Atlantic City's casinos bounce back with rising revenues and tourism in 2017

Fewer casinos, stronger profits. Atlantic City's 2017 turnaround reveals how reduced competition sparked a tourism and revenue revival.

, and Administrator

2026 March 30 . 11:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It is a large building... — The image shows the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It is a large building with a name board on the top, surrounded by other buildings, street poles, street lights, electric poles, electric cables, motor vehicles on the road, trees and a sky with clouds in the background.

Atlantic City's casinos bounce back with rising revenues and tourism in 2017

Atlantic City's casino industry has shown signs of recovery in 2017, with rising revenues and stronger tourism figures. The closure of several major casinos in recent years appears to have benefited those still operating, leading to higher occupancy and increased spending in non-gambling areas.

The shutdown of the Trump Taj Mahal in October 2016 marked the fifth casino closure since 2014. With fewer competitors, the remaining seven resorts saw improved performance. By March 2017, parking fees per 100 spaces reached $167, up from previous years. Hotel tax fees also climbed, averaging $669 per 100 rooms over 12 months—a 5.7 percent rise from 2016.

Between October 2016 and March 2017, growth was recorded in hotel stays, parking revenue, and non-casino spending. The second quarter of 2017 saw occupancy rates exceed 90 percent on average. Casino winnings from January to August totalled $1.8 billion, putting 2017 revenues two percent ahead of the same period in 2016. Hard Rock's decision to invest $500 million in renovating the former Trump Taj Mahal reflects confidence in the city's tourism rebound. The last six months have reinforced this optimism, with steady gains across key economic indicators.

The reduced competition has allowed Atlantic City's casinos to raise nightly rates and fill rooms more consistently. While exact figures on average room prices remain unclear, the overall trend points to a stronger tourism sector. The city's economic recovery now hinges on sustaining this growth in both gaming and non-gaming revenue.