Atlantic City – one place Poi should go to?

Poi is heading to America in a matter of weeks now so we thought we would have a look at different places we would love to visit in the US. The first has to be from the home of the boardwalk empire, taking you straight back to prohibtion…. Atlantic City

Atlantic City is in New Jersey, United States, and an internationally renowned resort city for gambling, conventions, and leisure. It was the first city in the eastern United States to legalise gambling and because of this it is considered the “Gambling Capital of the East Coast”. Located on Absecon Island on the coast of the Atlantic, it was presented as prime real estate when it officially became a city in 1854 because of its location in South Jersey, hugging the Atlantic Ocean between marshlands and islands.

How It All Began

Atlantic City was once a seaside destination of choice for many residents of the northeastern United States during the first half of the 20th century. But due to the increasing commercial air travel that opened up new destinations like Florida and the Caribbean islands, there was a sharp decline in tourism in Atlantic City that left the region in a state of urban decay.

Hoping to restore their city, the residents of Atlantic City decided to legalize gambling in 1976. At that time, the movement was seen as a unique tool for urban development, thinking that it would provide the resources to rebuild their beloved city and attract new visitors. Resorts International, the first casino in Atlantic City, opened at May 26, 1978.

In Atlantic City Today

Far from depressed area it once has been, Atlantic City is now revitalized into New Jersey’s entertainment capital with something to offer for everyone.

One of the famous spots worth visiting in Atlantic City is the Boardwalk. The oldest boardwalk in the United States, it measures 4-mile long and is the most popular way to get around the city as some of the casinos are on the Boardwalk.

Of course, no visit in Atlantic City is complete without dipping your hands into a little bit of gambling. Currently, there are twelve casinos in the city and three of the most popular are:

Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa

Featuring a 61,000 square feet of gaming space, Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa is one of the best casinos to visit when you are in Atlantic City. Opened July 03, 2003, the hotel features gourmet and casual restaurants, lounges, retail, a theater and a 54,000 square foot European-style spa.

Trump Taj Mahal

Home to the United States Poker Championship, this Five Star Award-winner features 112,999 square feet of casino space with more than 3,787 slot machines, 132 table games, keno, simulcast facility and a smoke-free poker room with 71 tables

Tropicana Casino and Resort

Opened on November 23, 1981, Tropicana Casino and Resort is one of the oldest casinos in Atlantic City. With its latest expansion, The Quarter, it features 147,000 square feet of gaming space including simulcast, 200,000 square feet of dining, entertainment, retail and spa & the areas only IMAX Theatre.