Penn Table Games May Deliver Coup De Grace To Atlantic City Casinos

Casino News - January 11th, 2010 - Written By Glen

Atlantic City had been struggling with damaged revenue over the years, due in part to reduced voluntary spending, the receding economy, and competition from surrounding state. All factors combined have given Atlantic City what many are referring to as the worst year for casinos in Jersey to date.

Reports to date have suggested that the entire year had seen a double digit decline in revenue. The first eleven months took a 13.5 per cent plunge, and the year is almost certainly going to be the first time in the history of that City called Atlantic that legalized gambling had taken such a plunge that a double digit revenue drop was a reality. The final figures for 2009 are set to be released January 11th, 2010.

The year of 2010 has little hope for Atlantic City. Pennsylvania's casinos have already taken gamblers away from Atlantic City, and the incorporation of table games into the state's multiple casinos will assuredly deal a blow more harsh to Atlantic City's struggling economy.

"I used to go to Atlantic City in order to play poker and blackjack," stated Jim D. of Philadelphia. "That was a bad drive for a worse location, so I for one can't wait for the table games. Why go to Atlantic City when I have the same games right down the block?"

The gambling haven of New Jersey has been taking steps, however, to hook in more players. Their most recent change is the readdition of $2 dollar blackjack tables to the casino floor. A smoking ban has all but been dismissed as well, as the one time smoking was banned on the gaming floor, even for only a few short weeks, revenue plummeted.

The dismal state of affairs for Atlantic City is unlikely to improve over night, if at all. Bankruptcy is a common thought on the minds of many casino operators, as is consolidation. Unfortunately for the City, many New Jersey residents may even turn to Pennsylvania for their gambling. New Jersey Online Casinos may be all that is left when the dust settles.