This followed a statewide referendum that voted against legalizing casinos across the whole of the state. In 1976, casinos finally expanded beyond Nevada’s borders as New Jersey legalized casinos. The groundwork for Atlantic City’s first casino started to form after the 1970 referendum, where New Jersey voters supported the implementation of a lottery with a majority of 81.5%. Amusement games would then be legalized in 1959. The state did open the Freehold Raceway, allow gambling at the racetrack in 1939, and non-profits were able to run raffles and bingo in 1953. Play at the best online casinos in NJ! The Road to Opening Atlantic City’s First Casinoĭespite Atlantic City’s reputation as the Las Vegas of the Atlantic, it took a long time for Nevada’s casino monopoly to break. Even churches would openly hold bingo games in defiance of Federal law.Ītlantic City itself started as a center for health resorts, with the famous Boardwalk area designed to prevent sand from getting into hotel lobbies. It’s well-known that social gambling flourished.

Until lotteries were banned in 1844, New Jersey regularly held them to enable funding for the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War.Įven after gambling was outlawed, enforcement was incredibly spotty. The authorities within this state have always believed in freedom.

New Jersey is a state known for its affliction with gambling.

Atlantic city casino opening