The Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) is excited to mark the start of the 2018 NFL season on Thursday — the first NFL season since the legalization of sports betting in New Jersey. Atlantic City casinos are offering sports fans a full-slate of NFL games this weekend, which kicks off on Thursday night as the defending Super Bowl Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, take on the Atlanta Falcons.
“We welcome sports fans to visit Atlantic City to enjoy a jam-packed schedule of both college and professional football and place the first sports wagers of the NFL season,” said Kevin Ortzman, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey. “Sports betting provides visitors yet another reason to come to the resort and experience a premier beachfront destination with world-class entertainment, top-notch restaurants and brand-name retail shopping.”
Wild Wild West at Bally’s and Caesars Atlantic City, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, Resorts Casino Hotel, and Golden Nugget Atlantic City currently offer sports wagering in New Jersey, while the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and Tropicana Atlantic City are planning to offer sports betting soon.
“Sports betting will help casinos attract new consumers, build brand loyalty and create a solid customer base for Atlantic City’s new sports books,” said Rummy Pandit, executive director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality & Tourism at Stockton University.
Atlantic City has experienced a renaissance over the last five years following the economic downturn. The introduction of legalized sports betting has helped provide a boost in jobs, revenue and tourism this summer. The casino industry continues to work tirelessly to solidify the seaside resort’s comeback by diversifying Atlantic City’s offerings, as well as investing hundreds of millions of dollars in redevelopment projects and non-gaming services to attract new visitors. The industry’s efforts have advanced the revitalization of Atlantic City, transforming the city into a business conference destination and first-class resort that features great restaurants, entertainment and shopping.