Atlantic City on the brink
Since January of 2014, four of Atlantic City's 11 casinos have announced plans to close, gone bankrupt or closed, leaving thousands of residents without jobs. As neighboring cities and states open gambling businesses, fewer people are traveling to Atlantic City to visit its casinos. Since 2006 Casino revenue in Atlantic City has fallen from $5.6 billion to $2.86 billion. Experts believe this is the biggest crisis Atlantic City has faced since 1978.
Atlantic City ponders its future
Visitors to Atlantic City's boardwalk pass by police cars parked there, July 29, 2014.
Atlantic City ponders its future
A man walks down a street past a street-side crucifix in Atlantic City, July 29, 2014.
Atlantic City ponders its future
A man rides a bicycle past a beer advertisement in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 29, 2014.
Atlantic City ponders its future
The Showboat Casino is scheduled to close on August 31. Since January of 2014, four of Atlantic City's 11 casinos have announced plans to close, gone bankrupt or closed leaving thousands of residents without jobs. As neighboring cities open gambling businesses, fewer people are traveling to Atlantic City for visits to casinos. Since 2006 Casino revenue in Atlantic City has fallen from $5.6 billion to $2.86 billion. Experts believe this is the biggest crisis Atlantic City has faced in its 36 year relationship with gambling.
Atlantic City ponders its future
A man walks past a night-life themed wall at Atlantic City's Showboat Casino, which is scheduled to close at the end of August.
Atlantic City ponders its future
The Trump Plaza is scheduled to close on September 16. The casino opened in 1984.
Leaders in Atlantic City are scrambling to prevent expected massive job losses and the prospect of large chunks of the city's famous Boardwalk filled with the remains of closed casinos.
Atlantic City ponders its future
A liquor store advertises its selection near casinos in Atlantic City, July 29, 2014.
Atlantic City ponders its future
Police walk the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 29, 2014.
Atlantic City ponders its future
An empty lot in Atlantic City, New Jersey on July 29, 2014. Since 2006 Casino revenue in Atlantic City has fallen from $5.6 billion to $2.86 billion. Experts believe this is the biggest crisis Atlantic City has faced in its 36 year relationship with gambling.
Atlantic City ponders its future
A man rides an escalator at The Trump Plaza on July 29, 2014, which is scheduled to close at the end of August.
Atlantic City ponders its future
People walk on the boardwalk past the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 29, 2014.
Atlantic City ponders its future
People sit on the boardwalk in Atlantic City, July 29, 2014.
Atlantic City ponders its future
People sit on the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 29, 2014.
Atlantic City ponders its future
The parking lot of the Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Atlantic City ponders its future
A hotel room in the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City, which is scheduled to close on Sept. 16.
Atlantic City ponders its future
An Atlantic City street is reflected in the front window of a shop, July 29, 2014.
Atlantic City ponders its future
People gamble at the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 29, 2014.
Atlantic City ponders its future
Tourist t-shirts for sale along the boardwalk in Atlantic City, July 29, 2014.
Atlantic City ponders its future
A sign guides people to a casino along the boardwalk in Atlantic City.
Atlantic City ponders its future
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - JULY 30: People walk down a street in Atlantic City on July 30, 2014 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Since January of 2014, four of Atlantic City's 11 casinos have announced plans to close, gone bankrupt or closed leaving thousands of residents without jobs. As neighboring cities open gambling businesses, fewer people are traveling to Atlantic City for visits to casinoes. Since 2006 Casino revenue in Atlantic City has fallen from $5.6 billion to $2.86 billion. Experts believe this is the biggest crisis Atlantic City has faced in its 36 year relationship with gambling. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Atlantic City ponders its future
A man rests along a street in Atlantic City on July 30, 2014.
Atlantic City ponders its future
The beach at Atlantic City.
Atlantic City ponders its future
The remains of a customer's breakfast is viewed at a diner in Atlantic City, July 30, 2014.
Atlantic City ponders its future
A man wears a shirt with images of Al Pacino from the movie "Scarface" along a street in Atlantic City, July 30, 2014.
Atlantic City ponders its future
A sign for a hotel in Atlantic City, July 30, 2014.
Atlantic City ponders its future
A housekeeper at the Showboat Casino, which is scheduled to close, pauses during her work, July 30, 2014.
The Showboat Casino is scheduled to close on August 31.
Atlantic City ponders its future
A worker cleans a street in Atlantic City on July 30, 2014.
Atlantic City ponders its future
People walk on the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 29, 2014.