Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City, sometimes referred to by its initials A.C., is a coastal resort city in Atlantic County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The city is known for its casinos, boardwalk, and beaches. Atlantic City inspired the U.S. version of the board game Monopoly, which uses various Atlantic City street names and destinations in the game.  In 1976, New Jersey voters legalized casino gambling in Atlantic City, and the first casino opened in 1978. Atlantic City had been the home of the Miss America pageant from 1921 to 2004, and returned to the city from 2013 to 2018.

As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 38,497, a decline of 1,061 (−2.7%) from the 2010 census count of 39,558, which in turn reflected a decrease of 959 (−2.4%) from the 40,517 counted in the 2000 census.Table 7. Population for the Counties and Municipalities in New Jersey: 1990, 2000 and 2010, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, February 2011. Accessed October 4, 2012. Atlantic City and Hammonton are the two principal cities of the Atlantic City-Hammonton metropolitan statistical area, which encompasses those cities and all of Atlantic County for statistical purposes and are part of the larger Delaware Valley (Philadelphia metropolitan area), the nation's seventh-largest metropolitan area as of 2020."New Jersey: 2020 Core Based Statistical Areas and Counties", United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 22, 2022. 

The city was incorporated on May 1, 1854, from portions of Egg Harbor Township and Galloway Township.Snyder, John P. The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606–1968, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 67. Accessed June 19, 2013. It is located on Absecon Island and borders Absecon, Brigantine, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway Township, Pleasantville, Ventnor City, and the Atlantic Ocean.

History
thumb|left|upright=1.1|Atlantic City, 1877
thumb|upright=1.1|A High Tide at Atlantic City, a painting by William Trost Richards, now housed in Brooklyn Museum
Settlement
For many years before the city's founding, the island site of the future settlement was the summer home of the Lenape Native Americans. While the precise date of the first permanent occupation of what came to be Atlantic City by European settlers has not been precisely determined, it is commonly thought that in 1783 Jeremiah Leeds first built and occupied an all year home on the island. However, it was not until 1850 that the idea arose to develop the location into a resort town and in early 1853 the name "Atlantic City" was adopted.

Because of its location in South Jersey, which hugs the Atlantic Ocean between marshlands and islands, Atlantic City was viewed by developers as prime real estate and a potential resort town. In 1853, the first commercial hotel, the Belloe House, which was built at the intersection of Massachusetts and Atlantic Avenues.About Us, City of Atlantic City. Accessed June 24, 2019. "The first commercial hotel the Belloe House, located at Massachusetts and Atlantic Ave., was built in 1853, and operated till 1902."

The city was incorporated in 1854, the same year train service began on the Camden and Atlantic Railroad.Thomas R. Winpenny, The engineer as promoter : Richerd B. Osborne, The Camden and Atlantic Railroad, and the creation of Atlantic City, Essays in Economic and Business History, 2004 Built on the edge of the bay, this served as the direct link of this remote parcel of land with Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. That same year, construction of the Absecon Lighthouse, designed by George Meade of the Corps of Topographical Engineers, was approved, with work initiated the next year.History, Absecon Lighthouse. Accessed July 27, 2017. "1854 – After a decade of prompting from Jonathan Pitney, considered by most to be the 'father' of Atlantic City, the U.S. Lighthouse Service requested and received a $35,000 appropriation from Congress for a lighthouse on Absecon Island.... 1855 Construction began under the direction of Major Hartman Bache." By 1874, almost 500,000 passengers a year were coming to Atlantic City by rail. In Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City, "Atlantic City's Godfather"Strauss, Robert. "Judge Nelson Johnson: Atlantic City's GodfatherA Q&A with Judge Nelson Johnson, whose book—Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City—was made into an HBO miniseries.", New Jersey Monthly, August 16, 2010. Accessed October 15, 2015. Nelson Johnson describes the inspiration of Dr. Jonathan Pitney (the "Father of Atlantic City"Cunningham, John T. This is New Jersey, p. 241. Rutgers University Press, 1994. . Accessed October 15, 2015.) to develop Atlantic City as a health resort, his efforts to convince the municipal authorities that a railroad to the beach would be beneficial, his successful alliance with Samuel Richards (entrepreneur and member of the most influential family in southern New Jersey at the time) to achieve that goal, the actual building of the railroad, and the experience of the first 600 riders, who "were chosen carefully by Samuel Richards and Jonathan Pitney":

After arriving in Atlantic City, a second train brought the visitors to the door of the resort's first public lodging, the United States Hotel. The hotel was owned by the railroad. It was a sprawling, four-story structure built to house 2,000 guests. It opened while it was still under construction, with only one wing standing, and even that wasn't completed. By year's end, when it was fully constructed, the United States Hotel was not only the first hotel in Atlantic City but also the largest in the nation. Its rooms totaled more than 600, and its grounds covered some 14 acres.

The first boardwalk was built in 1870 along a portion of the beach in an effort to help hotel owners keep sand out of their lobbies. Businesses were restricted and the boardwalk was removed each year at the end of the peak season."Atlantic City Boardwalk: A Stroll On the Wooden Way is Steeped in History", Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority. Accessed August 23, 2013. Because of its effectiveness and popularity, the boardwalk was expanded in length and width, and modified several times in subsequent years. The historic length of the boardwalk, before the destructive 1944 Great Atlantic Hurricane, was about  and it extended from Atlantic City to Longport, through Ventnor and Margate.Schwartz, David. "Storm of the Century: The Hurricane of '44 pounded Atlantic City like no other storm" , Casino Connection AC, Vol. 2, No. 9, September 2005. Accessed August 23, 2013.

The first road connecting the city to the mainland at Pleasantville was completed in 1870 and charged a 30-cent toll. Albany Avenue was the first road to the mainland available without a toll.History , City of Atlantic City. Accessed June 19, 2013.

By 1878, because of the growing popularity of the city, one railroad line could no longer keep up with demand. Soon, the Philadelphia and Atlantic City Railway was also constructed to transport tourists to Atlantic City. At this point massive hotels like The United States and Surf House, as well as smaller rooming houses, had sprung up all over town. The United States Hotel took up a full city block between Atlantic, Pacific, Delaware, and Maryland Avenues. These hotels were not only impressive in size, but featured the most updated amenities, and were considered quite luxurious for their time.

Boom period
left|thumb|upright=1.1|Haddon Hall Hotel depicted on a mid-1930s postcard
thumb|upright=1.1|Atlantic City Boardwalk crowd in front of Marlborough-Blenheim Hotel, 1911 (retouched)
In the early part of the 20th century, Atlantic City went through a radical building boom. Many of the modest boarding houses that dotted the boardwalk were replaced with large hotels. Two of the city's most distinctive hotels were the Marlborough-Blenheim Hotel and the Traymore Hotel.

In 1903, Josiah White III bought a parcel of land near Ohio Avenue and the boardwalk and built the Queen Anne style Marlborough House. The hotel was a success and, in 1905–1906, he chose to expand the hotel and bought another parcel of land adjacent to his Marlborough House. In an effort to make his new hotel a source of conversation, White hired the architectural firm of Price and McLanahan. The firm made use of reinforced concrete, a new building material invented by Jean-Louis Lambot in 1848 (Joseph Monier received the patent in 1867). The hotel's Spanish and Moorish themes, capped off with its signature dome and chimneys, represented a step forward from other hotels that had a classically designed influence. White named the new hotel the Blenheim and merged the two hotels into the Marlborough-Blenheim. Bally's Atlantic City was later constructed at this location.

The Traymore Hotel was located at the corner of Illinois Avenue and the boardwalk. Begun in 1879 as a small boarding house, the hotel grew through a series of uncoordinated expansions. By 1914, the hotel's owner, Daniel White, taking a hint from the Marlborough-Blenheim, commissioned the firm of Price and McLanahan to build an even bigger hotel. Rising 16 stories, the tan brick and gold-capped hotel would become one of the city's best-known landmarks. The hotel made use of ocean-facing hotel rooms by jutting its wings farther from the main portion of the hotel along Pacific Avenue.

One by one, additional large hotels were constructed along the boardwalk, including the Brighton, Chelsea, Shelburne, Ambassador, Ritz Carlton, Mayflower, Madison House, and the Breakers. The Quaker-owned Chalfonte House, opened in 1868, and Haddon House, opened in 1869, flanked North Carolina Avenue at the beach end. Over the years, their original wood-frame structures would be enlarged, and even moved closer to the beach. The modern Chalfonte Hotel, eight stories tall, opened in 1904. The modern Haddon Hall was built in stages and was completed in 1929, at eleven stories. By this time, they were under the same ownership and merged into the Chalfonte-Haddon Hall Hotel, becoming the city's largest hotel with nearly 1,000 rooms. By 1930, the Claridge, the city's last large hotel before the casinos, opened its doors. The 400-room Claridge was built by a partnership that included renowned Philadelphia contractor John McShain. At 24 stories, it would become known as the "Skyscraper by the Sea". The city became known as "The World's Playground".Atlantic City, the world's playground, National City Advertising Company, 1922. Accessed October 15, 2015.Staff. "The World's Playground", Bangkok Post, March 12, 2010. Accessed June 23, 2016.

In 1883, salt water taffy was conceived in Atlantic City by David Bradley. The traditional story is that Bradley's shop was flooded after a major storm, soaking his taffy with salty Atlantic Ocean water. He sold some "salt water taffy" to a girl, who proudly walked down to the beach to show her friends. Bradley's mother was in the back of the store when the sale was made, and loved the name, and so salt water taffy was born.Donohue, Jeanne. "Family / Boardwalk Tradition: Salt Water Taffy", The Press of Atlantic City, June 8, 2006. Accessed December 19, 2011."Taffy Madness", AtlanticCityNJ.com. Accessed December 21, 2016. "The year was 1880.  Mr. Bradley, a young candy merchant, had a stand on the Boardwalk. One night the little stand, which was only a couple steps from the sand, was swamped by an evening storm."

Prohibition era
thumb|upright=1.1|, Atlantic City's motto, along with its coat of arms on historic Boardwalk Hall, built during prohibition
The 1920s, with tourism at its peak, are considered by many historians as Atlantic City's golden age. During Prohibition, which was enacted nationally in 1919 and lasted until 1933, much liquor was consumed and gambling regularly took place in the back rooms of nightclubs and restaurants. It was during Prohibition that racketeer and political boss Enoch L. "Nucky" Johnson rose to power. Prohibition was largely unenforced in Atlantic City, and, because alcohol that had been smuggled into the city with the acquiescence of local officials could be readily obtained at restaurants and other establishments, the resort's popularity grew further."Nucky's Empire: The Prohibition Years – Prohibition in a Wide Open Town", The Atlantic City Experience. Accessed December 19, 2011. "In Atlantic City, Prohibition was essentially unenforced by the local authorities. Atlantic City was a well-known haven for those seeking alcohol. The tourist-based economy of the resort encouraged business owners to provide whatever was needed to make the visitors happy." The city then dubbed itself as "The World's Playground". Nucky Johnson's income, which reached as much as $500,000 annually, came from the kickbacks he took on illegal liquor, gambling and prostitution operating in the city, as well as from kickbacks on construction projects.Staff. "Enoch L. Johnson, Ex-Boss in Jersey – Prohibition-Era Ruler of Atlantic City, 85, Dies", The New York Times, December 10, 1968, p. 47. Accessed February 4, 2012. "Most of Johnson's income in his heyday came from the percentage he took on each gallon of illegal liquor... Johnson's income from vice amounted to more than $500,000 a year, investigators said."

During this time, Atlantic City was led by mayor Edward L. Bader, known for his contributions to the construction, athletics and aviation of Atlantic City.Schwartz, David. "Crossing the Goal Line" , Casino Connection, Vol. 7, No. 11, November 2010. Accessed December 19, 2011. Despite opposition, he had Atlantic City purchase the land that became the city's municipal airport and high school football stadium, both of which were later named Bader Field in his honor.Harris-Para, Barbara. "Bader Field: Past, Present and Future", Federal Aviation Administration. Accessed December 19, 2011. He led the initiative, in 1923, to construct the Atlantic City High School at Albany and Atlantic Avenues. Bader, in November 1923, initiated a public referendum, during the general election, at which time residents approved the construction of a Convention Center. The city passed an ordinance approving a bond issue for $1.5 million to be used for the purchase of land for Convention Hall, now known as the Boardwalk Hall, finalized on September 30, 1924.History of Events at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall , Boardwalk Hall. Accessed December 19, 2011. Bader was also a driving force behind the creation of the Miss America competition.Good, Dan. "Atlantic City's Bader beloved for good reason", The Press of Atlantic City, November 18, 2010. Accessed December 19, 2011.

In May 1929, Johnson hosted a conference for organized crime figures from all across America that created a National Crime Syndicate. The men who called this meeting were Masseria family lieutenant Charles "Lucky" Luciano and former Chicago South Side Gang boss Johnny "the Fox" Torrio, with heads of the Bugs and Meyer Mob, Meyer Lansky and Benjamin Siegel, being used as muscle for the meeting.Harper, Derek. "80 years ago, the Mob came to Atlantic City for a little strategic planning", The Press of Atlantic City, May 13, 2009. Accessed July 27, 2017. "Eighty years ago today, mobsters from around the United States descended on 'The World's Playground' for the start of a secret four-day convention. When the 'Atlantic City Conference' broke up May 16, the groundwork had been laid for the nation's first organized-crime syndicate, a network that crisscrossed the nation and took decades to disentangle." Gangster and businessman Al Capone attended the conference and was photographed walking along the Atlantic City boardwalk with Johnson."When the mob and Al Capone came to Atlantic City for some strategic planning", The Press of Atlantic City, January 16, 2017. Accessed March 18, 2020. "Nucky, second from right, walks the Boardwalk with Al Capone, third from right, and other mob figures for the May 1929 'Atlantic Convention' of organized crime figures from around the nation."

Nightclub era
The 1930s through the 1960s were a heyday for nightclub entertainment. Popular venues on the white-populated south side included the 500 Club, the Clicquot Club, and the Jockey Club. On the north side, home to African Americans in the racially segregated city, a black entertainment district reigned on Kentucky Avenue. Four major nightclubs—Club Harlem, the Paradise Club, Grace's Little Belmont, and Wonder Gardens—drew both black and white patrons. During the summer tourist season, jazz and R&B music could be heard into the wee hours of the morning. Soul food restaurants and ribs joints also lined Kentucky Avenue, including Wash's Restaurant,Wash's Restaurant , Atlantic City Experience. Accessed December 21, 2016. Jerry's and Sap's.Bykofsky, Stuard D. "Harlem Nocturne: Requiem For A Club", Philadelphia Daily News, March 3, 1987, backed up by the Internet Archive as of August 17, 2016. Accessed January 13, 2017.

Decline and resurgence
thumb|upright=1.1|The Tropicana from the boardwalk
alt=|thumb|upright=1.1|View of Trump Taj Mahal and Chairman Tower from the boardwalk
thumb|upright=1.1|Borgata is Atlantic City's highest-grossing casino.
Like many older East Coast cities after World War II, Atlantic City became plagued with poverty, crime, corruption, and general economic decline in the mid-to-late 20th century. The neighborhood known as the "Inlet" became particularly impoverished. The reasons for the resort's decline were multi-layered. First, the automobile became more readily available to many Americans after the war. Atlantic City had initially relied upon visitors coming by train and staying for a couple of weeks. The car allowed them to come and go as they pleased, and many people would spend only a few days, rather than weeks. The advent of suburbia also played a significant role. With many families moving to their own private houses, luxuries such as home air conditioning and swimming pools diminished their interest in flocking to the luxury beach resorts during the hot summer. Finally, the rise of relatively cheap jet airline service allowed visitors to travel to year-round resort places such as Miami Beach and the Bahamas.Ryan, Robert. "Casinos mean facelift for Atlantic City", Boca Raton News, October 24, 1978. Accessed August 23, 2013. "Drawn by the year-round warmth of southern vacation spots, tourists have increasingly abandoned Atlantic City. Less expensive high-speed jet travel and rising middle-class affluence hastened the decline."

The city hosted the 1964 Democratic National Convention which nominated Lyndon Johnson for president and Hubert Humphrey as vice president. The convention and the press coverage it generated, however, cast a harsh light on Atlantic City, which by then was in the midst of a long period of economic decline. Many felt that the friendship between Johnson and Governor of New Jersey Richard J. Hughes led Atlantic City to host the Democratic Convention.Waltzer, Jim. "When the Democrats Came to Town: Atlantic City hosted LBJ and company in 1964 and it was not an artistic success" , Atlantic City Weekly, November 23, 2006. Accessed February 4, 2012. "The Democratic minions launched their opening ceremonies on Aug. 24 in Atlantic City, chosen for no small reason due to Johnson's close friendship with New Jersey Governor Richard Hughes."

By the late 1960s, many of the resort's once great hotels were suffering from high vacancy rates. Most of them were either shut down, converted to cheap apartments, or converted to nursing home facilities by the end of the decade. Prior to and during the advent of legalized gambling, many of these hotels were demolished. The Breakers, The Chelsea, the Brighton, the Shelburne, the Mayflower, the Traymore and the Marlborough-Blenheim were demolished in the 1970s and 1980s. Of the many pre-casino resorts that bordered the boardwalk, only the Claridge, the Dennis, the Ritz-Carlton, and the Haddon Hall survive to this day as parts of Bally's Atlantic City, a condo complex, and Resorts Atlantic City. The old Ambassador Hotel was purchased by Ramada in 1978 and was gutted to become the Tropicana Casino and Resort Atlantic City, only reusing the steelwork of the original building.Hoffman, Lori. "Tropicana Celebrates 30 Years in Atlantic City; The casino has had a bumpy ride in last decade, but is currently on the rise again" , Atlantic City Weekly, November 9, 2011. Accessed August 23, 2013. "Tropicana Milestones• 1978: Ramada purchases the former Ambassador Hotel building for $20 million• 1981: Tropicana Atlantic City officially opens on November 23 including indoor amusement area Tivoli Pier" Smaller hotels off the boardwalk, such as the Madison also survived.

Legalized gambling

In an effort at revitalizing the city, New Jersey voters in 1976 passed a referendum, approving casino gambling for Atlantic City; this came after a 1974 referendum on legalized gambling failed to pass. Immediately after the legislation passed, the owners of the Chalfonte-Haddon Hall Hotel began converting it into the Resorts International. It was the first legal casino in the eastern United States when it opened on May 26, 1978.Clarity, James F. "It's 'Place Your Bets' at Opening Of First Gambling Casino in East An Inlay of Gaudiness 'So Far, It Looks Good' 'It Rained Quarters' Huge Crowds Expected Minority Groups Complain", The New York Times, May 27, 1978. Accessed August 8, 2018. Other casinos were soon constructed along the Boardwalk and, later, in the marina district for a total of nine today. The introduction of gambling did not, however, quickly eliminate many of the urban problems that plagued Atlantic City. Many people have suggested that it only served to exacerbate those problems, as attested to by the stark contrast between tourism intensive areas and the adjacent impoverished working-class neighborhoods.Bryant Simon, Boardwalk of Dreams: Atlantic City and the fate of urban America (New York: Oxford University Press, 2004). In addition, Atlantic City has been less popular than Las Vegas as a gambling city in the United States.Fabricant, Florence. "Atlantic City Is In on the Bet", The New York Times, October 26, 2005. Accessed February 4, 2012. Donald Trump helped bring big name boxing bouts to the city to attract customers to his casinos. The boxer Mike Tyson had most of his fights in Atlantic City in the 1980s, which helped Atlantic City achieve nationwide attention as a gambling resort.Berger, Phil. "Trump fights to make Atlantic City king", Tampa Bay Times, January 23, 1988. Accessed February 4, 2012. "But lately, Trump has begun to show that knack for the bottom line in another endeavor. In less than a year he has become a force in the world of boxing in Atlantic City, N.J., buying the live rights to prime-time bouts that once were almost exclusive to Las Vegas casinos." Numerous highrise condominiums were built for use as permanent residences or second homes.Janson, Donald. "Atlantic Condominiums Bought for Fun and Profit", The New York Times, August 28, 1983. Accessed October 15, 2015. "Five years after the first casino opened in Atlantic City and began to transform the shabby Boardwalk into a boulevard of gambling and entertainment emporiums, major high-rise luxury condominium projects are beginning to pierce the city's skyline." By end of the decade it was one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.Painton, Priscilla. "Atlantic City, New Jersey Boardwalk Of Broken DreamsThe hometown of the con job may now be the victim of one", Time, September 25, 1989. Accessed October 15, 2015. "Today Atlantic City has enough class to bring Cher, the queen of camp, back to the concert stage, enough savvy to have harvested $2.73 billion in the last year from bettors in its casinos, and enough allure to be the most popular destination in America."

 Sports betting 
On June 27, 2017, the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear Christie v. National Collegiate Athletic Association and heard oral arguments in December 2017. Then, on May 14, 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was unconstitutional. The act was overturned, allowing New Jersey to move ahead with plans to implement legalized sports betting.

Despite being the state to initiate the landmark ruling, New Jersey was actually the third state to legalize sports betting following Nevada and Delaware. Gov. Phil Murphy signed the legislation into law on June 11, 2018, prompting several casino brands to launch sportsbooks, particularly in Atlantic City.

Modern-day challenges
thumb|upright=1.1|Nighttime view of Atlantic City, April 2008
With the redevelopment of the Las Vegas Strip and the opening of Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun in Connecticut in the early 1990s, along with newly built casinos in the nearby Philadelphia metro area in the 2000s, Atlantic City's tourism began to decline due to its failure to diversify away from gaming. Determined to expand, in 1999 the Atlantic City Redevelopment Authority partnered with Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn to develop a new roadway to a barren section of the city near the Marina. Nicknamed "The Tunnel Project", Steve Wynn planned the proposed 'Mirage Atlantic City' around the idea that he would connect the $330 million tunnel stretching  from the Atlantic City Expressway to his new resort. The roadway was later officially named the Atlantic City-Brigantine Connector, and funnels incoming traffic off of the expressway into the city's marina district and the city of Brigantine.Kraft, Randy. "Atlantic City is gambling on a brighter future" , The Morning Call, September 2, 2001. Accessed January 13, 2012. "Another major improvement is the $330 million Atlantic City- Brigantine connector project, locally known simply as the tunnel. The new 2.5-mile (4.2 km) long highway with a 2,200-foot (670-meter) tunnel opened on July 31. A toll free extension of the Atlantic City Expressway, which links Atlantic City and Philadelphia, it connects the south end of the expressway to casinos in Atlantic City's marina district as well as to neighboring Brigantine."

Although Wynn's plans for development in the city were scrapped in 2002, the tunnel opened in 2001. The new roadway prompted Boyd Gaming in partnership with MGM/Mirage to build Atlantic City's newest casino. Borgata opened in July 2003, and its success brought an influx of developers to Atlantic City with plans for building grand Las Vegas style mega casinos to revitalize the aging city.via Associated Press. "Atlantic City to be transformed by 2012; Luxury mega-casinos to change the face of New Jersey's gambling capital", MSNBC, November 20, 2007. Accessed October 15, 2015.

Owing to economic conditions and the late 2000s recession, many of the proposed mega casinos never went further than the initial planning stages. One of these developers was Pinnacle Entertainment, who purchased the Sands Atlantic City for $250–$270 million, closed it on November 11, 2006, with plans to replace it with a larger casino.  The following year, the resort was demolished in a implosion, the first of its kind in Atlantic City. While Pinnacle Entertainment intended to replace it with a $1.5–2 billion casino resort, the company canceled its construction plans and sold the land for $29.5 million.Bogdan, Jennifer. "Former Sands Casino Hotel site sells for $29.5 million", The Press of Atlantic City, November 6, 2013. Accessed March 18, 2020. MGM Resorts International announced in October 2007 that it would pull out of all development for Atlantic City, effectively ending their plans for the MGM Grand Atlantic City.Rivlin, Gary. "MGM Plans Casino Resort to Rival Best of Las Vegas", The New York Times, October 11, 2007. Accessed October 15, 2015."MGM Mirage Announces Plan for Multi-Billion Dollar Resort Complex on 72-Acre Site in Atlantic City", Investor Relations, October 10, 2007. Accessed October 15, 2015. "MGM Mirage (NYSE: MGM) announced today the company's Board of Directors has approved the development of a major resort casino project at Renaissance Pointe in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The new resort will have a budget in the $4.5–$5 billion range, not including value of the land and associated costs."

In 2006, Morgan Stanley purchased  directly north of the Showboat Atlantic City Hotel and Casino for a new $2 billion plus casino resort.Stutz, Howard. "Heads butt over plan for Boardwalk bounceback", Las Vegas Review-Journal, March 28, 2010. Accessed January 13, 2012. Revel Entertainment Group was named as the project's developer for the Revel Casino. Revel was hindered with many problems, the biggest setback occurring in April 2010 when Morgan Stanley, the owner of 90% of Revel Entertainment Group, decided to discontinue funding for continued construction and put its stake in Revel up for sale. Early in 2010 the New Jersey state legislature passed a bill offering tax incentives to attract new investors and complete the job, but a poll by Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind released in March 2010 showed that 60% of voters opposed the legislation, and two of three of those who opposed it "strongly" opposed it."How Odds of Success Got Longer for Morgan Stanley's Casino Plan", The Wall Street Journal. April 5, 2010. Accessed February 17, 2011. Archived November 1, 2021, at archive.today."N.J. Voters Disapprove of Revel Bailout" Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind. March 31, 2011. Ultimately, Governor Chris Christie offered Revel $261 million in state tax credits to assist the casino once it opened.via Associated Press. "Revel Entertainment gets $1B financing to finish Atlantic City casino", The Star-Ledger, February 17, 2011. Accessed January 13, 2012. "Revel Entertainment said Thursday that it has secured the final $1 billion-plus it needs to finish its half-built casino on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, a project that is widely considered the best chance for the nation's second-largest gambling market to recover from four years of plunging revenue ... Gov. Chris Christie has committed $261 million in state tax credits to help Revel once it's open" , Revel had completed all of the exterior work and had continued work on the interior after finally receiving the funding necessary to complete construction. It had a soft opening in April 2012, and was fully open by May 2012. Ten months later, in February 2013, after serious losses and a write-down in the value of the resort from $2.4 billion to $450 million, Revel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It was restructured but still could not carry on and re-entered bankruptcy on June 19, 2014. It was put up for sale, however as no suitable bids were received the resort closed its doors on September 2, 2014. The property was bought by AC Ocean Walk, LLC for $200 million in 2017, and reopened in 2018 as Ocean Casino Resort.Staff. "Thousands out of work in Atlantic City as big casinos shut doors", Atlantic City News.Net, September 1, 2014. Accessed October 15, 2015. "Showboat, which has operated on the city's boardwalk for 27 years shut its doors on Sunday. On Tuesday the glittering new $2.4 billion Revel Casino will close. Later in September Trump Plaza will close its doors. On 13 January this year the Atlantic Club which was completed in 1980 as the Golden Nugget, which then became the Bally Grand, and a Hilton was the first of the four major casinos to close this year."

In the wake of the closures and declining revenue from casinos, Governor Christie said in September 2014 that the state would consider a 2015 referendum to end the 40-year-old monopoly that Atlantic City holds on casino gambling and allowing gambling in other municipalities. With casino revenue declining from $5.2 billion in 2006 to $2.9 billion in 2013, the state saw a drop in money from its 8% tax on those earnings, which is used to fund programs for senior citizens and the disabled.Young, Elise; and Dopp, Terrence. "N.J. Considers Ending Atlantic City's Gambling Monopoly", Bloomberg Business, September 8, 2014. Accessed October 15, 2015. "Voters may be asked as soon as November 2015 to overturn an almost 40-year-old law that gave Atlantic City a monopoly on gambling in New Jersey.... With as many as five of Atlantic City's 12 casinos closing this year, some lawmakers say allowing gambling in other towns is crucial to reclaim revenue that has gone to New York and Philadelphia."

"Superstorm Sandy" struck Atlantic City on October 29, 2012, causing flooding and power-outages but left minimal damage to any of the tourist areas.via Associated Press. "Most finally believe that Sandy didn't destroy Atlantic City boardwalk, poll says", The Star-Ledger, May 28, 2013. Accessed July 7, 2013. "Due to Sandy's track, Atlantic City suffered minimal damage and reopened for business five to seven days after the storm." The storm produced an all-time record low barometric pressure reading of 943 mb (27.85") for not only Atlantic City, but the state of New Jersey.Skilling, Tom. "Historic Sandy landfalls 8 pm Monday evening near Atlantic City with lowest barometric pressure of any storm on record in New Jersey; Chicago being blasted by powerhouse circulation on storms' west side", WGN-9 Chicago Weather Center, October 30, 2012. Accessed October 15, 2015. "Sandy came ashore with an ear-popping central pressure of 943 mb (27.85″) at landfall—a reading MUCH lower (nearly 30 mb lower)than the 972 mb (28.70″) pressure at the center of the so-called October 1991 Perfect Storm, immortalized in the Sebastian Junger book which was later made into a film."

The Atlantic City area had the highest rates of foreclosures in the nation in 2019."U.S. Foreclosure Activity Drops to 15-Year Low In 2019", ATTOM, January 14, 2020. Accessed March 14, 2023. "Among 220 metropolitan statistical areas with a population of at least 200,000, those with the highest foreclosure rates in 2019 were Atlantic City, New Jersey (1.33 percent of housing units with a foreclosure filing); Trenton, New Jersey (0.91 percent); Jacksonville, Florida (0.85 percent); Rockford, Illinois (0.82 percent); and Lakeland, Florida (0.81 percent)." This has disproportionately affected Black residents in neighborhoods segregated by redlining, a legacy that is mirrored by the values of properties on the Monopoly game board.Erasing New Jersey's Red Lines, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. Accessed March 14, 2023.Pilon, Mary. "The Prices on Your Monopoly Board Hold a Dark Secret; The property values of the popular game reflect a legacy of racism and inequality.", The Atlantic, February 21, 2021. Accessed March 14, 2023. "Take a good look at a Monopoly board. The most expensive properties, Park Place and Boardwalk, are marked in dark blue. Maybe you’ve drawn a card inviting you to “take a walk on the Boardwalk.” But that invitation wasn’t open to everyone when the game first took on its current form. Even though Black citizens comprised roughly a quarter of Atlantic City’s overall population at the time, the famed Boardwalk and its adjacent beaches were segregated.... The impact of the decisions made during Monopoly’s heyday is still felt today. Atlantic City is a 'redlined epicenter' of the state, according to the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, and it leads the state in foreclosures."

After several casino closures and a worldwide pandemic, strikes and pickets were being threatened in June 2022 by casino employees which were short-staffed and wanted pay raises.

Geography
thumb|upright=1.1|Beach in Atlantic City
According to the United States Census Bureau, Atlantic City had a total area of 17.21 square miles (44.59 km2), including 10.76 square miles (27.87 km2) of land and 6.45 square miles (16.72 km2) of water (37.50%).

The city is located on  Absecon Island, along with Ventnor City, Margate City and Longport to the southwest.Absecon Island Shore Protection Project , United States Army Corps of Engineers. Accessed May 1, 2008. "Construct an approximate $63 million beach and dune system along the  oceanfront of Absecon Island that includes, the cities of Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate and Longport."

Atlantic City borders the Atlantic County municipalities of Absecon, Brigantine, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway Township, Pleasantville, and Ventnor City.Areas touching Atlantic City, MapIt. Accessed March 18, 2020.Atlantic County District Map, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed March 18, 2020.New Jersey Municipal Boundaries, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed November 15, 2019.

The city is located  southeast of Philadelphia and  south of New York City.

Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the city include Chelsea, City Island, Great Island and Venice Park.Locality Search, State of New Jersey. Accessed May 22, 2015.

Climate
According to the Köppen climate classification system, Atlantic City, New Jersey, has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) with warm, moderately humid summers, cool winters and year-around precipitation. Cfa climates are characterized by all months having an average mean temperature > 32 °F (> 0 °C), at least four months with an average mean temperature ≥ 50 °F (≥ 10 °C), at least one month with an average mean temperature ≥ 72 °F (≥ 22 °C) and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. During the summer months in Atlantic City, a cooling afternoon sea breeze is present on most days, but episodes of extreme heat and humidity can occur with heat index values ≥ 95 °F (≥ 35 °C). During the winter months, episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values < 0 °F (< −18 °C). The plant hardiness zone at Atlantic City Beach is 7b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of 11 °F (−11 °C).USDA Interactive Plant Hardiness Map, United States Department of Agriculture. Accessed March 18, 2020. The average seasonal (November–April) snowfall total is , and the average snowiest month is February which corresponds with the annual peak in nor'easter activity.

Ecology
According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Atlantic City would have a dominant vegetation type of Northern Cordgrass (73) with a dominant vegetation form of Coastal Prairie (20).U.S. Potential Natural Vegetation, Original Kuchler Types, v2.0 (Spatially Adjusted to Correct Geometric Distortions), Data Basin. Accessed March 18, 2020.

Demographics

2010 census

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $30,237 (with a margin of error of +/− $2,354) and the median family income was $35,488 (+/− $2,607). Males had a median income of $32,207 (+/− $1,641) versus $29,298 (+/− $1,380) for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,069 (+/− $2,532). About 23.1% of families and 25.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.6% of those under age 18 and 16.8% of those age 65 or over.DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Atlantic City city, Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 13, 2012.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States census there were 40,517 people, 15,848 households, and 8,700 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 20,219 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 44.16% black or African American, 26.68% White, 0.48% Native American, 10.40% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 13.76% other races, and 4.47% from two or more races. 24.95% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 19.44% of the population was non-Hispanic whites.Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Atlantic City city, New Jersey , United States Census Bureau. Accessed August 12, 2013.DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 – Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Atlantic City city, Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed August 12, 2013.

There were 15,848 households, out of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 24.8% were married couples living together, 23.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.1% were non-families. 37.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.26.

In the city the age distribution of the population shows 25.7% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,969, and the median income for a family was $31,997. Males had a median income of $25,471 versus $23,863 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,402. About 19.1% of families and 23.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.1% of those under age 18 and 18.9% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
As of September 2014, the greater Atlantic City area had one of the highest unemployment rates in the country at 13.8%, out of a labor force of around 141,000.Staff.  "The Cities with the Best and Worst Unemployment Rates: No. 10 (Highest Unemployment): Atlantic City-Hammonton, N.J.", Forbes. Accessed November 15, 2013.

Tourism district
thumb|upright=1.1|Atlantic City boardwalk at Michigan Avenue
In July 2010, Governor Chris Christie announced that a state takeover of the city and local government "was imminent". Comparing regulations in Atlantic City to an "antique car", Atlantic City regulatory reform is a key piece of Governor Chris Christie's plan, unveiled on July 22, to reinvigorate an industry mired in a four-year slump in revenue and hammered by fresh competition from casinos in the surrounding states of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and more recently, Maryland. In January 2011, Chris Christie announced the creation of the Atlantic City Tourism District, a state-run district encompassing the boardwalk casinos, the marina casinos, the Atlantic City Outlets, and Bader Field.Wittkowski, Donald. "Experts question need to reform Atlantic City's 'model' casino regulatory system", The Press of Atlantic City, July 22, 2010. Accessed April 25, 2016.Clark, Michael. "Gov. Christie's office releases conceptual 'maps' of Atlantic City tourism, entertainment districts", The Press of Atlantic City, July 22, 2010. Accessed April 25, 2016. Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind poll surveyed New Jersey voters' attitudes on the takeover. February 16, 2011, survey showed that 43% opposed the measure while 29% favored direct state oversight.Pizarro, Max. "FDU: voters oppose AC state takeover, 43–29%, PolitickerNJ, February 16, 2011. Accessed April 25, 2016. The poll also found that even South Jersey voters expressed opposition to the plan; 40% reported they opposed the measure and 37% reported they were in favor of it.

On April 29, 2011, the boundaries for the state-run tourism district were set. The district would include heavier police presence, as well as beautification and infrastructure improvements. The CRDA would oversee all functions of the district and make changes to attract new businesses and attractions. New construction has already resulted in cases of eminent domain being used to seize properties for development.Clark, Michael. "State defines boundaries for Atlantic City Tourism District; Langford casts lone 'no' vote", The Press of Atlantic City, April 19, 2011. Accessed January 13, 2012. "The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority voted Tuesday to establish a jurisdiction zone known as the Tourism District, a vast chunk of the city targeted for rejuvenation under the supervision of the state agency."Staff. "Atlantic City Tourism District Bill Signed", Hotel Experts – Atlantic City, New Jersey, February 2, 2011. Accessed April 25, 2016.

The tourism district would comprise several key areas in the city; the Marina District, Ducktown, Chelsea, South Inlet, Bader Field, and Gardner's Basin. Also included are 10 roadways that lead into the district, including several in the city's northern end, or North Beach. Gardner's Basin, which is home to the Atlantic City Aquarium, was initially left out of the tourism district, while a residential neighborhood in the Chelsea section was removed from the final boundaries, owing to complaints from the city. Also, the inclusion of Bader Field in the district was controversial and received much scrutiny from mayor Lorenzo Langford, who cast the lone "no" vote on the creation of the district citing its inclusion.Staff. "Breakdown of areas of the Atlantic City Tourism District", The Press of Atlantic City, April 19, 2011. Accessed April 25, 2016.

Casinos and gambling
The history of gambling in Atlantic City traces back to Prohibition and the 1920s, with racketeer Louis Kuehnle running an underground hotel and casino. Enoch "Nucky" Johnson followed and furthered Atlantic City's rise through the Roaring Twenties as a destination for drinking, gambling, and nightlife.Atlantic City Casinos Through the Years, Great.com. Accessed June 18, 2021. In 1974, New Jersey voters voted 60%–40% against legalizing casino gambling at four sites statewide, but two years later approved by 56%–44% a new referendum which legalized casinos, but restricted them to Atlantic City.via Associated Press. "Casino Gambling defeated by state and county voters", Red Bank Register, November 6, 1974. Accessed November 26, 2017.via Associated Press. "Casino gambling OK'd", Red Bank Register, November 3, 1976. Accessed November 26, 2017.Overview, Casino Revenue Fund Advisory Commission. Accessed November 26, 2017. "In 1974 the voters of New Jersey were asked to amend the State Constitution by allowing Casino gambling to be permitted in Atlantic City and elsewhere. The referendum was defeated by 60% of voters. On November 2, 1976, the voters were again asked to decide Public Question #1, an amendment to the Constitution authorizing casino gambling in Atlantic City only." Resorts Atlantic City was the first casino to open, in May 1978, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Governor of New Jersey Brendan Byrne.Clarity, James F. "It's 'Place Your Bets' as East's First Casino Opens", The New York Times, May 27, 1978. Accessed November 26, 2017. "Legalized casino gambling began officially in Atlantic City today, with eager, but smaller-than‐expected, crowds of bettors moving into the Resorts International hotel gaming mom and politicians predicting that golden days were coming for this once-prosperous, now‐shabby resort town by the sea." Atlantic City is considered the "Gambling Capital of the East Coast", and currently has nine large casinos. In 2011, New Jersey's then 12 casinos employed approximately 33,000 employees, had 28.5 million visitors, made $3.3 billion in gaming revenue, and paid $278 million in taxes.New Jersey Commercial Casinos, American Gaming Association, backed up by the Internet Archive as of July 4, 2012. Accessed April 25, 2016. They are regulated by the New Jersey Casino Control CommissionAbout the Commission, New Jersey Casino Control Commission. Accessed August 23, 2013. and the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.About the Division of Gaming Enforcement, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Accessed August 23, 2013.

In the wake of the economic downturn following the Great Recession and the legalization of gambling in adjacent and nearby states (including Delaware, Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania), four casino closures took place in 2014: the Atlantic Club on January 13; the Showboat on August 31;via Associated Press. "Showboat closing after 27 years in Atlantic City", Asbury Park Press, August 31, 2014. Accessed August 23, 2015. the Revel, which was Atlantic City's second-newest casino, on September 2;Parry, Wayne via Associated Press. "$2.4 billion flop: Atlantic City's Revel closes after 2 years", The Seattle Times, September 1, 2014. Accessed August 23, 2015. and Trump Plaza, which originally opened in 1984, and was the poorest performing casino in the city, on September 16.Parry, Wayne via Associated Press. "Trump Plaza, worst performing casino in Atlantic City, goes out of business", Toronto Star, September 16, 2014. Accessed August 23, 2014.

Executives at Trump Entertainment Resorts, whose sole remaining property at the time was the Trump Taj Mahal, said in 2013 that they were considering the option of selling the Taj and winding down and exiting the gaming and hotel business.via Associated Press. "Atlantic City's Trump Plaza Sold for $20 Million", The Wall Street Journal, February 14, 2013. Accessed October 30, 2015. "The sale leaves the company he once ran, Trump Entertainment Resorts, with just one casino, the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort. Mr. Griffin also said his company would consider selling the Trump Taj Mahal, if the price were right." Trump Taj Mahal closed October 10, 2016, after failing to come to terms with union workers.Tribune news services Trump Taj Mahal closes after 26 years; nearly 3,000 workers lose jobs

Caesars Entertainment executives have been reconsidering the future of their three remaining Atlantic City properties (Bally's, Caesars and Harrah's), in the wake of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by the company's casino operating unit in January 2015.via Reuters. "Caesars casinos files for bankruptcy", Fortune, January 15, 2015. Accessed October 30, 2015.  In 2020, Bally's Atlantic City was acquired by Bally's Corporation. Gross gaming revenue of the city's nine operating casinos in 2022 totaled $2.79 billion, a 9% increase from from the $2.55 billion earned the previous year."Casinos in Atlantic City Earned $215.6 million in December, a 9% Annual Growth", iGaming, January 24, 2023. Accessed March 20, 2023. "GGR for the year was $2.79 billion, an increase of 9% from $2.55 billion in 2021."

Current casinos
CasinoOpening dateThemeHotel roomsDGE Announces 1st Quarter 2019 Results, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, May 22, 2019. Accessed August 8, 2019.Section of cityTotal Gaming Space ResortsMay 26, 1978Roaring Twenties942Uptown100,000 sq ft CaesarsaJune 26, 1979Roman Empire1,141Midtown145,000 sq ft Bally'saDecember 29, 1979Modern1,214Midtown225,756 sq ft  Harrah'sNovember 27, 1980Marina Waterfront2,587Marina160,000 sq ft TropicanaNovember 26, 1981Old Havana2,364Downbeach125,935 sq ft Golden NuggetJune 19, 1985Gold Rush Era717Marina74,252 sq ft BorgataJuly 2, 2003Tuscany2,767Marina161,000 sq ft Hard RockJune 27, 2018Rock and roll2,032Uptown167,000 sq ft  OceanJune 27, 2018Ocean1,399Uptown130,000 sq ft Total    15,102   1,144,943 sq ft

a The Wild Wild West Casino, which opened on July 2, 1997, and has an American Old West theme, was part of Bally's Atlantic City until 2020, when it became part of Caesars.

Renamed casinos
CasinoNew Name ACH Casino Resort  Atlantic Club Casino Hotel Atlantic City Hilton (Original)  Trump Castle Atlantic City Hilton  ACH Casino Resort Bally's Grand The Grand Bally's Park Place  Bally's Atlantic City Brighton Casino  Sands Atlantic City Del Webb's Claridge  Claridge Golden Nugget (Original)  Bally's Grand Park Place  Bally's Park Place Harrah's at Trump Plaza  Trump Plaza Playboy Hotel & Casino  Permanent casino license denied; renamed Atlantis Casino The Grand  The Atlantic City Hilton Trump's Castle  Trump Marina Trump Marina  Golden Nugget Revel Atlantic City  Ocean Casino Resort Trump Taj Mahal  Hard Rock Atlantic City

Closed casinos
CasinoOpening DateClosing DateStatus of Property Trump Taj MahalApril 2, 1990October 10, 2016  The casino shut down having failed to reach a deal with its union workers to restore health care and pension benefits that were taken away from them in bankruptcy court. Nearly 3,000 workers lost their jobs. Reopened in 2018 as the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City. Trump PlazaMay 14, 1984  September 16, 2014  On February 15, 2013, Trump Entertainment Resorts announced that it intended to sell Trump Plaza to the Meruelo Group for $20 million, the lowest price ever paid for an Atlantic City casino.Wittkowski, Donald. "Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino sold to California company for only $20 million", The Press of Atlantic City, February 15, 2013. Accessed October 30, 2015. Carl Icahn, senior lender for Trump Plaza's mortgage, declined to approve the sale for the proposed price.Wittkowski, Donald. "Carl Icahn won't approve sale of Trump Plaza for $20M", The Press of Atlantic City, April 23, 2013. Accessed October 30, 2015. The casino was later demolished on February 17, 2021. RevelApril 2, 2012  September 2, 2014  Brookfield Asset Management's winning bid of $110 million on September 30, 2014, for Atlantic City's Revel Casino Hotel, and the company's intention to operate it as a casino, generated some excitement, but the company backed out of this deal on November 19, 2014.Brubaker, Harold. "Revel abandons Brookfield deal", The Philadelphia Inquirer, December 12, 2014. Accessed October 30, 2015. "U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Gloria M. Burns on Wednesday scheduled a hearing for that morning to consider Revel AC Inc.'s motion to terminate its agreement to sell its property to a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. for $110 million." In January 2018, it was announced that the property had been sold for $200 million.Palmieri, Christopher. "Atlantic City's Failed Revel Casino Sells for $200 Million", Bloomberg News, January 8, 2018. Accessed September 14, 2018. It reopened as the Ocean Resort Casino in June 2018. Showboat  April 2, 1987  August 31, 2014 On December 13, 2014, Stockton University purchased the property for $18 million with the intent of turning it into an Atlantic City campus. However, a preexisting covenant required the property to operate as a casino. Stockton entered an agreement providing Glenn Straub with an option to purchase the property, which was not exercised.via Associated Press. "Judge: Stockton can find another buyer for Showboat", The Washington Times, August 10, 2015. Accessed October 30, 2015. Stockton subsequently sold the property to developer Bart Blatstein in January 2016 for $23 million.Lai, Jonathan. "Stockton completes Showboat sale to Blatstein", The Philadelphia Inquirer, January 17, 2016. Accessed June 23, 2016. "The Philadelphia-based developer Bart Blatstein bought the property for $23 million, inheriting a legal mess but clearing Stockton to move forward with other plans." The building was reopened in July 2016 as a non-casino hotel. Atlantic ClubDecember 12, 1980January 13, 2014Building and contents sold to Caesars Entertainment Corporation. Slots and tables sold to Tropicana Casino & Resort Atlantic City.Trump MarinaJune 19, 1985May 23, 2011Building sold to Landry's, Inc. in February 2011, sale approved in May and Landry's took control on May 23 of that year and renamed it the Golden Nugget Atlantic City. Sands  August 31, 1980  November 11, 2006 Building demolished in 2007. The site is now an empty lot after a proposal estimated at up to $2 billion by Pinnacle Entertainment for a casino on the site did not move forward.Staff. "Sands casino in Atlantic City imploded", USA Today, October 19, 2007. Accessed October 30, 2015. "It took less than 20 seconds for the 21-story, 500-room tower where Frank Sinatra once held court to come crashing to the ground shortly after 9:30 p.m. in the first implosion of an East Coast casino. The demolition makes way for a mega-casino to be built on the Sands site by Pinnacle Entertainment at an estimated cost of $1.5 billion to $2 billion." Claridge  July 20, 1981  December 30, 2002  Now operating as an independent non-casino hotel. Trump World's Fair May 15, 1996  October 3, 1999  Building was demolished and replaced by new strip stores.Staff. "Trump Planning to Demolish World's Fair Casino in Atlantic City", The New York Times, July 10, 1999. Accessed October 30, 2015. "Donald J. Trump plans to demolish his World's Fair casino in Atlantic City around the end of the year and may build a 4,000-room, $750 million gambling complex in its place, officials of his development company said yesterday." Atlantis Casino April 14, 1981  July 4, 1989  Originally opened by Playboy Enterprises, which was found unsuitable for licensure, Playboy casino closed and then reopened by Elsinor Corporation as the Atlantis. In 1989 the Casino Control Commission revoked Atlantis' license and property sold to become Trump World's Fair an extension of the Trump Plaza.

Cancelled casinos
CasinoStatus of Property Camelot  Cancelled; currently an empty lot Dunes Atlantic City  Never completed; now an empty lot Hilton (Original)  Casino license denied; current site of Golden Nugget Atlantic City Le Jardin  Cancelled; currently Borgata Margaritaville Marina Casino  Cancelled; current site of Golden Nugget Atlantic City Mirage Atlantic City  Cancelled; currently Borgata MGM Grand Atlantic City  Cancelled; currently an empty lot Penthouse Casino  Never built; currently an empty lot Resorts Taj Mahal  Cancelled; current site of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City Sahara Atlantic City  Cancelled; now a parking lot

Boardwalk
thumb|Boardwalk in Atlantic City
The Atlantic City Boardwalk opened on June 26, 1870,Today in History: June 26, Library of Congress. Accessed June 23, 2016. "On June 26, 1870, the first section of the Atlantic City Boardwalk opened along the New Jersey beach." a temporary structure erected for the summer season that was the first boardwalk in the United States.Atlantic City FAQs: Where and when was the first boardwalk constructed?, Atlantic City Free Public Library. Accessed September 21, 2016. "The first boardwalk built in the United States was in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1870."Shea, Rachel Hartigan. "After Sandy: The Future of Boardwalks; In age of extreme weather, should they be rebuilt, redesigned, defended by dunes?", National Geographic, November 10, 2012. Accessed September 21, 2016. "The first boardwalk built in the United States was a temporary structure. Two local businessmen, weary of sand being tracked into their establishments, convinced the city council of Atlantic City to create a boardwalk in 1870."

The Boardwalk starts at Absecon Inlet in the north and runs along the beach south-west to the city limit  away then continues  into Ventnor City. Casino/hotels front the boardwalk, as well as retail stores, restaurants, and amusements. Notable attractions include the Boardwalk Hall, House of Blues, and the Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum.

In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy destroyed the northern part of the boardwalk fronting Absecon Inlet, in the residential section called South Inlet. The oceanfront boardwalk in front of the Atlantic City casinos survived the storm with minimal damage.Brennan, John. "Putting the Atlantic City Boardwalk myth to bed", The Record, October 30, 2012, backed up by the Internet Archive as of November 3, 2012. Accessed June 23, 2016. "The Atlantic City Boardwalk that was washed out by Hurricane Sandy is an area limited to the Boardwalk fronting the Absecon Inlet only. That small section of the Boardwalk is located in South Inlet, a prominent residential section of Atlantic City. It is a small stretch of Boardwalk that is being shown in video footage and photos."Jaffe, Greg. "Atlantic City takes stock of storm damage", The Washington Post, October 30, 2012. Accessed June 23, 2016. "One section of the famed boardwalk was destroyed, but most of it was intact, and on Tuesday, as white foam from the roiling Atlantic Ocean sprayed across it, the only people around were a few store owners who had come to check on their shops, some wave watchers and a few homeless men."

The first pier along the boardwalk, Applegate's Pier, opened in 1884.Down the Shore: Summer in Atlantic City, Independence Seaport Museum. Accessed June 23, 2016. "The first Atlantic City boardwalk was built in 1870, and twelve years later, in 1882, Ocean Pier, the world's first oceanside amusement pier was constructed." It was acquired by John L. Young in 1891, who expanded and operated it as Young's Ocean Pier, but it was mostly destroyed in a 1912 fire. The remaining part of the pier was rebuilt in 1922 as the Central Pier, which is still in operation.Keough, W. F. "Central Pier Rides Again / A.C. Gets a Family Amusement Center", The Press of Atlantic City, June 3, 1990. Accessed August 23, 2013. "Central Pier, vacant since the dawn of casino gaming, will re-open its doors Saturday in an $8 million effort by its owners to re-create one of the resort's most famous pre-casino attractions – its amusement parks. Visitors who plan to test the rides later this week at the city's oldest pier will be treated to the screaming upside-down rush of a Super Loop, or the musical lure of a merry-go-round by the sea."

A Heinz-owned pier named Heinz Pier was destroyed in the 1944 Great Atlantic Hurricane.Flynn, Ed. "The Heinz Pier in Atlantic City a 'variety' of fun", Northjersey.com, March 7, 2013. Accessed August 23, 2013.

The most famous Atlantic City pier was Steel Pier, which opened in 1898, and which once billed itself as "The Showplace of the Nation". It closed in 1978, and was mostly destroyed in a 1982 fire. It was rebuilt in the late 1980s and is now operated as an amusement pier across from the Hard Rock.

Steeplechase Pier opened in 1899 and operated until 1986. It suffered significant damage in a 1988 fire, and the remnants of the pier were removed in 1996. The "Steeplechase Pier Heliport" on Steel Pier is named in its honor.Steeplechase Pier Heliport. Accessed March 10, 2012.

Captain John L. Young opened "Young's Million Dollar Pier" in 1906, and on the seaward side "erected a marble mansion", fronted by a formal garden, with lighting and landscaping designed by Young's longtime friend Thomas Alva Edison. Million Dollar Pier once rivaled Steel Pier as Atlantic City's leading pier, but after suffering decades of decline, was rebuilt into a shopping mall in the 1980s, known as "Shops on Ocean One". In 2006, the Ocean One mall was bought, renovated and re-branded as "The Pier Shops at Caesars" and in 2015, it was renamed "Playground Pier".

Garden Pier, located opposite Ocean Casino Resort, once housed a movie theater, and is now home to the Atlantic City Historical Museum.Atlantic City Experience: 100 Years of the Garden Pier, Atlantic City Free Public Library. Accessed August 23, 2013."Atlantic City Experience: 100 Years of the Garden Pier", Atlantic City Experience. Accessed July 27, 2017. "Garden Pier stood apart from the other piers in Atlantic City. First opening on July 19, 1913, its 'uptown' location placed it away from the frenzied activity of the bustling downtown."

Shopping
thumb|upright=1.1|The Quarter at Tropicana
Atlantic City has many different shopping districts and malls, many of which are located inside or adjacent to the casino resorts. Several smaller themed retail and dining areas in casino hotels include the Borgata Shops and The Shoppes at Water Club inside Borgata, the Waterfront Shops inside of Harrah's, Spice Road inside the Trump Taj Mahal, while Resorts Casino Hotel has a small collection of stores and restaurants. Major shopping malls are also located in and around Atlantic City.

Atlantic City shops include:
 Playground Pier, an underwater-themed indoor high end shopping center located on the Million Dollar Pier formerly known as "Shops on Ocean One". The four-story shopping mall contains themed floors.
 Tanger Outlets The Walk, an outdoor outlet shopping center spanning several blocks. The only outlet mall in Atlantic County, The Walk opened in 2003 and is undergoing an expansion.
 The Quarter at Tropicana, an old Havana-themed indoor shopping center at the Tropicana, which contains over 40 stores, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Exhibition
thumb|upright=1.1|Atlantic City Convention Center
Boardwalk Hall, formally known as the "Historic Atlantic City Convention Hall", is an arena in Atlantic City along the boardwalk. Boardwalk Hall was Atlantic City's primary convention center until the opening of the Atlantic City Convention Center in 1997. The Atlantic City Convention Center includes  of showroom space, 5 exhibit halls, 45 meeting rooms with  of space, a garage with 1,400 parking spaces, and an adjacent Sheraton hotel. Both the Boardwalk Hall and Convention Center are operated by the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority.

Arts and culture
thumb|1930s Atlantic City by Edward Mason Eggleston

Monopoly
Atlantic City (sometimes referred to as "Monopoly City") has become well-known over the years for its portrayal in the U.S. version of the popular board game Monopoly, in which properties on the board are named after locations in and near Atlantic City. While the original incarnation of the game did not feature Atlantic City, it was in Indianapolis that Ruth Hoskins learned the game, and took it back to Atlantic City. After she arrived, Hoskins made a new board with Atlantic City street names, and taught it to a group of friends, who ultimately passed in on to Charles Darrow, who made some modifications to the game and claimed it as his own invention.Ecenbarger, Bill. "How to improve a property is the story of Monopoly", The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 31, 2009. Accessed September 23, 2016. "In the summer of 1929, Ruth Hoskins, a Quaker schoolteacher from Indianapolis, moved to Atlantic City, where she introduced the game to her new friends – and made a version using Atlantic City street names. Friends then showed the game to Charles E. Todd, a Philadelphia hotel manager, who passed it on to an acquaintance named Charles Darrow, who soon was playing it in Philadelphia.... Darrow refined the game and then claimed he'd invented it." The relative prices of the places on the board reflect to some extent the social status of neighborhoods at the time, with wealthy white streets being worth more, and streets where Black and Asian residents lived being cheaper.

Marvin Gardens, the leading yellow property on the board, is actually a misspelling of the original location name, "Marven Gardens". The misspelling was said to have been introduced by Charles Todd and passed on when his home-made Monopoly board was copied by Charles Darrow and thence Parker Brothers. It was not until 1995 that Parker Brothers acknowledged this mistake and formally apologized to the residents of Marven Gardens for the misspelling, although the spelling error was not corrected.Monopoly, Present at the Creation, NPR, backed up by the Internet Archive as of February 19, 2003. Accessed June 23, 2016.

Some of the actual locations that correspond to board elements have changed since the game's release. Illinois Avenue was renamed Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in the 1980s. St. Charles Place no longer exists, as the Showboat Casino Hotel was developed where it once ran.Kennedy, Rod. Monopoly: the story behind the world's best-selling game, p. 35, text by Jim Waltzer. Gibbs Smith, 2004, Salt Lake City, Utah. . Accessed June 23, 2016.

The "Short Line" is believed to refer to the Shore Fast Line, a streetcar line that served Atlantic City,Kennedy (2004); p. 23. or a bus route.The B&O Railroad did not serve Atlantic City. A booklet included with the reprinted 1935 edition states that the four railroads that served Atlantic City in the mid-1930s were the Jersey Central, the Seashore Lines, the Reading Railroad, and the Pennsylvania Railroad.

The actual "Electric Company" and "Water Works" serving the city are the Atlantic City Electric Company and the Atlantic City Municipal Utilities Authority, respectively.Kent, Bill. "Pass Go, Collect Millions", The New York Times, April 6, 1997. Accessed December 22, 2022. "The Railroads: The Short Line was a bus line, not a railroad. Of the Monopoly railroads, only the Pennsylvania Reading did come to Absecon Island, as did the Camden & Atlantic.... Utilities: The Electric Company, based in Pleasantville, jolts enough juice into the animated signs in front of the Trump Plaza and Caesars parking garages each use enough electricity to power a small South Jersey town. The Water Works is the Atlantic County Municipal Utilities Authority, which regularly wins awards for the purity of its water."

Attractions
thumb|upright=1.1|Lucy the Elephant in nearby Margate City
Ever since Atlantic City's growth as a resort town, numerous attractions and tourist traps have originated in the city. A popular fixture in the early 20th century at the Steel Pier was horse diving, which was introduced by William "Doc" Carver.Dedicated to The Diving Horses  The Steel Pier featured several other novelty attractions, including the Diving Bell, human high-divers and a water circus.The Old Steel Pier and the Old Atlantic City, SteelPier.com. Accessed January 13, 2017. Advertisements for the Steel Pier in its heyday featured plaster sculptures set upon wooden bases along roads leading up to Atlantic City."The Mysterious Artifact Revealed", Bass River Township, N.J. History, July 27, 2010. Accessed January 13, 2017. By the end of World War II, many animal demonstrations declined in popularity after criticisms of animal abuse and neglect.

Rolling chairs, which were introduced in 1876 and in continuous use since 1887, have been a boardwalk fixture to this day. While powered carts appeared in the 1960s, the original and most common were made of wicker. The wicker canopied chairs-on-wheels are manually pushed the length of the boardwalk by attendants, much like a Rickshaw.Berman, Marc. "Atlantic City's famous Rolling Chairs celebrate 125th anniversary today", NJ.com, June 11, 2012. Accessed June 23, 2016. "Rolling chairs have been an Atlantic City staple since June 11, 1887, introduced at a convention in 1876 and soon after began to be rented out to tourists by local businessman William Hayday."

The Absecon Lighthouse is a coastal lighthouse located in the South Inlet section of Atlantic City overlooking Absecon Inlet.Santore, John V. "Panel weighs in on future of A.C.'s South Inlet", The Press of Atlantic City, January 14, 2015. Accessed September 21, 2016. It is the tallest lighthouse in the state of New Jersey and is the third tallest masonry lighthouse in the United States. Construction began in 1854, with the light first lit on January 15, 1857. The lighthouse was deactivated in 1933 and although the light still shines every night, it is no longer an active navigational aid.Home Page, Absecon Lighthouse. Accessed December 19, 2011. Gardner's Basin, which is home to the Atlantic City Aquarium as well as small shops and restaurants, is located a short distance north of Absecon Light.Explore Historic Gardner's Basin, Atlantic City Aquarium. Accessed July 27, 2017.

While located  south of Atlantic City in Margate City, Lucy the Elephant has become almost an icon for the Atlantic City area. Lucy is a six-story elephant-shaped example of novelty architecture, constructed of wood and tin sheeting in 1882 by James V. Lafferty in an effort to sell real estate and attract tourism. Over the years, Lucy had served as a restaurant, business office, cottage, and tavern (the last closed by Prohibition). Lucy had fallen into disrepair by the 1960s and was scheduled for demolition. The structure was moved and refurbished as a result of a "Save Lucy" campaign in 1970 and received designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1976, and is open as a museum.Hillinger, Charles. "This Elephant Is Not Endangered Victorian Relic Built in 1881 Is the Pride of Beach Town Series: Charles Hillinger's America", Los Angeles Times, December 19, 1985. Accessed December 19, 2011.

Miss America pageant
Atlantic City was the home of the Miss America competition, hosting the event from its inception until 2004, and again from 2013 to 2018. The Miss America competition originated on September 7, 1921, as a two-day beauty contest, and it included state contestants as well as women from various cities around the country. The event that year was called the "Atlantic City Pageant", and the winner of the grand prize, Margaret Gorman, took home the 3-foot Golden Mermaid trophy. Gorman was not called "Miss America" until 1922, when she re-entered the pageant and lost to Mary Campbell.Osborne, A. S. (1995). Miss America, the dream lives on. Dallas, Texas: Taylor Publishing. The pageant was initiated to extend the tourist season after the Labor Day weekend. The pageant has been nationally televised since 1954. It peaked in the early 1960s, when it was repeatedly the highest-rated program on American television. It was seen as a symbol of the United States, with Miss America often being referred to as the female equivalent of the President. The pageant's longtime emcee, Bert Parks, hosted the event from 1955 to 1979. At the Atlantic City Convention Center, there is a  interactive statue of Parks holding a crown. When a visitor puts their head inside the crown, sensors activate a recorded playback of his "There She Is..." line through speakers hidden behind nearby bushes.Khemlani, Anjalee. "Bert Parks statue back in prominent Atlantic City position", The Press of Atlantic City, June 8, 2013. Accessed July 27, 2017. "The bronze likeness of Parks was originally fitted with sensors in its palms, which would start a recording of him singing the traditional 'There she is ...' from the song 'Miss America' while people placed their heads under the crown."
Boardwalk Empire
thumb|upright=1.1|Atlantic City boardwalk at Brighton Avenue
Since 2010, Boardwalk Empire, an American television series from cable network HBO set in Atlantic City during the Prohibition era, has cast a new light on the city. Starring Steve Buscemi, the show was adapted from a chapter about historical criminal kingpin Enoch "Nucky" Johnson (who is renamed "Enoch Thompson" in the show) in Nelson Johnson's book, Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City. The series was filmed in New York City at various locations that captured Atlantic City's period architecture and on a set built to resemble the Atlantic City boardwalk in the 1920s.Kinon, Christina. "HBO's 'Boardwalk Empire' uses New York as a stand-in for Atlantic City, Chicago and Los Angeles", New York Daily News, September 8, 2010. Accessed September 21, 2016.

Around the same time of the September 2010 premiere of the show, the Press of Atlantic City created Boss of the Boardwalk, a 45-minute documentary which premiered on August 21, 2010, on NBC TV-40 and aired six additional times in the following weeks.Cronick, Scott. "Press documentary 'Boss of the Boardwalk' chronicles the life and times of Nucky Johnson", The Press of Atlantic City, August 20, 2010. Accessed September 23, 2016. "Boss of the Boardwalk, a 45-minute documentary by staff writers Michael Clark and Dan Good, premiered at 7 pm. Saturday, Aug. 21, on NBC TV-40. It will receive six additional airings throughout August and September, including 3 pm. Sept. 19, the same day Boardwalk Empire will begin its 12-episode first season."

After the premiere of Boardwalk Empire, interest in Roaring Twenties-era Atlantic City has grown. In October 2010, a plan was revealed to renovate the ailing Resorts Casino Hotel into a Roaring Twenties theme. The re-branding was proposed by current owner Dennis Gomes, and was initiated in December 2010 when he took over the casino. The changes accentuate the resort's existing art deco design, as well as presenting new 20s-era uniforms for employees and music from the time period. The casino also introduced drinks and shows reminiscent of the period.Resorts Atlantic City to adopt 1920s theme in nod to 'Boardwalk Empire' The Star-Ledger, October 7, 2010. Accessed September 21, 2016. The actual building where he lived, The Ritz-Carlton, offer tours.Waltzer, Jim. "The Ritz: Where Nucky Lay His Head; Once a happening hotel, the Ritz Condominium has restored its vintage look, if not its wild ways. Tours of Nucky Johnson's one-time home are now being offered as Boardwalk Empire mania continues to sweep the city.", Atlantic City Weekly, November 10, 2010. Accessed December 21, 2016.

In 2011, Academy Bus began a trolley tour called "Nucky's Way", a tour bus service that features actors portraying Nucky, as well as other characters, as it loops around the city. Nucky's Way is the second trolley tour to capitalize off of Boardwalk Empire, after The Great American Trolley company started a weekly tour of Atlantic City with a Roaring Twenties theme in early June 2011.Rose, Elaine. "Academy Bus Co. launches 'Nucky's Way,' an Atlantic City trolley tour where 'Nucky' Johnson is your guide". The Press of Atlantic City, June 30, 2011. Accessed October 30, 2015.

On August 1, 2011, a façade modeled after the set of Boardwalk Empire was unveiled on the boardwalk in front of an empty lot at the former site of the Trump World's Fair resort. The façade of storefronts, which consists of vinyl tacked onto three large sections of plywood, was the brainchild of longtime area radio host Pinky Kravitz, who was also a columnist for The Press of Atlantic City and host of WMGM-TV Presents Pinky on NBC40.Harper, Derek. "'Boardwalk Empire' facade unveiled on Atlantic City Boardwalk to hundreds of spectators", The Press of Atlantic City, August 1, 2011. Accessed October 30, 2015.

Festivals and other recurring arts events
thumb|1930s Atlantic City promotional art by Edward Mason Eggleston.
 The second annual TidalWave Music Festival will be held on the Atlantic City beach in August 2023, featuring country music. Acts have included or are set to include Luke Bryan, Morgan Wallen, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn and Jason Aldean.Iuzzolino, Nicole. "TidalWave Music Festival 2023: Dates, schedules, where to buy tickets", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, December 16, 2022. Accessed March 21, 2023. "TidalWave Music Festival will take over the beaches of Atlantic City from Aug. 11 to 13. Some of the music industry’s biggest country artists will perform, such as Thomas Rhett, Jason Aldean and Brooks & Dunn. This will be the second annual TidalWave Music Festival after the first was held in the summer of 2022."
 The North to Shore Festival debuts in June 2023, billed as New Jersey's answer to SXSW. It will feature music and other entertainment at events in Asbury Park, Atlantic City and Newark throughout the month of June.Sobko, Katie. "Halsey, Demi Lovato coming to music and tech event North to Shore Jersey Festival", The Record, March 13, 2023. Accessed March 13, 2023. "The North to Shore Jersey Festival will be a music and technology event taking place over the course of three consecutive weekends at three cities across the state. Events will happen in Atlantic City from June 7 to 11, in Asbury Park from June 14 to 18, and in Newark from June 21 to 25. There will be a variety of entertainment events, including concerts, comedy shows and movies, as well as presentations from tech and business entrepreneurs."
 The Adjacent Music Festival will hold its inaugural event in May 2023, centered around emo, pop-punk, and hardcore music, with Paramore and Blink-182 on the Atlantic City beach.Breihan, Tom. "Adjacent Festival Is Bringing The When We Were Young Experience To Atlantic City", Stereogum, October 25, 2022. Accessed March 21, 2023. "Atlantic City’s Adjacent Festival doesn’t have the gallingly ugly poster design of When We Were Young, and it’s not quite as nostalgia-focused, but it’s definitely chasing the same demographic. The festival is all loaded down with bands that would’ve played the Warped Tour in the ’00s or, in a few cases, the late ’90s. Blink-182 and Paramore will headline, and the bill also features Coheed And Cambria, Jimmy Eat World, Midtown, Thursday, Motion City Soundtrack, the Starting Line, Wheatus, Phantom Planet, and the Movielife."
 The first Frantic City indie and punk festival took place in 2022 at Atlantic City's recently-opened Orange Loop Amphitheater with Fred Armisen as MC.Nitras, Jeremy. "Frantic City pics & review: Yo La Tengo, Snail Mail, Samiam, Bouncing Souls, RFTC, Superchunk, more", Brooklyn Vegan, September 26, 2022. Accessed March 21, 2023. 
 The Bamboozle festival is scheduled for Bader Field in May 2023, with acts including E-Town Concrete, Coi Leray, Ice Spice, Trippie Redd, Limp Bizkit, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, and Papa Roach. The festival had been held from 2003 to 2012 in Asbury Park and in East Rutherford at the Meadowlands Sports Complex.Jordan, Chris. "Bamboozle festival, stage for music superstars, returning May 2023 to New Jersey", May 4, 2021. Accessed March 21, 2023. "The storied Bamboozle music festival is returning May 5 to 7, 2023, for a 20-year anniversary celebration at a location in New Jersey, said founder John D'Esposito to the USA TODAY Network New Jersey.... The Bamboozle featured emo, hip-hop, rock and pop A-listers like Drake, Bon Jovi, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, My Chemical Romance, Bruno Mars Demi Lovato and many more during a 10-year run primarily in Asbury Park and the Meadowlands in East Rutherford."
 An LGBTQ event known as the "Miss'd America Pageant" is held annually. Originally started in 1994 as a fundraiser for local LGBT charities, the event features drag queens on the runway in a similar manner to the Miss America pageant.Miss'd America Pageant, Greater Atlantic City GLBT Alliance. Accessed July 27, 2017.Leonard, Nicole. "Miss'd America pageant finds new home in Atlantic City's Borgata", The Press of Atlantic City, May 22, 2015. Accessed September 21, 2016. "The reigning queen of the Miss'd America pageant, the LGBT spoof of Miss America, will relinquish her crown to a new winner on Sept. 26 as contestants from across the country descend on Atlantic City. The pageant has been held in recent years at Boardwalk Hall, Harrah's Resort and House of Blues at Showboat Casino Hotel since first returning to Atlantic City in 2010. ... Since its inception in 1994, the Miss'd America pageant has raised over $280,000 for local LGBT charities and organizations."
 Since 2003, Atlantic City has hosted Thunder over the Boardwalk, an annual airshow over the boardwalk. The yearly event, a joint venture between the New Jersey Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing along with several casinos, attracts over 750,000 visitors each year.Post, Michelle Bruentti; and Reil, Max. "Atlantic City airshow soars over city's beaches", The Press of Atlantic City, August 17, 2016. Accessed November 19, 2016. "It was the 14th annual 'Thunder Over the Boardwalk' Atlantic City Airshow, with airboss David Schultz estimating 450,000 people lined the Boardwalk, beaches and oceanfront buildings from Brigantine to Ocean City."

Orange Loop
thumb|St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church on the Orange Loop.
The Orange Loop is a neighborhood near the beach in Atlantic City with a focus on live music establishments. It runs perpendicular from the boardwalk inland to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church.
It is bounded by Tennessee Avenue, St. James Place, Pacific Avenue and the boardwalk, and  derives its name from the orange color of those streets on a traditional Monopoly gameboard. The Orange Loop Amphitheater hosted the Frantic City indie rock music festival on the loop in 2022. The inaugural Orange Loop Rock Festival, with rock acts from the 1980s and 1990s, took place in 2022 at the Showboat Festival Grounds (several blocks east of the actual district).

Sports
ClubSport League Venue Year(s)Atlantic City BlackjacksArena footballAFLBoardwalk Hall2019Weinberg, David. "Arena Football League teams suspend operations, Blackjacks' future unclear", The Press of Atlantic City, October 30, 2019. Accessed November 27, 2019. "The Atlantic City Blackjacks may not be back at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall next season. Ron Jaworski, chairman of the Arena Football League’s Executive Committee, confirmed a report in the Albany Times Union on Tuesday that all six of the league’s franchises will suspend their local operations."Weinberg, David. "Atlantic City Blackjacks done after one year, AFL ceases operation", The Press of Atlantic City, November 27, 2019. Accessed November 27, 2019. "The Atlantic City Blackjacks are done after just one season in the Arena Football League. The AFL announced Wednesday that it has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and is ceasing all operations."Atlantic City FCSoccerNPSLSilver Eagle Stadium2018–presentAuble, Kristine. "New soccer team Atlantic City FC to begin play in 2018", The Press of Atlantic City, December 22, 2017. Accessed November 27, 2019. "Hoping to fill a void in the city’s sports scene, the Atlantic City Football Club announced Thursday that it will join the National Premier Soccer League as an expansion team in 2018.... The team will play five to seven home games at Stockton University in Galloway Township and will compete in the NPSL Keystone Conference as a semiprofessional team."Atlantic City DiablosSoccerNPSLSt. Augustine College Preparatory School2007–2008Ralph, Matthew. "Atlantic City FC gives NPSL a South Jersey foothold Atlantic City FC announced entry into the NPSL’s Keystone Conference at the Tropicana on Thursday", Brotherly Game, December 22, 2017. Accessed November 27, 2019. "The Atlantic City Diablos played two seasons in the NPSL in 2007 and 2008 before folding and the AC Crusaders competed in the NPSL in 2011 and 2012 before heading to the American Soccer League and eventually meeting the same fate."Atlantic City Boardwalk BulliesIce HockeyECHLBoardwalk Hall2001–2005Gill, Mike. "15 Years Ago This Week The Boardwalk Bullies Won The Kelly Cup", 97.3 ESPN, May 16, 2018. Accessed November 27, 2019. "From 2001-2005, the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies were a member of the ECHL, but like most pro sports teams in the city, attendance problems forced the team to leave the city, landing in Stockton, CA"Atlantic City CardSharksIndoor footballNIFLBoardwalk Hall2004Hetrick, Christian. "Arena Football League team is coming to Atlantic City, and you get a chance to name it", The Philadelphia Inquirer, January 22, 2019. Accessed November 27, 2019. "The Atlantic City Seagulls, of the now defunct United States Basketball League, played at the city’s high school gym from 1996 to 2001. And the Atlantic City CardSharks of the National Indoor Football League played at Boardwalk Hall in 2004 and lasted one season."Atlantic City SurfBaseballCan-Am LeagueBernie Robbins Stadium1998–2008Huna, Nicholas. "The history of the Atlantic City Surf", The Press of Atlantic City, September 23, 2017. Accessed November 27, 2019. "May 20, 1998: The Atlantic City Surf play their first game against the Somerset Patriots to a sellout crowd. The Surf lose 8-5.... Sept. 7, 2008: The Surf plays its last game, a 6-0 shutout loss to Quebec in the Can-Am League playoffs."Atlantic City SeagullsBasketballUSBLAtlantic City High School1996–2001

The Atlantic City Race Course in Hamilton Township was a horse racing track that operated from 1946 to 2015.

The ShopRite LPGA Classic is an LPGA Tour women's golf tournament held near Atlantic City since it started in 1986.McGarry, Michael. "ShopRite LPGA Classic is thriving in four years since returning to Galloway", The Press of Atlantic City, May 24, 2014. Accessed September 14, 2018. "The Classic began in 1986 and continued uninterrupted for 20 years. But the tournament ended for three years after 2006 because of a dispute over dates between the former tournament officials and the LPGA."

Professional boxing
Since February 2, 1887, the city of Atlantic City has seen 2,538 (as of September 2018) professional boxing fight programs,Events in USA, New Jersey, Atlantic City, BoxRec. Accessed September 14, 2018. the first one being one with a main event fight between Willie Clark, 3-0-3, and debuting Horace Leeds, won by Clark on points over four rounds.Sunday 6, February 1887, BoxRec. Accessed September 14, 2018. During the 1980s, professional boxing activity boomed in Atlantic City, at times rivaling Las Vegas, Nevada, in staging major boxing fights. Fighters who fought in Atlantic City at that era include Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Wilfredo Gómez, Jeff Chandler, Larry Holmes, George Foreman, Mike Tyson and others. Fights included The Brawl For it All, Tyson versus Holmes, Tyson versus Michael Spinks, and Roberto Durán versus Iran Barkley.

Many boxing matches were held at Donald Trump's Trump Plaza, promoted either by Bob Arum or Don King.

Parks and recreation
Atlantic City is one of five municipalities in the state—and the only one outside of Cape May County—that offer free public access to oceanfront beaches monitored by lifeguards, joining Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and Upper Township's Strathmere section.Spoto, MaryAnn. "Surfers fighting to save dwindling free beaches", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, May 20, 2015. Accessed October 30, 2015. "New Jersey has five free guarded ocean beaches – Atlantic City, Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and the Strathmere section of Upper Township."

Government

Local government

Atlantic City is governed within the Faulkner Act (formally known as the Optional Municipal Charter Law) under the Mayor-Council system of municipal government (Plan D), implemented by direct petition effective as of July 1, 1982.2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 12."The Faulkner Act: New Jersey's Optional Municipal Charter Law" , New Jersey State League of Municipalities, July 2007. Accessed October 22, 2013. The city is one of 71 municipalities (of the 564) statewide governed under this form.Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey, Rutgers University Center for Government Studies, July 1, 2011. Accessed November 18, 2019. The governing body of Atlantic City is the Mayor and the City Council, all elected on a partisan basis to serve four-year terms of office as part of the November general election. The council is comprised of nine members, who are elected on a staggered basis, with one member from each of six wards and three serving at-large. The six ward seats are up for election together and the mayoral seat and the council at-large seats are up for vote together two years later. The City Council exercises the legislative power of the municipality for the purpose of holding Council meetings to introduce ordinances and resolutions to regulate City government. In addition, Council members review budgets submitted by the Mayor; provide for an annual audit of the city's accounts and financial transactions; organize standing committees and hold public hearings to address important issues which impact Atlantic City.Elected Officials , Atlantic City. Accessed November 19, 2016. Former Mayor Bob Levy created the Atlantic City Ethics Board in 2007, but the Board was dissolved two years later by vote of the Atlantic City Council.

, the Mayor is Marty Small Sr., whose term of office ends December 31, 2025.Mayor Marty Small Sr., City of Atlantic City. Accessed March 8, 2023. Small succeeded Frank M. Gilliam Jr. following his resignation on October 3, 2019."Atlantic City Mayor Gilliam resigns after guilty plea in federal court, Small to take over", The Press of Atlantic City, October 3, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019 Small initially served as mayor on an interim basis for an unexpired term ending on December 31, 2021."Atlantic City Council votes Small, state 'won't miss a beat' with new mayor", The Press of Atlantic City, October 15, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. "During a special meeting Tuesday evening, Small was selected by the governing body to serve an unexpired term as the city’s chief executive following the abrupt departure of Frank Gilliam Jr., who resigned earlier this month." Members of the City Council are Council President George Tibbitt (D, 2025; At-Large), Council Vice President Kaleem Shabazz (D, 2023; 3rd Ward), LaToya Dunston (D, 2023; Second Ward – elected to serve an unexpired term), Jesse O. Kurtz (Republican Party, 2023; 6th Ward), Stephanie Marshall (D, 2025; At-Large), MD Hossain Morshed (D, 2023; 4th Ward), Aaron "Sporty" Randolph (D, 2023; 1st Ward), Bruce Weekes (D, 2025; At-Large) and Muhammad "Anjum" Zia (D, 2023; 5th Ward).Directory, City of Atlantic City. Accessed April 24, 2022.2022 Municipal Data Sheet, City of Atlantic City. Accessed April 24, 2022.Municipal Government, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed April 24, 2022.General Election November 2, 2021 Official Results, Atlantic County, New Jersey, updated January 4, 2022. Accessed February 1, 2022.November 3, 2020 General Election Official Results, Atlantic County, New Jersey, update January 4, 2021. Accessed February 1, 2021.General Election Results - November 5, 2019, Atlantic County, New Jersey, updated November 19, 2019. Accessed January 1, 2020.

In May 2020, voters rejected by a 3–1 margin a referendum that would have changed the city to a council-manager form of government which would have reduced the size of the city council and shifted responsibility for day-to-day operation from an elected mayor to an appointed city manager.Biryukov, Nikita. "Atlantic City referendum defeated in landslide City voters overwhelmingly vote to keep current form of government", New Jersey Globe, May 12, 2020. Accessed May 13, 2020. "Voters in Atlantic City slapped down a referendum that would have eliminated the city’s mayor and reduced the number of seats on the city’s council. The referendum, which was opposed by incumbent councilmembers, Mayor Marty Small and the Callaway family-led Atlantic City Democratic organization, was defeated 985 to 3,275.... The measure would have replaced the mayor’s post with a council-appointed city manager and cut down the number of council seats from nine to five."

In December 2019, LaToya Dunston was selected from a list of three candidates nominated by the Democratic municipal committee to serve the remainder of the term of the Second Ward seat that had been held by Marty Small until he stepped down when he was appointed as mayor.Danzis, David. "Atlantic City Council selects Dunston for 2nd Ward seat", The Press of Atlantic City, November 12, 2019. Accessed March 18, 2020. "LaToya Dunston, 36, was unanimously selected by council to serve as the 2nd Ward representative for the remainder of 2019. She fills the vacancy left by Marty Small Sr., who became mayor Oct. 4 after his predecessor, Frank Gilliam Jr., abruptly resigned a day earlier." In January 2020, Dunston was appointed to fill the Second Ward seat expiring in December 2023 that Small had won in November 2019 but declined to fill; Dunston will serve on an interim basis until the November 2020 general election, when voters will select a candidate to serve the balance of the term of office.Reorganization Meeting Minutes for January 1, 2020, City of Atlantic City. Accessed March 18, 2020.

Mayoral disappearance and resignation
Following questions about false claims he had made about his military record, Mayor Bob Levy left City Hall in September 2007 in a city-owned vehicle for an unknown destination. After a 13-day absence, his lawyer revealed that Levy was in Carrier Clinic, a rehabilitation hospital.Ryan, Joe. "Atlantic City mayor was at Carrier Clinic", The Star-Ledger, October 9, 2007. Accessed June 14, 2016. "The mayor of Atlantic City whose mysterious absence sparked political chaos and national intrigue was at a rehabilitation facility in Somerset County, his attorney said today. Robert Levy spent the start of his 13-day disappearance from public life at the Carrier Clinic in Belle Mead, his attorney told the Press of Atlantic City for a report on its Web site." Levy resigned in October 2007 and then-Council President William Marsh assumed the office of MayorCox, Paul. "Marsh is sworn in as Atlantic City mayor", The Star-Ledger, October 11, 2007. Accessed June 14, 2016. "Atlantic City City Council President William 'Speedy' Marsh was sworn in as the resort's mayor Wednesday afternoon by City Clerk Rosemary Adams, according to a report in the Press of Atlantic City. The event occurred just hours after former Mayor Bob Levy resigned amid an ongoing federal investigation into his military record and after Levy had returned from a stay at a Somerset County clinic that specializes in mental health and addiction recovery." and served six weeks until an interim mayor was named.

Federal, state and county representation
Atlantic City is located in the 2nd Congressional districtPlan Components Report, New Jersey Redistricting Commission, December 23, 2011. Accessed February 1, 2020. and is part of New Jersey's 2nd state legislative district.Municipalities Sorted by 2011-2020 Legislative District, New Jersey Department of State. Accessed February 1, 2020.2019 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, New Jersey League of Women Voters. Accessed October 30, 2019.Districts by Number for 2011–2020, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 6, 2013.

 

Atlantic County is governed by a directly elected county executive and a nine-member Board of County Commissioners, responsible for legislation. The executive serves a four-year term and the commissioners are elected to staggered three-year terms, of which four are elected from the county on an at-large basis and five of the commissioners represent equally populated districts.Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed June 5, 2018.District Map, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed June 5, 2018. , Atlantic County's Executive is Republican Dennis Levinson, whose term of office ends December 31, 2023.County Executive, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed June 5, 2018. Members of the Board of County Commissioners are:

Ernest D. Coursey, District 1, including Atlantic City (part), Egg Harbor Township (part), and Pleasantville (D, 2022, Atlantic City),Ernest D. Coursey, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed June 5, 2018. Chair Maureen Kern, District 2, including Atlantic City (part), Egg Harbor Township (part), Linwood, Longport, Margate City, Northfield, Somers Point and Ventnor City (R, 2024, Somers Point),Maureen Kern, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed June 5, 2018. Andrew Parker III, District 3, including Egg Harbor Township (part) and Hamilton Township (part) (R, Egg Harbor Township, 2023),Ashley R. Bennett, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed June 5, 2018. Richard R. Dase, District 4, including Absecon, Brigantine, Galloway Township and Port Republic (R, 2022, Galloway Township),Richard R. Dase, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed June 5, 2018. James A. Bertino, District 5, including Buena, Buena Vista Township, Corbin City, Egg Harbor City, Estell Manor, Folsom, Hamilton Township (part), Hammonton, Mullica Township and Weymouth Township (R, 2018, Hammonton),James A. Bertino, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed June 5, 2018. Caren L. Fitzpatrick, At-Large (D, 2023, Linwood),Caren L. Fitzpatrick, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed June 5, 2018. Frank X. Balles, At-Large (R, Pleasantville, 2024)Frank D. Formica, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed June 5, 2018. Amy L. Gatto, Freeholder (R, 2022, Hamilton Township)Amy L. Gatto, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed June 5, 2018. and Vice Chair John W. Risley, At-Large (R, 2023, Egg Harbor Township)John W. Risley, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed June 5, 2018.Atlantic County Manual 2018, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed June 5, 2018. 

Atlantic County's constitutional officers are: 
County Clerk Joesph J. Giralo (R, 2026, Hammonton),Meet the Atlantic County Clerk, Atlantic County Clerk. Accessed June 5, 2018. Members List: Clerks, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed June 5, 2018. 
Sheriff Eric Scheffler (D, 2024, Northfield)Sheriff Eric Scheffler, Atlantic County Sheriff's Office. Accessed June 5, 2018.Members List: Sheriffs, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed June 5, 2018. and 
Surrogate James Curcio (R, 2025, Hammonton).Surrogate's Office, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed June 5, 2018.Members List: Surrogates, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed June 5, 2018.Constitutional Officers, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Accessed June 5, 2018.

Politics
As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 20,001 registered voters in Atlantic City, of which 12,063 (60.3% vs. 30.5% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 1,542 (7.7% vs. 25.2%) were registered as Republicans and 6,392 (32.0% vs. 44.3%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 4 voters registered to other parties.Voter Registration Summary – Atlantic, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed December 24, 2014. Among the city's 2010 Census population, 50.6% (vs. 58.8% in Atlantic County) were registered to vote, including 67.0% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 76.6% countywide).GCT-P7: Selected Age Groups: 2010 – State – County Subdivision; 2010 Census Summary File 1 for New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 24, 2014.

In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 9,948 votes (86.6% vs. 57.9% countywide), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 1,548 votes (13.5% vs. 41.1%) and other candidates with 49 votes (0.4% vs. 0.9%), among the 11,489 ballots cast by the city's 21,477 registered voters, for a turnout of 53.5% (vs. 65.8% in Atlantic County).Presidential November 6, 2012 General Election Results – Atlantic County , New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 15, 2013. Accessed December 24, 2014.Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast November 6, 2012 General Election Results – Atlantic County , New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 15, 2013. Accessed December 24, 2014. In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 10,975 votes (82.1% vs. 56.5% countywide), ahead of Republican John McCain with 2,175 votes (16.3% vs. 41.6%) and other candidates with 82 votes (0.6% vs. 1.1%), among the 13,370 ballots cast by the city's 26,030 registered voters, for a turnout of 51.4% (vs. 68.1% in Atlantic County).2008 Presidential General Election Results: Atlantic County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed December 24, 2014. In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 8,487 votes (74.5% vs. 52.0% countywide), ahead of Republican George W. Bush with 2,687 votes (23.6% vs. 46.2%) and other candidates with 96 votes (0.8% vs. 0.8%), among the 11,389 ballots cast by the city's 23,310 registered voters, for a turnout of 48.9% (vs. 69.8% in the whole county).2004 Presidential Election: Atlantic County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed December 24, 2014.

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Democrat Barbara Buono received 4,293 ballots cast (52.6% vs. 34.9% countywide), ahead of Republican Chris Christie with 2,897 votes (35.5% vs. 60.0%) and other candidates with 63 votes (0.8% vs. 1.3%), among the 8,155 ballots cast by the city's 23,049 registered voters, yielding a 35.4% turnout (vs. 41.5% in the county).2013 Governor: Atlantic County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, January 29, 2014. Accessed December 24, 2014.Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast November 5, 2013 General Election Results : Atlantic County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, January 29, 2014. Accessed December 24, 2014. In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Democrat Jon Corzine received 4,988 ballots cast (69.9% vs. 44.5% countywide), ahead of Republican Chris Christie with 1,578 votes (22.1% vs. 47.7%), Independent Chris Daggett with 157 votes (2.2% vs. 4.8%) and other candidates with 99 votes (1.4% vs. 1.2%), among the 7,141 ballots cast by the city's 22,585 registered voters, yielding a 31.6% turnout (vs. 44.9% in the county).2009 Governor: Atlantic County , New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed December 24, 2014.

City and state agencies

New Jersey Casino Control Commission

The New Jersey Casino Control Commission is a New Jersey state governmental agency that was founded in 1977 as the state's Gaming Control Board, responsible for administering the Casino Control Act and its regulations to assure public trust and confidence in the credibility and integrity of the casino industry and casino operations in Atlantic City. Casinos operate under licenses granted by the commission. The commission is headquartered in the Arcade Building at Tennessee Avenue and Boardwalk in Atlantic City.About the Commission, New Jersey Casino Control Commission. Accessed January 13, 2012.

New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement is a division of the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety and is responsible for certifying casino gaming revenue, registering casino employees and non-gaming vendors, licensing gaming vendors, and handling all casino patron complaints.

Casino Reinvestment Development Authority

The CRDA was founded in 1984 and is responsible for directing the spending of casino reinvestment funds in public and private projects to benefit Atlantic City and other areas of the state. From 1985 through April 2008, CRDA spent US$1.5 billion on projects in Atlantic City and US$300 million throughout New Jersey."30 Years of Casino Gaming", The Press of Atlantic City, May 25, 2008. Accessed June 7, 2008.

Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority
The Convention & Visitors Authority (ACCVA) was in charge of advertising and marketing for the city as well as promoting economic growth through convention and leisure tourism development. The ACCVA managed the Boardwalk Hall and Atlantic City Convention Center, as well as the Boardwalk Welcome Center inside Boardwalk Hall and a welcome center on the Atlantic City Expressway. In 2011, the ACCVA was absorbed into the CRDA as part of the state takeover that created the tourism district.Previti, Emily. "Casinos, executives take over efforts to market Atlantic City", The Press of Atlantic City, April 26, 2011. Accessed December 4, 2015. "The Atlantic City Alliance, a nonprofit entity funded and operated by local casinos and their executives, will assume most of the city's marketing duties and media services previously handled by the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority, which will focus on growing convention business."

Atlantic City Special Improvement District
The Atlantic City Special Improvement District (SID) was a nonprofit organization created in 1992, funded by a special assessment tax on businesses within the improvement district. It carried out various activities to improve the city's business community, including street cleaning and promotional efforts. In 2011, the SID was absorbed by the CRDA; the former SID boundaries would be expanded to the include all areas in the newly formed tourism district. Under the new structure, established by state legislation, the CRDA assumed responsibility for the staff, equipment and programs of the SID. The new SID division includes a SID committee made up of CRDA board members and an advisory council consisting of the current trustees and others.Previti, Emily. "Atlantic City Special Improvement District votes to dissolve, transfer assets to CRDA", The Press of Atlantic City, April 18, 2011. Accessed May 11, 2011.

Fire department

The Atlantic City Fire Department (ACFD) provides fire protection and first responder emergency medical services to the city. The ACFD operates out of six fire stations, located throughout the city in one battalion, under the command of a Battalion Chief, who in-turn reports to an on-duty Deputy Chief, or Tour Commander each shift.Atlantic City Firefighters – ACFD History. Atlantic City Fire Fighters. Accessed November 15, 2013.Fire , City of Atlantic City. Accessed August 14, 2012.Atlantic City Firefighters – Stations & Units, Atlantic City Fire Fighters. Accessed November 15, 2013.

Fire station locations

Police department

The city is protected by the Atlantic City Police Department, which handles 150,000 calls per year. The Chief of Police is Henry White.Home Page, Atlantic City Police Department. Accessed November 22, 2015.

Education
The Atlantic City School District serves students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grades.Atlantic City Board of Education District Policy: Identification, Atlantic City School District. Accessed July 8, 2022. "Purpose: The Board of Education exists for the purpose of providing a thorough and efficient system of free public education in grades Pre-K through twelve in the Atlantic City School District. Composition: The Atlantic City School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of Atlantic City." As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of 11 schools, had an enrollment of 6,553 students and 617.3 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 10.6:1.District information for Atlantic City School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed February 15, 2022. Schools in the district (with 2020–21 enrollment data from the National Center for Education StatisticsSchool Data for the Atlantic City School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed February 15, 2022.) are 
Venice Park SchoolVenice Park School, Atlantic City School District. Accessed July 8, 2022. (36 students in PreK), 
Brighton Avenue SchoolBrighton Avenue School, Atlantic City School District. Accessed July 8, 2022. (315 students; in grades PreK-5), 
Chelsea Heights SchoolChelsea Heights School, Atlantic City School District. Accessed July 8, 2022. (332; PreK-8), 
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School ComplexDr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex, Atlantic City School District. Accessed July 8, 2022. (543; PreK-8), 
New York Avenue SchoolNew York Avenue School, Atlantic City School District. Accessed July 8, 2022. (548; PreK-8), 
Pennsylvania Avenue SchoolPennsylvania Avenue School, Atlantic City School District. Accessed July 8, 2022. (549; PreK-8), 
Richmond Avenue SchoolRichmond Avenue School, Atlantic City School District. Accessed July 8, 2022. (615; PreK-8), 
Sovereign Avenue SchoolSovereign Avenue School, Atlantic City School District. Accessed July 8, 2022. (696; PreK-8),
Texas Avenue SchoolTexas Avenue School, Atlantic City School District. Accessed July 8, 2022. (499; K-8), 
Uptown School ComplexUptown School Complex, Atlantic City School District. Accessed July 8, 2022. (536; PreK-8) and 
Atlantic City High SchoolAtlantic City High School, Atlantic City School District. Accessed July 8, 2022. (1,771; 9–12).School Site Directory, Atlantic City School District. Accessed July 8, 2022.New Jersey School Directory for the Atlantic City Public Schools, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed December 29, 2016. Pennsylvania Avenue School opened for the 2012–2013 school year, with most students shifting from New Jersey Avenue School, which had been one of the district's oldest and most rundown schools.Raheem, Turiya S. A. "Community Updates: Pennsylvania Avenue School and More", Atlantic City Weekly, October 8, 2012. Accessed November 26, 2017. "The new Pennsylvania Avenue School (PAS) is a long-awaited addition to the Atlantic City School System.... Most students attending PAS have come from New Jersey Avenue School, one of the oldest in the city, which needed far too many repairs and had become a dark and dismal place for children and teachers alike."

Students from Brigantine, Longport, Margate City and Ventnor City attend Atlantic City High School as part of sending/receiving relationships with the respective school districts.Atlantic City Public School District 2016 Report Card Narrative, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed November 26, 2017. "The Atlantic City Public School District is a Pre-K to 12 school district operating Eleven (11) schools. Our Pre-K through 8th grade schools serve Atlantic City, while our high school serves the students of Atlantic City, Ventnor, Brigantine, Margate and Longport."Rotondo, Christie. "Shore towns may pay less as Atlantic City schools slash budgets", The Press of Atlantic City, June 14, 2015. Accessed November 26, 2017. "Over the years, Brigantine, Ventnor, Margate and Longport have criticized the high cost of tuition to send their students to Atlantic City High School."

City public school students are also eligible to attend the Atlantic County Institute of Technology in the Mays Landing section of Hamilton TownshipFrequently Asked Questions, Atlantic County Institute of Technology. Accessed July 8, 2022. "What does it cost to attend ACIT? As a public school, there is no cost to Atlantic County residents of high school age. New Jersey Title 18A:54-20.1 entitles students the right to choose ACIT for their high school education." or the Charter-Tech High School for the Performing Arts, located in Somers Point.Profile, Charter-Tech High School for the Performing Arts. Accessed May 18, 2017.

Oceanside Charter School, which offered pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade, was founded in 1999 and closed in June 2013 when its charter wasn't renewed by the New Jersey Department of Education.D'Amico, Diane. "Students, teachers bid farewell to closing Oceanside Charter School", The Press of Atlantic City, June 18, 2013. Accessed November 19, 2016. "Photos were taken down off bulletin boards and tears streamed down cheeks Tuesday at the very last, last day of school at Oceanside Charter School in Atlantic City. The school will officially close at the end of the month after the state Department of Education did not renew its charter this year."

Founded in 1908, Our Lady Star of the Sea Regional School is a Catholic elementary school, operates under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Camden.Our History, Our Lady Star of the Sea Regional School. Accessed February 20, 2023. "Fourteen years later, in 1908, having arranged for the Sisters of Mercy to work in the ministry of education, Father Petri opened Our Lady Star of the Sea School, with eighty students who were primarily Irish-American Catholics."Schools, South Jersey Catholic Schools. Accessed February 20, 2023.

Nearby college campuses include those of Atlantic Cape Community College and Stockton University, the latter of which offers classes and resources in the city such as the Carnegie Library Center, which was turned back to the control of the city in April 2022.Brunetti, Michelle. "Stockton returns Carnegie Library to Atlantic City", The Press of Atlantic City, April 7, 2022. Accessed July 8, 2022.

Media outlets

Newspapers and magazines

 The Press of Atlantic City
 Atlantic City Insiders
 Atlantic City Weekly
 Casino Connection

Radio stations

 WEHA 88.7 FM – Gospel
 WAYV 95.1 FM – Top 40
 WTTH 96.1 FM – Urban AC
 WFPG 96.9 FM – AC (Lite Rock 96.9)
 WENJ 97.3 FM – Sports
 WTKU 98.3 FM – Classic hits (Kool 98.3)
 WZBZ 99.3 FM – Rhythmic (The Buzz)
 WZXL 100.7 FM – Rock (The Rock Station)
 WLRB 102.7 FM – Contemporary Christian (K-Love)
 WMGM 103.7 FM – Active rock (WMGM Rocks)
 WSJO 104.9 FM – Top 40 (Sojo 104.9)
 WPUR 107.3 FM – Country (Cat Country 107.3)
 WWJZ 640 AM – Religious
 WMID 1340 AM – Oldies
 WOND 1400 AM – News/Talk
 WPGG 1450 AM – Talk
 WBSS 1490 AM – Sports betting talk

Television stations

Atlantic City is part of the Philadelphia television market.  There, six stations licensed in the area.
WACP Channel 4 Atlantic City (Independent)
WMGM-LP Channel 7 Atlantic City (Silent) 
WMGM-TV Channel 40 Wildwood (Justice Network)
W45CP-D Channel 45 Atlantic City (Daystar)
W48DP-D Channel 48 Atlantic City (EICB TV)

Infrastructure
Transportation
thumb|upright=1.1|Eastern terminus of the Atlantic City Expressway in Atlantic City
Roads and highways
, the city had a total of  of roadways, of which  were maintained by the municipality,  by Atlantic County,  by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and  by the South Jersey Transportation Authority.Atlantic County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction, New Jersey Department of Transportation, May 2010. Accessed November 13, 2013.

The three roadways that enter Atlantic City are: Black Horse Pike/Harding Highway (US 322/40 via the Albany Avenue drawbridge), White Horse Pike (US 30), and the Atlantic City Expressway through the Brigantine Connector. Atlantic City is roughly  south of New York City via the Garden State Parkway and  southeast of Philadelphia.Links and Information for those Visiting Atlantic City , City of Atlantic City. Accessed November 20, 2016.

Public transportation
alt=|thumb|upright=1.1|Atlantic City Rail Terminal
thumb|upright=1.1|ACJA "Jitney" No. 29 on a casino shuttle run
thumb|upright=1.1|NJ Transit #2514 on the 505
Atlantic City is connected to other cities in several ways. NJ Transit's Atlantic City Rail TerminalAtlantic City station, NJ Transit. Accessed November 15, 2013. at the Atlantic City Convention Center provides service from 30th Street Station in Philadelphia through several smaller South Jersey communities via the Atlantic City Line.Atlantic City Rail Line, NJ Transit. Accessed November 15, 2013.

On June 20, 2006, the board of NJ Transit approved a three-year trial of express train service between New York Penn Station and the Atlantic City Rail Terminal. The line, known as ACES (Atlantic City Express Service), ran from February 2009 to March 2012. The approximate travel time was  hours, with a stop at Newark's Penn Station, and was part of the casinos' multimillion-dollar investments in Atlantic City. Most of the funding for the transit line was provided by Harrah's Entertainment (owners of both Harrah's Atlantic City and Caesars Atlantic City) and the Borgata."NJ Transit board approves New York – Atlantic City Express Rail Service", NJ Transit press release, June 19, 2006. Accessed November 19, 2016.

The Atlantic City Bus Terminal is the home to local, intrastate and interstate bus companies including NJ Transit, OurBusBook NYC to Caesars Atlantic City Bus, OurBus. Accessed January 2, 2023. and Greyhound bus lines. The Greyhound Lucky Streak Express offers service to Atlantic City from New York City, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.Atlantic City Bus Terminal, NJ Transit. Accessed November 15, 2013. In addition to stopping at the Atlantic City Bus Terminal, Greyhound buses stop at various casinos in Atlantic City. Martz Trailways provides bus service to various casinos in Atlantic City from Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and White Haven in Pennsylvania.Schedules To/From Philadelphia and Casinos , Martz Group. Accessed March 18, 2020. Klein Transportation provides bus service to various casinos in Atlantic City from Shillington, Douglassville, Royersford, and Audubon in Pennsylvania.Casino Line Run, Klein Transportation. Accessed March 18, 2020

Within the city, public transportation is provided by NJ Transit along 13 routes, including service between the city and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan on the 319 route, and service to and from Atlantic City on routes 501 (to Brigantine Beach), 502 (to Atlantic Cape Community College), 504 (to Ventnor Plaza), 505 (to Longport), 507 (to Ocean City), 508 (to the Hamilton Mall), 509 (to Ocean City), 551 (to Philadelphia), 552 (to Cape May), 553 (to Upper Deerfield Township), 554 (to the Lindenwold PATCO station) and 559 (to Lakewood Township).Atlantic County Bus / Rail Connections, NJ Transit, backed up by the Internet Archive as of July 26, 2010. Accessed November 15, 2013.South Jersey Transit Guide, Cross County Connection. Accessed march 18, 2020.

The Atlantic City Jitney Association (ACJA) offers service on four fixed-route lines and on shuttles to and from the rail terminal.Jitney Route Map , Atlantic City Jitney Association. Accessed November 19, 2016.

Airline service
Commercial airlines serve Atlantic City via Atlantic City International Airport, located  northwest of the city in Egg Harbor Township. Many travelers also fly into Philadelphia International Airport, Trenton-Mercer Airport, or Newark Liberty International Airport, where there are wider selections of carriers from which to choose. The historic downtown Bader Field airport is now permanently closed and plans are in the works to redevelop the land.

Atlantic City International Airport is a focus city for Spirit Airlines. The airport is also served by various scheduled chartered flight companies.

Healthcare
thumb|upright=1.1|AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Mainland Campus in Galloway Township
thumb|upright=1.1|Jersey-Atlantic Wind Farm is the first coastal wind farm in the United States.Urgo, Jacqueline L. "Atlantic City wind turbines become a tourist attraction", The Press of Atlantic City, June 12, 2011. Accessed December 4, 2015. "Some casino hotel guests are so fascinated that they ask for rooms with a view of the five delicate fans, resort operators say. So the Atlantic County Utilities Authority is cranking open the security gates at the Route 30 wastewater-treatment facility that houses the turbines for twice-a-week tours in June, July, and August."
The AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center is a health system based in Atlantic City. Founded in 1898, it includes two hospitals; the Atlantic City Campus and the Mainland Campus in Pomona, New Jersey. It has Atlantic City's only cancer institute, heart institute, and neonatal intensive care unit.AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center: Atlantic City Campus, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center City Division. Accessed December 4, 2015. "AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's Atlantic City Campus was Atlantic City's first hospital, founded in 1898."

Utilities
South Jersey Industries provides natural gas to the city under the South Jersey Gas division. Marina Energy and its subsidiary, Energenic, a joint business venture with a long-time business partner, operate two thermal power stations in the city. The Marina Thermal Plant serves the Borgata while a second plant serves the Resorts Hotel and Casino.Company History, South Jersey Industries. Accessed December 4, 2015. "Marina's first project was the construction of the Marina Thermal Energy facility in Atlantic City, which opened in 2003. Marina Thermal provides Borgata Casino Hotel & Spa's heating, cooling and hot water needs in addition to electric generation." Another thermal plant is the Midtown Thermal Control Center on Atlantic and Ohio Avenues built by Conectiv, which opened in 1997 and provides chilled water for hotels and other facilities along the Boardwalk.Ianeri, Brian. "Atlantic City cooling plant slashes electricity costs with innovative technology", The Press of Atlantic City, July 6, 2014. Accessed December 4, 2015. "New technology that slashed electricity costs by nearly 25 percent at the Midtown Thermal Control Center may benefit people from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to California and Texas. The 17-year-old Atlantic Avenue plant functions as a massive air-conditioning system that cools several Boardwalk casinos and hotels, Boardwalk Hall and the Pier Shops at Caesars."

Electrical power in Atlantic City and its immediate surrounding area is provided primarily served Atlantic City Electric, which was incorporated in 1924 and provides power from the Beesley's Point Generating Station in Upper Township and other locations.About Us, Atlantic City Electric. Accessed December 4, 2015. "Atlantic City Electric, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (PHI), delivers safe, reliable and affordable electric service to more than 545,000 customers in southern New Jersey."

The Jersey-Atlantic Wind Farm, opened in 2005, is the first onshore coastal wind farm in the United States.Jersey-Atlantic Wind Farm, Atlantic City Utilities Authority. Accessed December 4, 2015. In October 2010, North American Offshore Wind Conference was held in the city and included tours of the facility and potential sites for further development.Miller, Michael. "N.J. soars in wind energy projects; four offshore farms in the works could generate 1,100 megawatts", The Press of Atlantic City, October 8, 2010. Accessed January 13, 2017. In February 2011, the state passed legislation permitting the construction of windmills for electricity along pre-existing piers, such as the Steel Pier.Fletcher, Juliet. "Christie enacts law allowing windmills on piers along New Jersey coast, including on Steel Pier in Atlantic City", The Press of Atlantic City, February 8, 2011. Accessed December 21, 2016. The first phase of the Atlantic Wind Connection, a planned electrical transmission backbone along the Jersey Shore was planned to be operational in 2013.

In popular culture

Atlantic City has been featured in several aspects of pop culture. Films such as The King of Marvin Gardens (1972),Staff. "The King of Marvin Gardens (1972)", The New York Times. Accessed November 15, 2013. "Dreams die hard in wintry Atlantic City in Bob Rafelson's downbeat character drama." Atlantic City,Canby, Vincent. "Atlantic City (1980)", The New York Times, April 3, 1981. Accessed March 18, 2020. "Atlantic City, Louis Malle's fine new movie, may be one of the most romantic and perverse ghost stories ever filmed, set not in a haunted castle but in a haunted city, the contemporary Atlantic City, a point of transit where the dead and the living meet briefly, sometimes even make love, and then continue on their individual ways." The Godfather Part III,Hartshorn, Toni. "Ten Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Be Quick to Dismiss The Godfather, Part III", AMC, February 2012. Accessed March 18, 2020. Archived from the original July 26, 2020. RoundersWeis, Richard. "Film / A.C. Gets Its Fair Share of Exposure in Rounders", The Press of Atlantic City, September 8, 1998. Accessed November 15, 2013. "Atlantic City may never again get the star treatment it received from director Louis Malle in 1980 with his dreamy, bittersweet film Atlantic City. But the city does get the proverbial 15 minutes of fame in Rounders, a feature about a pair of go-for-broke poker players that stars Matt Damon and Edward Norton and opens nationally on Friday." and Snake EyesKempley, Rita. "Snake Eyes: A Bad Bet", The Washington Post, August 7, 1998. Accessed September 14, 2018. "Nicolas Cage, who sported wings as a somber seraphim in this spring's City of Angels, returns to more devilish pursuits in Brian De Palma's Snake Eyes. A glittery but dunderheaded murder mystery set in Atlantic City's Trump Taj Mahal, the movie gives both of these high-rollers a chance to strut and preen." have featured the city, as have television programs such as Mr. Belvedere, The Simpsons,Donohue, Brian. "Doh!: How 'The Simpsons' has celebrated New Jersey over the years", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, May 15, 2016, updated May 16, 2019. Accessed March 18, 2020. How I Met Your Mother,Krause, Staci. "How I Met Your Mother: 'Atlantic City' Review", IGN, April 3, 2007, updated May 15, 2012. Accessed March 18, 2020. and Boardwalk Empire.

Notable people

People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Atlantic City include:

 Hakeem Abdul-Shaheed (born 1959), convicted drug dealer and organized crime leaderStaff. "High-Living N.J. 'Midget' Crowned With Drug Indictment", Philadelphia Daily News, February 16, 1989. Accessed November 15, 2013. "Hakeem Abdul Shaheed gave the kids of the dreary Atlantic City housing projects something to aspire to. He lived like a king, complete with gold crown."
 Jack Abramoff (born 1958), former lobbyist who was embroiled in high-profile political scandals. Abramoff was born in Atlantic City and lived there until age 10"Unraveling Abramoff: Key Players in the Investigation of Lobbyist Jack Abramoff", The Washington Post, October 13, 2006. Accessed June 23, 2007. "Born in Atlantic City, N.J., Abramoff, 46, graduated from Brandeis University and Georgetown University Law Center."
 Robert Agnew (born 1953), professor of sociology at Emory University and president of the American Society of CriminologyStaff. "Crime may rise along with Earth's temperatures", Phys.org, July 12, 2012. Accessed November 15, 2013. "Agnew's background in criminology isn't purely academic. He grew up in the Atlantic City of the 1950s and 60s, before casinos brought tourist dollars and jobs."
 Joe Albany (1924–1988), jazz pianistReney, Tom. "Joe Albany: Low Down Proto Bopper on Film" , New England Public Radio, January 24, 2013. Accessed November 15, 2013. "The Atlantic City native is essentially the sole voice relating his life's story in the documentary, but he sounds humble and reliable, and his recollections of Bird and Pres and Lady Day are appreciative and insightful. Albany came to prominence in the 1940s, holding down the coveted piano chair in bands led by Georgie Auld and Benny Carter, where he was the only white member."
 Abdullah Anderson (born 1996), defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons
 James Avery (1945–2013), actor best known for portrayal of patriarch Philip Banks, Will Smith's character's uncle, in TV series The Fresh Prince of Bel-AirJackson, Vincent. "Achievements / James Avery Returns Home to Accept Award From NJEA", The Press of Atlantic City, November 10, 2001. Accessed November 15, 2013. "Atlantic City native actor James Avery returned to his hometown this weekend to receive an award acknowledging his promotion of the teaching profession and recognizing his leadership in the acting field."
 Harry Bacharach (1873–1947), mayor of Atlantic City in 1912 for six months, again from 1916 to 1920, and again from 1930 to 1935Staff. "Transport: Atlantic City Dream", Time, November 5, 1934. Accessed November 15, 2013. "Longtime dream of Atlantic City's Mayor Harry Bacharach has been a new railroad station for 'America's Playground.' Last week, on his 61st birthday, Mayor Bacharach's dream came true."
 Isaac Bacharach (1870–1956), represented  from 1915 to 1937A Finding Aid to the Isaac Bacharach Papers. 1882–1956., American Jewish Archives. Accessed November 15, 2013. "Born in Philadelphia, January 5, 1870, Isaac Bacharach was a businessman and banker who pursued a political career as a Republican in New Jersey. After serving on the Atlantic City Council (1907–1911), he was elected to the State Assembly (1913) and the US Congress (1915)."
 Edward L. Bader (1874–1927), mayor from 1920 to 1927Staff. "Mayor Bader Dies; Atlantic City – Succumbs to Appendicitis Early This Morning – Under Knife on Thursday – Elected for Eight Years – Former Member of University of Pennsylvania's Football Team – A Contractor for Many Years.", The New York Times, January 29, 1927. Accessed June 1, 2017.
 Joseph Carleton Beal (1900–1967), co-writer of the Christmas song Jingle Bell RockHenry, Big Joe. Big Joe's History of Christmas Music, NJ 101.5, December 22, 2012. Accessed February 1, 2013. "What do you get when you combine influences of 1950s era Atlantic City and Texas? You guessed it! You get the holiday hit Jingle Bell Rock. Composed by Joseph Beal, a public relations professional and longtime resident of Atlantic City, and James Boothe, a Texan writer in the advertising business."
 Barry Beckham (born 1944), playwright and novelistMonaghan, Charles. "Book Report", The Washington Post, June 14, 1987. Accessed August 8, 2018. "A native of Atlantic City, N.J., Beckham was president of his class at Atlantic City High School before going to Brown, where he was one of three black graduates in the class of 1966."
 Edwin Blum (1906–1995), screenwriter for films Stalag 17 and The New Adventures of TarzanStaff. "Edwin Blum: The Full Biography", The New York Times. Accessed November 15, 2013. "A native of Atlantic City, NJ, Blum moved to Los Angeles in 1933 and started out as an assistant to Writers Guild of America president Ernest Pascal."
 Jack Boucher (1931–2012), photographer for National Park Service for more than 40 years beginning in 1958, chief photographer for the Historic American Buildings SurveyMcDonough, Megan. "Jack E. Boucher, longtime National Park Service photographer, dies at 80" , The Washington Post, September 13, 2012. Accessed November 15, 2013. "Jack Edward Boucher was born in Buffalo on Sept. 4, 1931, and raised in Atlantic City. He began his career as a photo lab technician and engraver at 18 at the old Atlantic City Tribune, a newspaper where his father was a reporter."
 Horace J. Bryant (1909–1983), first African American to serve in a State Cabinet position in New JerseyStaff. "Horace J. Bryant Dead; Commissioner in Jersey", The New York Times, April 14, 1983. Accessed September 25, 2016. "In 1970, Mr. Bryant returned to Atlantic City, was elected to the City Commission two years later and was City Commissioner of Revenue and Finance until 1980."
 Benjamin Burnley (born 1978), musician, best known as lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and primary songwriter for band Breaking BenjaminWendowski, Andrew. "Breaking Benjamin, From Ashes To New Hit Rock Jackpot in Atlantic City at Hard Rock Casino", Music Mayhem Magazine, January 2, 2019. Accessed March 18, 2020. "This evening was a special one not only cause it was the bands final performance of the year but also because this show is a hometown show for Breaking Benjamin’s own Benjamin Burnley, who was actually born right in Atlantic City as he greeted the crowd saying, 'Atlantic City, How the f-ck is everyone doing tonight, man it’s so good to be home, I was born right here in Atlantic City.'"Roncace, Kelly. 'Breaking Benjamin is back and going home with show at Trump Taj Mahal", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, August 8, 2015. Accessed August 9, 2018. "'I was born in Atlantic City, at the hospital there, and raised in Ocean City until I was 12 years old.' Burnley explained his family moved to Pennsylvania when he was 12 due to an increase in taxes at the shore town."
 Greg Buttle (born 1954), linebacker who played in the NFL for the New York JetsGreg Buttle, Pro-Football-Reference.com. Accessed June 2, 2011.
 Mark H. Buzby (born 1956), former United States Navy rear admiral who serves as Administrator of the United States Maritime AdministrationCronick, Scott. "Everyone Has a Story: Naval admiral, Atlantic City native to boldly go someplace cold", The Press of Atlantic City, October 24, 2009. Accessed September 12, 2018. "As a 30-year United States Navy veteran, Atlantic City native Mark H. Buzby has traveled the world. He has been to every continent except Antarctica. And thanks to his recent promotion, he will be able to check that one off, too, when he goes there in January."
 Carole Byard (1941–2017), visual artist and illustrator of children's books, who was the recipient of a Caldecott Medal and multiple Coretta Scott King AwardsObituary of Carole Byard, Greenidge Funeral Home. Accessed February 6, 2018. "Carole Marie Byard, 'Suggie,' was born on July 22, 1941, in Atlantic City, New Jersey to the late William Alfred Byard and Viola London-Byard. Carole graduated from Atlantic City High School, class of 1959."Smith, Henrietta M. The Coretta Scott King Awards Book: From Vision to Reality, p. 74. American Library Association, 1994. . Accessed February 6, 2018. "Carole Byard was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on July 22, 1942. Her mother died when Byard was very young, and she was raised by her father with the help of a grandmother."
 Harry Carroll (1892–1962), songwriter who composed music for "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows", "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine" and "By the Beautiful Sea""Harry Carroll", Songwriters Hall of Fame. Accessed June 24, 2019. "Harry Carroll, the composer of such enduring standards as I'm Always Chasing Rainbows, Trail of the Lonesome Pine and By the Beautiful Sea, was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey on November 28, 1892."
 Rosalind Cash (1938–1995), actress nominated for an Emmy Award for PBS production of Go Tell It on the MountainGussow, Mel. "Rosalind Cash, 56, at Home on Stage and Screen", The New York Times, November 3, 1995. Accessed June 1, 2017. "Ms. Cash was born in Atlantic City and attended City College of New York."
 Rocky Castellani (1926–2008), middleweight boxer best known for split-decision loss to Sugar Ray Robinson in which he knocked Robinson down in the sixth roundStaff. "Castellani to Box Giambra on Friday", The New York Times, July 29, 1956. Accessed June 1, 2017. "Joey Giambra of Buffalo, hailed as a standout contender for the middleweight title, will meet Rocky Castellani of Atlantic City in the main bout scheduled for ten rounds at Madison Square Garden Friday."
 Vera Coking, property owner who prevailed in her battle to oppose Donald Trump's efforts to acquire her boarding house using eminent domainKent, Bill. "Atlantic City; Land and the Law", The New York Times, August 2, 1998. Accessed November 15, 2013. "On July 20, Judge Richard Williams of New Jersey Superior Court rejected the use of eminent domain to force Vera Coking, who owns a rooming house, and three other Atlantic City property holders to sell to Donald Trump, saying the seizure would benefit Mr. Trump and not the public at large."
 Jack Collins (born 1943), Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly from 1996 until 2002, making him the longest-serving speaker in Assembly historyKiely, Eugene. "A Maverick Courting The Conservatives Assembly Speaker Jack Collins Says Morals Come Before Politics. He Hopes That Principle Wins Him Votes Among A Key Constituency.", The Philadelphia Inquirer, March 21, 2000. Accessed November 15, 2013. "Collins hates to lose. It's his competitive nature. He was born in Atlantic City and grew up in Gloucester City."
 Lawrence J. Delaney (born 1935), scientist and businessman who served as Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition)Nomination of Lawrence John Delaney in Nominations Before the Senate Armed Services Committee, First Session, 106th Congress, p. 47. United States Government Printing Office, 2000. . Accessed March 30, 2021. "Name... Lawrence John Delaney... Date and place of birth: May 29, 1935; Atlantic City, New Jersey."
 Stuart Dischell (born 1954), poet and professor of English at University of North Carolina at GreensboroHannan, Maryanne. "Who Should Tell the Poem? A Conversation with Stuart Dischell", Cerise Press, Fall / Winter 2011–12, Vol. 3 Issue 8. Accessed November 16, 2013. "As for wisdom, perhaps he was referring to my being from Atlantic City where there are lots of wise guys."
 Bruce Ditmas (born 1946), jazz drummer and percussionistTarro, Zim. Bruce Ditmas Interview, Cadence. Accessed June 24, 2019. "Ditmas: OK, I’m Bruce Ditmas. I grew up in Miami, Florida, born in Atlantic City and I’m a drummer, keyboard player, composer, and producer."
 Sidney Drell (1926–2016), theoretical physicist and arms control expertGrimes, William. "Sidney Drell, Who Advised Presidents on Nuclear Weapons, Dies at 90", The New York Times, December 22, 2016. Accessed December 22, 2016. "Sidney David Drell was born on Sept. 13, 1926, in Atlantic City, to Jewish immigrants from the Russian empire."
 Robert Ettinger (1918–2011), academic, known as "the father of cryonics" based on the impact of his 1962 book The Prospect of ImmortalityBrown, Emma. "Robert Ettinger, founder of the cryonics movement, dies at 92", The Washington Post, July 24, 2011. Accessed April 25, 2016. "Robert Chester Wilson Ettinger was born Dec. 4, 1918, in Atlantic City."
 Frank S. Farley (1901–1977), member of New Jersey Legislature for 34 years, boss of Republican political machine that controlled the Atlantic City and Atlantic County governmentsKleiman, Dena. "Frank S. Farley, 75, Ex-Legislator And G.O.P. Leader in Jersey, Dies", The New York Times, September 25, 1977. Accessed November 16, 2013. "Mr. Farley, whose friends called him 'Hap' was born in Atlantic City on Dec. 5, 1901, the youngest of 10 children."
 Vera King Farris (1938–2009), third president of Stockton UniversityD'Amico, Diane."Vera King Farris, Stockton college's longest-serving president, dies after short illness", The Press of Atlantic City, November 29, 2009. Accessed November 16, 2013. "An Atlantic City native, Farris was named Stockton's third president in 1983, making her the first black woman college president in New Jersey."
 Andrew Fields, collegiate basketball coach and a retired professional basketball playerGrugan, Brittany. "Atlantic Cape Community College hires former Atlantic City star, longtime pro Andrew Fields as basketball coach ", The Press of Atlantic City, August 19, 2011. Accessed February 15, 2018. "Ever since he retired as a professional basketball player, Andrew Fields hoped to coach a college team. The Atlantic City resident, who played basketball professionally around the world for years, has extensive sideline experience."
 Chris Ford (born 1949), head coach of the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ersHilt, Ed. "Atlantic City's Chris Ford Takes Charge Of 76ers / First Game Tonight For Holy Spirit Grad", The Press of Atlantic City, February 11, 2004. Accessed June 2, 2011.
 Helen Forrest (1917–1999), singer for three of the most popular big bands of the Swing Era, earning reputation as "the voice of the name bands"Holden, Stephen. "Helen Forrest, Singer During the Big Band Era, Dies at 82", The New York Times, July 13, 1999. Accessed November 16, 2013. "Born Helen Fogel in Atlantic City, Ms. Forrest performed regularly as a young girl on the New York City radio station WNEW."
 Anne Francine (1917–1999), actress and cabaret singer"Anne Francine, Actress and Cabaret Star, Dead at 82", Playbill, December 6, 1999. Accessed October 13, 2021. "Born in 1917 Atlantic City to Philadelphia blueblood parents, Albert and Emilie Francine, the free-spirited Anne went against family wishes and took singing lessons and made her stage debut in Rodgers and Hart's Too Many Girls on the road in Detroit."
 John F. Gaffney (1934–1995), politician who served in the New Jersey General Assembly, where he represented the 2nd Legislative District from 1992 until his deathStaff. Manual of the Legislature of New Jersey: 1993 Edition, p. 231. Accessed September 6, 2016. "Assemblyman Gaffney was born March 23, 1934, in Atlantic City. He married the former Carol Crane in 1986."
 John J. Gardner (1845–1921), represented New Jersey's 2nd congressional district from 1885 to 1893, mayor of Atlantic City 1868–1875John James Gardner, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed August 27, 2007.
 Patsy Garrett (1921–2015), actressStaff. "Girl Scout Founder is next Role for Veteran Character Actress", Daily News of Los Angeles, March 11, 1987. Accessed November 16, 2013. Archived from the original December 17, 2013, at the Wayback Machine. "Born in Atlantic City, NJ, where her parents were working in a specialty act, Garrett literally lived in a trunk backstage the first summer of her life."
 Milton W. Glenn (1903–1967), represented New Jersey's 2nd congressional district from 1957 to 1965Milton Willits Glenn, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed August 28, 2007. Archived October 14, 2007, at the Wayback Machine.
 William Green (born 1979), NFL running back who played for the Cleveland BrownsLeypoldt, Don. "Former Brown Showing New Strength in Christ", Fellowship of Christian Athletes, February 21, 2014. Accessed December 26, 2014. Archived from the original July 22, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. "Green is from Atlantic City.  The casinos form a glitzy skyline but just blocks away teem with poverty, gangs and drugs.  The gangs and drugs ensnared Green's father."
 Marjorie Guthrie (1917–1983), dancer of the Martha Graham Company and dance teacher who was the wife of folk musician Woody Guthrie"Marjorie Guthrie", Jewish Women's Archive. Accessed November 16, 2013."Marjorie Guthrie was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on October 6, 1917, the fourth of five siblings: Herbert, a merchant marine; Gertrude, an artist; David, a mechanical engineer; and Bernard, a psychiatrist."
 John R. Hargrove Sr. (1923–1997), federal judge appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the United States District Court for the District of MarylandJohn R. Hargrove Sr., Archives of Maryland. Accessed November 16, 2013.
 Celestine Tate Harrington (1956–1998), quadriplegic street musician known for playing keyboard with her lips, teeth and tongue on the Atlantic City boardwalkFeuer, Alan. "Celestine Tate Harrington, 42, Quadriplegic Street Musician", The New York Times, March 7, 1998. Accessed November 16, 2013. "But Atlantic City – bustling with tourists and extra change – beckoned. She arrived on the Boardwalk in 1984, and she eventually moved into a condominium in Atlantic City purchased with the proceeds from her busking."
 James Hillman (1926–2011), developer of archetypal psychologyKidel, Mark. "James Hillman obituary US psychologist who concluded that therapy needed to change the world rather than focus on people's inner lives", The Daily Guardian, December 21, 2011. Accessed November 16, 2013. "Hillman grew up in Atlantic City, New Jersey, with parents in the hotel business – they partly owned the George V in Paris. In a seaside resort that sold and lived by illusion, he spoke of learning early on about things not always being what they seemed."
 Pete Hunter (born 1980), cornerback who played in the NFL for the Seattle SeahawksPete Hunter, Pro-Football-Reference.com. Accessed July 27, 2017.
 Walter S. Jeffries (1893–1954), represented  from 1939 to 1941Jeffries, Walter Sooy, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed December 29, 2016.
 Candy Jones (1925–1990), fashion model, writer and radio talk show hostFlint, Peter B. "Candy Jones Dies; Ex-Model, Teacher, And Writer Was 64", The New York Times, January 19, 1990. Accessed December 20, 2007. Accessed February 1, 2013.
 Allan Kaprow (1927–2006), painter and pioneer in establishing concepts of performance art, who influenced FluxusCotter, Holland. "Allan Kaprow, Creator of Artistic 'Happenings,' Dies at 78", The New York Times, April 10, 2006. Accessed June 2, 2011. "Mr. Kaprow was born in Atlantic City and began his career as an abstract painter in New York City in the 1940s, studying with Hans Hofmann."
 Amy Kennedy (born 1978), educator, mental health advocate and politician who is the Democratic Party nominee in the 2020 elections seeking to represent New Jersey's 2nd congressional districtMeet Amy, Amy Kennedy for Congress. Accessed July 11, 2020. "Amy was born in Atlantic City and grew up in Pleasantville and Absecon, New Jersey."
 Marie Kibler (1912–1978), artistic gymnast who competed at the 1936 Summer Olympics and placed fifth with the American teamMarie Kibler, Sports-Reference.com. Accessed January 15, 2018. "Born: June 29, 1912 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States"
 Pinky Kravitz (1927–2015), radio broadcaster and print journalist who hosted "Pinky's Corner" on WOND from an array of Atlantic City locations from 1958 until a few months before his death in 2015, hosted "WMGM presents Pinky!" for years on WMGM-TV and wrote columns for many periodicals including The Press of Atlantic CityKuperinsky, Amy. "Atlantic City radio legend Pinky Kravitz dead at 88", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, November 1, 2015. Accessed November 5, 2015. "The radio man, born in West Virginia, moved to Atlantic City with his family when he was 7. In 1988, the alumnus of Atlantic City High School told the New York Times that a class bully gave him his famous nickname."
 Martha Krebs, theoretical physicist who directed the Office of Science and Technology Policy for the United States Department of Energy and is the founding director for the California NanoSystems Institute at UCLABartlett, Lauren. Martha Krebs Appointed Director of the California NanoSystems Institute and UCLA Associate Vice Chancellor for Research , University of California, Los Angeles, March 14, 2001. Accessed December 5, 2017. "Krebs was born in Atlantic City, N.J., and grew up in central Pennsylvania near Harrisburg."
 JoAnna LaSane (1935–2019), model, dancer and arts administratorJohnson, Judge Nelson. "Joanna LaSane was Atlantic City’s regal pioneer in the cultural arts, says Judge Nelson Johnson", The Press of Atlantic City, February 20, 2019. Accessed February 5, 2020. "Joanna Forenan LaSane was Atlantic City’s royalty. She was an intelligent, charming and elegant lady, a role model for us all."
 Lee B. Laskin (born 1936), attorney, politician and judge who served in both houses of the New Jersey Legislature before being appointed to serve on the New Jersey Superior CourtStaff. Manual of the Legislature of New Jersey; 1990 Edition, p. 208. J.A. Fitzgerald, 1990. Accessed September 28, 2016. "Mr. Laskin was born June 30, 1936, in Atlantic City. He was graduated from Camden High School in 1954."
 Jacob Lawrence (1917–2000), artist known for depicting African-American life in his paintings. Born on Arctic AvenueJacob Lawrence Biography, DC Moore Gallery. Accessed December 21, 2016. "Born in 1917 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Lawrence moved with his family to Harlem in 1930, where he came into contact with some of the greatest artistic and intellectual minds of his generation."Reil, Maxwell. "Jacob Lawrence and his art remembered, admired in Atlantic City", The Press of Atlantic City, February 24, 2017. Accessed November 15, 2017. "Though it has been 100 years since his birth in Atlantic City, Lawrence still has an influence in the area. Born on Arctic Avenue in 1917, Lawrence was a painter, educator and storyteller."
 E. Grey Lewis (1940–2005), lawyer who served as General Counsel of the Navy"E, Grey Lewis '59", Princeton Alumni Weekly. Accessed July 23, 2019. "Born in Atlantic City, Grey attended the Peddie School, where he was president of the student body."
 Bill Libby (1927–1984), sportswriter and biographer best known for his books on sports, including 65 on sports figures"Libby Given 1964 Award", Statesville Record & Landmark, March 26, 1965. Accessed January 1, 2018. "A native of Atlantic City, N. J., Libby moved to Los Angeles three years ago after a stint as sports editor of the Yonkers (N.Y.) Herald-Statesman and sports writer for the New York Post."
 James J. McCullough (born 1942), politician who served in the New Jersey Senate from 2007 to 2008, where he represented the 2nd Legislative DistrictFitzgerald's Legislative Manual, 1984, p. 226. Accessed October 28, 2019. "James J. (Sonny) Mccullough, Rep., Egg Harbor Twp.... The senator was born Jan. 11, 1942, in Atlantic City. He graduated from Atlantic City High School in 1960, and has completed certification courses at Rutgers University and taken classes at Rowan University and Rider College."
 Don McGahn (born 1968), White House Counsel and Assistant to the President for U.S. President Donald Trump and a former Commissioner of the United States Federal Election CommissionDeRosier, John. "Atlantic City native embroiled in Trump/Flynn controversy ", The Press of Atlantic City, May 17, 2017. Accessed November 15, 2017. "McGahn, a longtime Republican campaign lawyer and former commissioner at the Federal Election Commission, grew up in Atlantic City, attending Our Lady Star of the Sea school and Holy Spirit High School, where he played football."
 Bob Merrill (1921–1998), songwriter and screenwriterStaff. "Obituary: Bob Merrill", The Independent, February 19, 1998. Accessed April 25, 2016. "The son of a sweet- manufacturer, Merrill was born in 1921 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, but raised in Philadelphia."
 John P. O'Neill (1952–2001), FBI terrorist specialist who was director of security at the World Trade Center and died in the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks"The Man Who Knew", Frontline. Accessed December 17, 2008.
 Joshua Ozersky (1967–2015), food writer and historianDavis, Eddie. "Acclaimed Food Writer, One-time A.C. Resident, Josh Ozersky Found Dead", WFPG, May 6, 2015. Accessed November 10, 2017. "Joshua Ozersky, who spent his teen years in Atlantic City and later turned his insatiable love of food in to an unforgettable career as a food writer, died Monday in Chicago. He was 47. Ozersky moved to Atlantic City as a 12-year-old in 1979, when his father, the painter David Ozersky, got a job as a stage technician at Resorts Casino. He attended Atlantic City High School and Rutgers University."
 Chris Pallies (1957–2019), professional wrestler known as King Kong BundyMonk, Cody. "New trend: 'The Body' politico", The Dallas Morning News, November 7, 1998. Accessed June 2, 2011. Archived from the original October 25, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. "What's next? Hollywood Hulk Hogan as mayor of Los Angeles? King Kong Bundy, whose hometown is Atlantic City, as governor of New Jersey?"
 Reese Palley (1922–2015), “Merchant to the Rich”, entrepreneur, art dealer, writer, and sailorMorrison, John F. "Reese Palley, 93, flamboyant Atlantic City art dealer and adventurer", The Philadelphia Inquirer, June 5, 2015. Accessed July 8, 2022. "Reese Palley, who died Wednesday at 93, was a millionaire businessman in Atlantic City who made his money in real estate and with an art gallery on the Boardwalk that catered to the wealthy."
 Joseph B. Perskie (1885–1957), Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court from 1933 to 1947Staff. "Joseph B. Perskie, Ex-Associate Justice Of New Jersey Supreme Court, Dies at 71", The New York Times, May 30, 1957. Accessed July 5, 2016. "A native of Alliance, Mr. Perskie came to the resort area at the age of 11. He attended public schools here and was graduated from Atlantic City High School in 1904 and Pennsylvania Law School in 1907."
 Monique Samuels, television personality best known as a cast member of the reality television series The Real Housewives of PotomacAbout, MoniqueSamuels.com. Accessed April 5, 2022. "Monique was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey and graduated from Pleasantville High School as the Salutatorian of her class."
 Jeremy Slate (1926–2006), actor and songwriterWillis, John; and Monush, Barry. Screen World 2007. p. 417. Hal Leonard Corporation, 2010. . Accessed January 13, 2017. "Jeremy Slate, 80, Atlantic City-born screen and television actor died in Los Angeles, CA, of complications after surgery for cancer of the esophagus, on November 19, 2006."
 Alfredo Silipigni (1932–2006), conductor and founder of New Jersey State OperaWakin, Daniel J. "Alfredo Silipigni, 74, Who Founded An Opera Company", The New York Times, March 29, 2006. Accessed June 2, 2011. "Alfredo Silipigni was born in Atlantic City on April 9, 1931, a son of Italian immigrants. He attended the Westminster Choir College in Princeton and the Juilliard School."
 George Smathers (1913–2007), United States Senator from Floridavia Associated Press. "George Smathers: 1913 – 2007; Ex-senator fought on many fronts; Dapper lawmaker from Florida focused on communism, Latin America", Chicago Tribune, January 21, 2007. Accessed June 2, 2011. Archived from the original December 19, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. "Mr. [George Armistead Smathers] was born on Nov. 13, 1913, in Atlantic City, N.J. His father was a federal judge; his uncle was a U.S. senator. His family moved to Miami when he was 6."
 Dave Thomas (1932–2002), founder of Wendy's fast-food restaurant, was born in Atlantic CityHonoring the Life of Dave Thomas , Senator Carl Levin, Congressional Record 107th Congress Second Session Wednesday, January 23, 2002. Accessed June 23, 2007. "Rex David 'Dave' Thomas was born on July 2, 1932, in Atlantic City, NJ, and was adopted soon afterward by Rex and Auleva Thomas, who lived in Kalamazoo, MI."
 Jean Webster (1935–2011), cook who operated Sister Jean's Kitchen, a soup kitchen serving free meals to the poor of Atlantic CityRose, Elaine. "Sister Jean Webster, who fed Atlantic City's poor from her kitchen, dies at 76", The Press of Atlantic City, January 10, 2011. Accessed February 10, 2022. "Webster had been feeding the hungry for about 25 years, first from her modest home on Indiana Avenue and later from the First Presbyterian Church, which shares a facility with the Victory Deliverance Church, where she was a member."
 Jim Whelan (1948–2017), member of State Senate who represented the 2nd Legislative District until his death and was Mayor of Atlantic City from 1990 to 2001Assembly Member James 'Jim' Whelan, Project Vote Smart. Accessed August 8, 2007.
 Norman Joseph Woodland (1921–2012), inventor of the barcodeFox, Margalit. "N. Joseph Woodland, Inventor of the Bar Code, Dies at 91", The New York Times, December 12, 2012. Accessed December 12, 2012. "Norman Joseph Woodland was born in Atlantic City on Sept. 6, 1921."
 Albert Zugsmith (1910–1993), film producerKutner, C. Jerry. "Albert Zugsmith's Opium Dreams: Confessions of an Opium Eater", Bright Lights Film Journal, November 1, 1997. Accessed July 27, 2017. "Albert Zugsmith was born on April 24, 1910, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and educated at the University of Virginia."

See also
 Atlantic City Sandpipers
 Chicken Bone Beach
 Kentucky Avenue Renaissance Festival

Notes

References

Further reading
 Johnson, Nelson. Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City (2010); Popular history tied to TV series
 Paulsson, Martin. The Social Anxieties of Progressive Reform: Atlantic City, 1854-1920. (NYU Press, 1996).
 Simon, Bryant. Boardwalk of Dreams: Atlantic City and the Fate of Urban America (2004); Scholarly study

External links

 

 
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Category:Cities in Atlantic County, New Jersey
Category:Faulkner Act (mayor–council)
Category:Gambling in New Jersey
Category:Jersey Shore communities in Atlantic County
Category:New Jersey culture
Category:Populated places established in 1853
Category:Tourism in New Jersey