Atlantic City Casinos Hype New Jersey Gaming Town as Ideal Fall Getaway

Posted on: September 8, 2023, 10:04h. 

Last updated on: September 8, 2023, 01:59h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

Atlantic City might not offer the idyllic fall foliage of Vermont or scenic trails and state parks found in many states in the Northeast. Still, the town is nonetheless making its case to be a fall destination getaway.

Atlantic City casinos fall events entertainment
The Atlantic City Boardwalk. Atlantic City casinos are hoping visitors continue to patronize the New Jersey gaming town this fall. To lure them in, an array of events and entertainment are planned. (Image: Shutterstock)

The Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) represents the nine casinos down the New Jersey shore. This week’s trade group appealed to families and travelers searching for a fall getaway to consider Atlantic City.

“While Atlantic City is known for our action-packed summer season, fall is just as exciting of a season for us at the beachfront destination,” said Mark Giannantonio, the president of both CANJ and Resorts Casino Hotel. “There is so much to experience this fall.”

Whether it’s enjoying Atlantic City’s incredible cuisine during Restaurant Week, watching a football game at one of our casinos, or catching a show while you’re in town for a conference — Atlantic City has something to offer everyone,” Giannantonio assured.

Atlantic City’s Restaurant Week runs Oct. 1-6. The Atlantic City Marathon and its course, featuring eight miles of oceanfront running, is scheduled for Oct. 22.

Major conferences expected to bring in out-of-towners this fall include the 2023 New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) Convention from Nov. 5-11, and the 2023 New Jersey League of Municipalities Annual Conference on Nov. 14-16.

Gaming Up, Profits Down

Atlantic City casinos have grown brick-and-mortar gross gaming revenue (GGR) this year through July by 2.3%. The nine gaming floors have won more than $1.64 billion from gamblers playing slots and table games in 2023. That’s an increase of over $36.5 million through seven months of 2022.

Despite the increased gaming, Atlantic City casino profits are down nearly 17% through two quarters of 2023. Only Bally’s, Caesars, and Ocean have managed to increase their bottom lines from 2022.

Higher operating costs because of inflation and casinos competing for workers have slashed profit margins. The busy third quarter — July, August, and September — could help reverse the profit trend. Still, for that to happen, the casinos must continue to keep their hotel rooms occupied post-Labor Day and the unofficial end to the summer.

The hotel occupancy rates for the nine Atlantic City casinos and their 15,518 guestrooms were 70% from January through June. Though that’s up slightly from the same six months in 2022, the average nightly rate was $166 — up just $3 year-over-year — or 1.8%.

Inflation, meanwhile, according to the US Consumer Price Index, climbed 4% over the past 12 months.

Fall in Love With AC

Atlantic City casinos are offering new attractions for repeat and first-time visitors this fall.

The new Bally Bet Sportsbook and its 25-foot-wide LED video wall are among the new lures. Bally’s recently underwent a $100 million renovation and will host live championship boxing in its upgraded showroom on Sept. 29.

The Golden Nugget hosts the Atlantic City In-Water Boat Show this weekend. The convention allows consumers to check out the latest yachts, cruisers, and sport fishing boats.

Atlantic City is also bringing a laundry list of A-list entertainment to the shore this fall. In staying true to its brand, Hard Rock is where many of the top acts will perform, including Machine Gun Kelly, Zac Brown Band, Foreigner, and The Doobie Brothers.

The Beach Boys plays at Caesars, Boyz II Men plays Borgata and Duran Duran, Evanescence, Chicago, and Ashanti & Ginuwine play Ocean.

Atlantic City is also a hotbed for comedians. Notable performers in town this fall include John Mulaney, Jon Stewart, and Pete Davidson (appearing together), Trey Kennedy, Nikki Glaser, Tracy Morgan, and Nate Bargatze.

For more event details, click here.