Steve Wynn's Bet on Atlantic City
On December 12, 1980, Steve Wynn opened the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino at the southern end of the Boardwalk. The project cost $140 million. It was Atlantic City's sixth casino and Wynn's first major venture outside Las Vegas.
The property had 506 rooms—small compared to competitors. But by 1983, it was outperforming every other casino in town. The 500-seat Opera House booked Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. Wynn proved that a smaller property with better service could beat the bigger operations.
Timeline
Ownership Changes
The property changed hands multiple times over 34 years before closing in 2014
Golden Nugget Opens
Steve Wynn opens the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino. It's Atlantic City's sixth licensed casino and costs $140 million to build.
Top Revenue
Despite having fewer rooms and a smaller gaming floor than competitors, Golden Nugget becomes the highest-grossing casino in Atlantic City.
Sold to Bally
Wynn sells to Bally Manufacturing for $440 million. The property is renamed Bally's Grand Hotel and Casino.
Hilton Takes Over
Hilton Hotels Corporation acquires the property. It becomes the Atlantic City Hilton.
Atlantic Club
Rebranded as Atlantic Club Casino Hotel. The casino focuses on locals and introduces 5X odds on craps—the best in town.
Closure
Atlantic Club closes on January 13. Competition from Pennsylvania casinos made it unprofitable. It was the first of four Atlantic City casinos to close that year.
Table Games & Slots
Slot Machines
Penny slots to high-limit progressives. Look for machines with higher RTP percentages.
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Blackjack
Basic strategy reduces the house edge to under 0.5%. Know when to hit, stand, split, and double.
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Craps
Stick to pass line and odds bets. The proposition bets in the center have a high house edge.
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Poker
You're playing against other players, not the house. The casino takes a rake from each pot.
Learn MoreDirections
Getting to Atlantic City
3400 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Hotels
Where to Stay
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Over 2,000 rooms in the Marina District. Has the largest poker room on the East Coast.
Ocean Casino Resort
Opened in 2018 after the Revel property was purchased and renovated. Ocean views from every room.
Caesars Atlantic City
Roman-themed casino on the Boardwalk. Palace East has the most baccarat tables in town.
FAQ
Common Questions
What's the gambling age in Atlantic City?
21 years old. You'll need a valid government-issued photo ID. Security checks IDs frequently on the gaming floor.
Are drinks free while gambling?
Yes. All Atlantic City casinos provide free drinks to players on the gaming floor. Tipping the server $1-2 per drink is standard.
When are the casinos open?
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year. Some restaurants and shops have limited hours, but the gaming floors never close.
When's the best time to visit?
Summer has beaches and the most events but also crowds. Fall is quieter with good weather. Winter has the cheapest hotel rates.
What happened to the Atlantic Club?
It closed January 13, 2014. Pennsylvania casinos took away too many customers. The building is being converted to apartments and a hotel.
Newsletter
Updates on Atlantic City gaming news and history.
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