4 minute read
Have you ever imagined the continuous fame with neon lights in Las Vegas, the dancing fountains of the Bellagio, and players on poker tables, focus locked in.
Now, picture the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, with ocean air of the Boardwalk, crashing waves behind you, and small casinos on the Boardwalk.
As we think towards 2025, Las Vegas and Atlantic City will maintain their prominence as future gambling destinations based in the U.S., with unique options for entertainment.
Las Vegas is big, over-the-top and never-ending with luxury and entertainment.
Atlantic City is quaint, walkable with fewer togel online menus, and a lower level of gambling potentially with lower stakes if required.
In this guide we cover casinos and gaming, dining choices, relative costs, and travel options so you can choose your next adventure.
Casinos and Gambling: Scale vs. Intimacy
Las Vegas – The Casino Capital
Vegas’s Strip features over 40 casinos, including MGM Grand with over 1000 slots ($0.01-$1000). MGM has blackjack, Pai Gow, and world-class poker rooms. The Bellagio feature multiple 3:2 blackjack (high limits tables: $50-$100) and high-stakes tables, as well as rare games such as Face Up Pai Gow Poker. Despite a 3.9% drop in May, the gaming revenue for 2025, as of May, in Vegas is $31.5 billion.
Atlantic City – Boardwalk Betting
Outline the seven casinos (Borgata = 161,000 sq ft (1.5 ha) casino with over 4000 slots) all within walking distance on the boards. Focus on the lower limits (3:2 blackjack under $10-$15), Spanish 21 (All casinos, Soft 17), and unique poker games (Four Card Poker).
July 2025 gaming revenue was $284.1 million, a 6-18% increase year over year, and the casinos provide generous comps to mid-stakes players.
Entertainment and Dining: Extravagance vs. Coastal Charm
Las Vegas – High-Octane Spectacle
Have some of the best entertainment in the world in Las Vegas, at venues you could never expect. Take in a Cirque du Soleil show (there are abundance), Bellagio’s musical fountains, Fremont Street’s light-covered canopy, or the Billboard Music Awards with A-list entertainers like Bruno Mars at the MGM Grand.
For dining, options range from Michelin-star chefs like Gordon Ramsay to cheap buffets and everything in between, along with non-stop nightlife at the best nightclubs in the world, like Omnia.
Atlantic City – Beachside Vibes
You are in the middle of the boardwalk festival from AC’s vibe, with free beaches, views of the Jersey Shore, and pedicabs to take you to the casino where you can see entertainment including shows from Borgata (ie. Rolling Stones, Mariah Carey) and comedy at Harrah’s.
You can enjoy a seafood culinary experience (like Dock’s Oyster House) as well as local treats like salt water taffy providing a more leisurely coastal experience.
Budget-Friendly East vs. Premium West
Cost Comparison
List estimated costs per person for a 3-night trip in 2025:
- Flights (from NYC/LA): AC: $50-100 (easy East Coast access); Vegas: $200-400 (cross-country).
- Hotel: AC: $150-250/night (e.g., Borgata, often no fees); Vegas: $200-350/night (+ $45 resort fees).
- Meals/Drinks: AC: $50-80/day (cheaper boardwalk eats); Vegas: $70-120/day (upscale options).
- Gambling Entry: AC: Free, easy comps; Vegas: Free, higher minimums.
- Attractions: AC: $20-50 (free boardwalk); Vegas: $50-150 (shows, rides).
- Total Estimate: AC: $800-1200; Vegas: $1200-1800.
Value Insights
Describe the advantages of AC for budget-minded travelers (20-30% cheaper, summer deals) and the premium appeal of Vegas with a 2025 potential discount due to a 7% drop in tourism. Don’t forget about the parking in AC ($20/day) or the more expensive experience in Vegas!
Accessibility and Logistics: Drive vs. Fly
Atlantic City – East Coast Ease
Highlight AC’s accessibility: 2-hour drive/train ($20 NJ Transit) from NYC/Philly, with walkable boardwalk casinos. Ideal for quick getaways, no airport hassles.
Las Vegas – Global Hub
Describe Vegas’s reliance on flights to Harry Reid Airport (4.1% traffic drop in 2025), with $20-30 rideshares to the Strip. Suits international travelers but less convenient for domestic trips.
Las Vegas vs. Atlantic City: Which City Is Falling Faster in 2025?
Your Ideal Gambling Destination
La Vegas and Atlantic City present their own forms of gambling: only Vegas can offer over 40 casinos, off-the-charts entertainment, tons of exceptional dining options, and all some of the best recreational opportunities in the world! On the other hand, AC brings affordable boardwalk escapism, seven easily-accessible casinos, and some beach time vibes.
In 2025, Las Vegas is still king with $31.5 billion in gaming revenue, but the summer demand surge in AC reminds travelers of the distinct appeal to entertain on a budget.
So, really it boils down to your individual priorities: do you want to spend extravagant money on luxurious surroundings, unbelievable extravaganzas, and varied experiences in Vegas? Or, do you want to have a nice and relaxing vacation while enjoying a very scenic yet cost-friendly getaway in Atlantic City?
Either way, gamble responsibly and play where your heart wants to go!
