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Is Governor Christie Biting off more than he can chew with plans for family and casino fun in Atlantic City?

The July 30, 2023, By Hugo B. Horton

Governor Christie’s plan for a rejuvenated Atlantic City has caused some consternation among supporters and critics alike, saying that the visions of both an adult oriented casino city and a family destination are not compatible, and is doomed to fail.

In the past, Atlantic City was very geared toward the adult entertainment niche. The city introduced a plethora of restaurants, nightclubs, shopping districts and the all-inclusive party/shopping ground of The Quarter at the Tropicana. Casinos also began booking an array of performances, concerts and shows in order to attract visitors, in addition to adding spas, bars and other nightspots.

Governor Christie’s proposals are far reaching and include plans for the Meadowlands and the state’s horse racing industry. Christie also wants a public partnership to take over Atlantic City’s tourism districts. However, actual plans for the family oriented resort are less than specific.

Despite all the headlines Christie has generated with his plan, he has also opened up a debate that’s as old as casino gambling in the resort. Basically, should Atlantic City try to position itself as a Jersey-shore style family resort, which just happens to have a very adult–oriented casino industry, or should it try to focus on the adult market?

But the debate has come down on the side of family-oriented attractions before, especially in the 1990s when Las Vegas seemed to be turning itself into a desert Disneyland. Atlantic City followed the lead and added some family attractions, attracting a Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, building a new aquarium at Gardner’s Basin and most visibly, building the then Sandcastle minor league baseball stadium. Steel Pier was also revitalized as an amusement pier.

Christie’s idea of family attractions points to the argument that Atlantic City is not Vegas. It’s ocean-side location sets it apart from other gambling destinations and it is part of the Jersey shore.

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