This modern-day casino sitting on a 21-acre boardwalk frontage has come very far from its beginnings as the first New Jersey Casino but continues to pay respect to its roots with its very first slot machine ever used, front and center, in the iconic lobby area. In Resort Hotels and Casino, you can spend the day on the beaches and boardwalks or come inside for a hot meal and great games. This location houses 942 guest rooms and suites, two large theaters, and ten restaurants as well as a conglomeration of spas, salons, bars, and retail shops. This now 80,000-foot casino contains more than 70 table games and 1,500 slot machines that operate 24 hours a day to entertain tourists from all areas of the country.

On May 26, 1978, Resorts international (also known as Merv Griffins Resorts and Resorts Casino Atlantic City) was the first legalized casino to open its doors to the public on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Related: Destination Atlantic City: Tour The Boardwalk Like A Local This Summer In order to bring back revenue to the town, the 1976 voter referendum finally decided to allow gambling once again (legally this time) and the plans to open Resorts were made. In 1931, however, Las Vegas legalized gambling, and after World War II, the tourists had dwindled in this quiet oceanfront town. Many officials during this time quietly allowed gambling in order to support the town financially and keep the travelers coming in. This famous vacation destination along with its history of sandy beaches, stretching boardwalk, and variety of beverages was also home to illegal gambling. An icon of this casino’s grand beginnings, this majestic wooden piece of history stands proudly as the very first slot machine ever legally used in Atlantic City.For decades, gambling was considered illegal in the state of New Jersey, not unlike many others. One pull of the long metal arm could change your fate (or lose you a whole dollar)! To this day, visitors to the Resorts Hotel and Casino can see the original 1978 debut slot machine covered and lovingly restored front and center in the casino’s main lobby.

Enter the iconic marble lobby through the grand glass doors and prepare yourself to meet the one and only lady luck.

First casino opened in atlantic city