Atlantic
City is located on Absecon Island in Atlantic County. It is approximately
60 miles southeast of Philadelphia and about 100 miles south, southwest
of New York (North Latitude: 39 21'32", West Longitude: 74 25'53).
Atlantic City's proximity to population centers and convenient,
inexpensive train access allowed thousand to flee the hot cities
and enjoy summer pleasures at the cool seashore.
From the 1880's to 1940's, Atlantic City was a major vacation resort.
In the 1920's, it was a pre-Broadway show tryout town. Population
peaked at 66,000 in the 1930's, and despite hard times, people came
to forget their troubles. In the 1940's, the U. S. Army used the
city for training purposes, occupying several of the major hotels
on the Boardwalk. The city grew rapidly and provided lodgings, eating
places, amusements, entertainment and activities for all ages, tastes
and incomes. Over the years, many famous figures visited and entertained
here. A number of attractions, like the Boardwalk, amusement piers
and beauty pageants were developed. (credit for Atlantic City history
goes to the Atlantic
City library)
On
May 28, 1978, Resorts International in Atlantic City became the
first U.S. casino to be found outside of Nevada. Atlantic City (or
A.C. as its affectionately called) has made New Jersey the second
powerhouse U.S. state in terms of casino revenue.
In 1998, the 12 Atlantic City casinos pulled in over $4 billion
(as compared to the almost 400 casinos in Nevada, which made $8
billion). The Atlantic City casinos don't have quite the glitz and
glamour of the Vegas strip, but they do provide plenty of entertainment
for day-trippers, slot lovers, and others. The prevailing gambling
conditions aren't awful, but you won't find as many opportunities
as in Nevada - of course, this statement would be true for any gambling
venue that's not in Nevada. For a long time, Atlantic City casinos
have had the east Coast monopoly on gaming.
Even greater plans are in store for Atlantic City casinos. Substantial
progress is evident now in the construction of housing and government
buildings in the city. A viable casino revenue reinvestment program
is now in place, as is an Amtrak rail link between Atlantic City
and Philadelphia. Some casinos have announced plans for general
family entertainment and Ocean One shopping mall has been successfully
operating on the site of the former Million Dollar Pier. The world
famous Boardwalk remains a major attraction, offering shopping and
amusements of all types. Construction has been completed on the
new Atlantic City Convention Center and the new Atlantic City High
School opened its doors in the Fall of 1994. It would seem another
chapter in Atlantic City's colorful history has begun, and the city
may once again proudly wear its title of "Queen of the Coast."
So now, the city is trying to expand its image. It is promoting
itself as a "world-class visitor and meeting destination" as well
as the Atlantic City casinos. In a grand-scale effort to realize
its boast, "America's Favorite Playground" is in the midst of a
multi-billion-dollar renaissance. The goal of the massive redevelopment
and expansion is to add to the approximately 37 million visitors
who already frequent Atlantic City every year. Developers are enhancing
the town's look and facilities, and broadening its interest base
to accommodate conventioneers and a variety of vacationers in addition
to gamblers.
Undoubtedly, for the newbie in the world of gambling, the Atlantic
City casinos is an excellent venue to begin and win.
On
May 28, 1978, Resorts International in Atlantic City became the
first U.S. casino to be found outside of Nevada. Atlantic City (or
A.C. as its affectionately called) has made New Jersey the second
powerhouse U.S. state in terms of casino revenue.