Non Gambling Activities and Best Real Money Casinos in Atlantic City
Atlantic City, New Jersey, has had its fair share of good and bad days, but it continues to thrive in all of its glory. A couple of years ago, its residents realized that they lost most of the tourism income to gambling and that they had to offer something more if they still wanted non-gambling visitors. They doubled down on a couple of significant improvements, and now cash sales and non-gambling Atlantic City outlets within the casino venues have grown from 22.3 to 39 percent in the last two years. Let’s check what those improvements are and whether they were worth the investment.
The Hard Rock Casino & Hotel
The staff behind this popular brand have always stated that they were not a gaming, but an entertainment brand. Up until 2018, there were no live shows or performances at this venue. However, before turning into the spectacular establishment it is now, this resort was named the Trump Taj Mahal and provided a fair gaming experience even then. Although, with outdated decor and an Indian-themed exterior, this site was not on top of many lists and was labeled as outdated.
In 2018, the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel was opened as a fully fledged Atlantic City casino, and a few musicians held a ceremonial guitar smash in their new 7,000-seat arena. And if you choose to visit their huge gaming floor, you will be satisfied with the choice of 50 table games and a more modest number of slot machines — just around 1,200. Not too shabby, but what you will surely notice is the separated gaming space filled with go-go dancers, bringing a great and exciting vibe.
Here’s a quick list of the games you’ll come across at HRCH:
- Roulette
- Craps
- Asia Poker
- Midi-Baccarat
- High Card Flush
- Mini-Baccarat
- Mississippi Stud
- Casino War
- Sportsbook
- Video Poker
- Pai Gow Poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em
- Video Keno
- Big Six Wheel
- Slot machines
- Let it Ride
- Three Card Poker
- Blackjack
This new hotel tower/casino’s membership scheme is what you should go for as soon as you enter the premises since you will be awarded free show tickets, meals, and gift cards that can be redeemed anywhere on the site. Otherwise, you can stroll off the gambling floor to the halls containing the Hard Rock memorabilia where you will find everything from portraits and stage costumes to the personal belongings of your beloved rock stars.
Moreover, this resort boasts one of the most extensive music memorabilia collection in the whole country. So if you are a fan of the Beatles, Presley, Springsteen, or Bon Jovi, there is a piece of their memorabilia waiting for you. And if you consider yourself to be a true musician and wish to partake in jam sessions and revisit some old sounds, you can enjoy in their Sound of Your Stay package and rock out with some of the top names in the music industry.
Also, since this resort is all about the music memories, visit the second floor and take a little piece of hard rock home. The Rock Shop provides a world-class replica of all of your favorite rock icons so that you can bring a memento home. Finally, after a relaxing day, visit the Rock Spa, where relaxation and rock magically work together, giving you a therapeutic experience. One could easily call this the best casino in Atlantic City. Music drives us, and this is precisely what Hard Rock had in mind. So don’t be afraid to get all personal with the music at this venue — just like a real rock star!
The Steel Pier
If you’re looking for more than slot machines and blackjack tables, just walking outside is an experience in AC. When you decide to take a walk or you need a bit of fresh air, just steps from the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel resort, you can find miles of beautiful New Jersey beach and the famous Steel Pier, which is the oldest theme park in AC. The centerpiece of this family entertainment center amuses thousands of visitors every day with some of the best non gambling activities Atlantic City has on offer. It also commonly hosts an Atlantic City boat show or two over the season. It is a surefire way to find entertainment for people of all ages.
So take a walk and create unforgettable memories with thrilling rides and panoramic views. Remember, it will only take you a couple of minutes to get there, and the sight of the Atlantic Ocean while standing on the Jersey shore is sure to help improve your mood in but a few moments. SHould you be wondering about things to do in Atlantic City, make Steel Pier a must-see.
The Wild, Wild West Casino
This casino hotel opened its doors and quickly became Atlantic City’s attraction with the Wild-West-meets-the-modern-Las-Vegas vibe. This uniquely themed hotel is set just at the Boardwalk and offers over 2,000 suites, combining contemporary decor with the brightly-colored theme of the Old West.
Their recently remodeled Ruby rooms are filled with tube TVs, stale and dark wood furnishings, and zebra-print couches. So if you are not interested in any other activities — get cozy and enjoy on-demand movies and a view of the ocean. However, if you are more into gambling, brace yourself for the classic Vegas grandeur. Of all things to do in Atlantic City, this is easily one of the most unique experiences.
There are over 200 table games in their game library to choose from, with staff dressed appropriately — in the true Western style. If you are a slot fan, we are sure that you will be astonished by the offer here — there are over 6,200 slot titles. Visit Billy’s Poker Parlor or play at a casino for real money in the Baccarat Palace, where tournaments are organized every day.
Moreover, the western theme is evident in every detail and corner of this venue. From the Green Valley Bank, which represents the cashier’s cage, and the three-story brick building to the toilet-stall doors and many other Western-themed features. And when it comes to partying, you will find that happy hour never ends at the Mountain Sports bar, where free drinks and discounts on unique beverages are available 24/7. On the other hand, if you prefer a selection of craft beer, we suggest going to Guy’s BBQ Joint and AC Snack Shack, where you will be able to enjoy an abundance of frozen drinks, craft beers, or some of the tastiest tacos out there.
Furthermore, when you finish with winning and dining, try visiting the Buck Wild Arcade — the realm of arcade games available 24/7, where you can test your Pacman skills, play beer pong, or enjoy bull riding.
Finally, if you are not too tired, go to the Party Pit where live performances are held almost every evening. So take a ride on the Patty Wagon, try a perfect taco, or get lost in over 6,000 slot machines and enjoy your ride at Wild Wild West Casino, Atlantic City’s own time machine!
If all this appeals to you, here’s some basic info about this establishment so that you may contact them easier.
| Gambling Activities | Non-Gambling Activities |
| Poker | Sightseeing |
| Blackjack | Visiting museums, galleries, touring across the city |
| Slot Machines | Organized trips to visit the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam |
| Roulette | Performances along the Strip, and in many locations across the city |
| Craps | Death Valley and Valley of Fire State park |
| Baccarat, and others | Experience Paris, Venezia, Egypt, and so much more |
The Tropicana Casino & Resort
This venue went through a significant renovation effort just a couple of years ago, when $90 million was invested, and it shows. Located just a short ride from the Rail and Bus Terminal and within walking distance from other betting establishments, it is set just at the right place on the Boardwalk. Its tower is divided by a spiral staircase that contributes to the feeling of luxury, and even though the decor is not luxurious in every part of it, it fits well with the overall ambiance.
Overall, this resort has over 2,500 rooms to offer and additional 200,000 sq feet of an entertainment complex where you can find over 30 MasterChef restaurants, over 20 bars and lounges, two pools, and two spa salons. However, before we get into the vast entertainment space, let’s jump to the mega-casino area of 130,000 sq feet of gambling space.
Here, you will be able to play real money and enjoy the rich offer of 130 table games, separated poker room with additional 22 tables, and around 2,500 slot machines. While there, join Trop Advantage Players Club and get a bunch of benefits thrown your way. Also, if you are a fan of Asian games, visit the Jade Palace and enjoy a rich ambiance filled with Pai Gow Poker, Gow Tiles, and many, many more. Finally, when you are done, finish your gambling day with some tasty noodles at the famous Noodle Bar.
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you will be able to enjoy Sake Sushi Spinning at the Okatshe bar. And if you decide to get funky, try Boogie nights and join the famous event — Unleash the Wild. The Primal Men Male Revue group is prepared to make your wildest fantasies come true, with state of the art lighting, dance performances, and video imagery. Ladies, make sure that you have a tantalizing and energetic experience. Those who did called this the best casino in Atlantic City.
Additionally, you can warm up from bar to bar before visiting any of the live show performances, and the best thing is that the whole resort has a discount scheme for devoted guests. Wherever you choose to spend over $30, you will be able to get a discount when visiting the next event. For instance, if you move from Whiskey Five Bar where you drank your cocktails for $30 worth, you can get a discount when running to the next comedy show, magician performance, or a concert.
When it comes to Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City adores its upbeat nightlife energy. No matter if you go shopping, dining, drinking, or gambling, the Tropicana will give you a high-end experience!
Final Thoughts
Overall, non-gambling activities are not the sole reason why AC’s economy improved, but this matter is surely a big part of that.
For decades, AC stood out as one of the best gambling destinations in the Northeast, and it seems that it is trying to change its reputation for the better. Tourists who are not all about the best gambling experience may relish in tons of other non gambling activities Atlantic City now provides. With exceptional nightlife, daily organized events and performances, and tons of other Atlantic City events, along with gambling spaces easily comparable to the ones found in Las Vegas, it’s overall performance is getting better.
So if you are one of the many who continue to associate AC only to gambling, we strongly suggest you come, indulge in fine dining, and enjoy many other attractions this place has to offer!
Most Commonly Asked Questions
Nine currently operate within AC. These are: Harrah’s Resort, Golden Nugget Atlantic City, Borgata Hotel Casino, Ocean Casino Resort, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Resorts Casino & Hotel, Bally’s Atlantic City, Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino, and Tropicana Atlantic City. Together, these nine establishments rake in over $300 million in revenue from gaming.
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Overall, five casinos in Atlantic City have ceased operations. Of these, one was repurposed as a non-gambling hotel. The bulk of these shut down during 2014, with the fifth one tapping out in 2016.
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There currently exist casinos in Atlantic City. Two of these became publicly available in 2018: Ocean Resort and Hard Rock AC. There have been five more in AC’s history, but four of them stopped business in 2014 and one in 2016.
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The two new casinos that AC boasts are Hard Rock Atlantic City and Ocean Resort. Both of them had their grand openings in 2018, making them just a year old. The former once operated under the moniker of Trump Taj Mahal.
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AC’s reputation is that of a gambling hotspot, but it also has tons of gambling-unrelated activities. You can stroll along the fabulous AC Boardwalk (over which you might see the jaw-dropping Atlantic City Airshow) or shop around at Tropicana’s beloved Quarter. Alternatively, the Atlantic City Country Club draws in golf players galore. Fans of nightlife can relish in eleven nightclubs throughout the Quarter alone.
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AC is rife with thrilling activities. AC spoils those with a penchant for gambling games with its nine lavish, exuberant wagering venues. If betting doesn’t suit you, why not enjoy the wonderful Atlantic City beach? From children’s parks to Tanger outlets and everything in between, you will only find yourself yawning in AC because of a lack of sleep.
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Wintertime and AC aren’t the closest of associations, but you will surely find things to do when the weather cools. Even when the weather is biting cold, betting in nine AC casinos remains red hot. Alternatively, you might want to visit a diverse range of museums. And the Marine Mammal Stranding Center provides breathtaking sights galore for animal lovers.
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During the day, you have little to fear while strolling along the Boardwalk. As long as you keep a close watch over your pockets, it’ll be smooth sailing for you. But nighttime tends to come with some shifty characters on occasion. This applies to most places in general, and the Boardwalk isn’t an exception. You will generally have no issues, but running into dodgy people is a possibility.
Comments
The Active Vendors List (AVL) identifies all approved vendors that have been registered to do business with the Atlantic City casinos. This list is updated on a daily basis.
Thanks, great read! Where (besides these in the piece) places do you guys recommend going? And what about any Atlantic City escorts? 🙂
Cant say about any escorts but the atlantic city aquarium is lovely, especially if you have kids, theyll love all the water life. I also had a great time at ufc atlantic city last year, though not with the kids obviously! And i love visiting richard stockton college but thats because i did a year there so im fond of it, and harrahs casino atlantic city is good for when you feel like gambling
Nice text. Do you guys know how to find upcoming Atlantic City concerts? I’m somewhat of a one-size-fits-all music fan so it doesn’t matter what genre. Thanks!
I am sure you can easily find some schedules online, every self respecting concert hall should have one. I think there are pipe organ concerts every week day now, but you should check that out for yourself because I’m not really sure.
Thank you for the guide, appreciate it. But can someone tell me about some other Atlantic City casinos? The FAQ says nine of them exist so can you tell me about those not in the guide?
Borgata is my favorite, I just like the vibe there. And Resorts has a wonderful art deco style that I appreciate. It mostly boils down to where your preferences lie. I adore Ocean Resort Casino, Atlantic City’s fanciest betting place (as far as I’m concerned)
Hey guys, which Atlantic City restaurants do you think are worth a go?
Really depends on what you like. Carmine’s is awesome for a kind of high-class Italian cuisine vibe, for example. Kelsey’s works great for dinners and enjoying a drink or two. In Rainforest Cafe, Atlantic City’s finest burgers are found.
Waht are the top museums to visit? And what about any atlantic city shows?
Well, I don’t know about “shows,”but as far as museums go, Believe It Or Not is an awesome one, it’s really weird if you’re into that. Holtzman and Brigantine would be my next picks. And the marine center (the one mentioned in the asked questions bit) is barrels of fun if you love fish and stuff.