Atlantic City is facing more pressure as New York’s downstate casino plan gets closer to becoming real. At this year’s East Coast Gaming Congress, industry leaders focused heavily on the growing threat from New York City-area casinos and what that could mean for Atlantic City’s market.
This is not a new concern, but it now feels more immediate. Resorts World New York City is set to open live table games on April 28, 2026, after receiving one of the new state casino approvals last December. New York’s Gaming Facility Location Board had already set a process aimed at selecting downstate casino licensees by the end of 2025.
ECGC discussion focused directly on Atlantic City’s risk
The East Coast Gaming Congress, held this year at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, dealt directly with the issue. Attendees discussed the likely opening of three New York City-area casinos by 2030. They also discussed how Atlantic City could respond to much stronger competition just to the north.
New York City casinos would be closer for many gamblers who now travel to Atlantic City, especially day-trip and regional customers. Losing those players would be a serious problem for Atlantic City, especially with costs still high and profits already under pressure. This is based on the overlap between the two markets and the discussion at ECGC.
Industry leaders are warning about serious losses
As many as six of Atlantic City’s nine casinos could be at risk if New York and a possible north Jersey casino both arrive. Warnings about New York competition are also not new. Earlier estimates from industry leaders suggested Atlantic City could lose 20% to 30% of its in-person gambling revenue once new New York casinos open.
Atlantic City is already dealing with lower profit
The New York threat is coming at a time when Atlantic City’s finances are already under pressure. New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement reported that casino licensees posted gross operating profit of $681.6 million in 2025, down 3.9% from a year earlier.
