1982 and opened three casinos, all of which are now closed.
Source: Newsweek
In 1991, just a year after opening, the Taj Mahal filed for bankruptcy. Trump had financed it with $900 million in junk bonds.
Source: Newsweek
This year, a study found that Atlantic City's casinos provide 20% fewer jobs than they did in 2014.
Source: Press of Atlantic City
In May 2012, Revel, a 57-story, $2.2 billion resort and casino, opened after a nearly six-year struggle marked by construction halts, union protests, and government interference. The casino had to file for bankruptcy two times within the first two years of operating, and it officially closed in September 2014.
The nonprofit marketing organization Atlantic City Alliance has been in charge of branding Atlantic City since 2011.
In 2012, the Alliance announced a new slogan for Atlantic City: "Do AC."
It hasn't helped turn the city's economy around. Between 2013 and 2016, five casinos have had to shut down: Revel AC, Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, the Atlantic Club Casino Hotel, Showboat Atlantic City, and the Taj Mahal.
On November 8, along with voting in the presidential election, the state of New Jersey will vote on the possible opening of two new casinos, but they must be located at least 72 miles from Atlantic City.
Source: Press of Atlantic City
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