New Jersey is perhaps the second most important state in America for gambling because it contains Atlantic City, the east coast’s only casino hub. However the state has a somewhat confused attitude to gambling with state regulators vehemently opposed to sports betting.
Casino gambling in New Jersey
All of New Jersey’s casinos are based in Atlantic City, a slightly dreary coastal town on the Jersey shore. Atlantic City largely draws its customers from New York and Philadelphia and the 100 mile urban sprawl that separates the two cities. Known by many of its customers as ‘AC’ it is a place with little to offer the visitor other than gambling.
Atlantic City’s eleven casinos are spread out along the famous Boardwalk, a wooden walk beside the Atlantic Ocean beach. There are constant rumours of new casinos being built, although the legalisation of slot machines at racetracks in neighbouring Pennsylvania may well have cooled investors’ ardour about investing in new Atlantic City casino resorts.
Tourists are advised not to spend too much time outside the casinos or off the Boardwalk as there is rampant crime, drug dealing and prostitution within a couple of blocks of the casinos. Those who decide to drive to neighbouring towns to escape the monotony of AC’s casinos should be warned that many of the surrounding places are ‘dry’ – they do not serve alcohol in their restaurants – and you should bring your own if you are looking for something stronger than water with your meals.
