Resorts Casino Hotel at 1133 Boardwalk is where casino gambling in Atlantic City began: it opened in 1978 as the city's first casino. It rates 4.2 from around 19,000 Google reviewers.

It is a smaller, older property than the big resorts, and it knows it. Resorts leans into its history, a beach-bar atmosphere and a well-regarded Italian restaurant rather than trying to match Borgata or Ocean on scale.

Setting expectations

Resorts is a compact Boardwalk casino. The floor is easy to navigate and rarely overwhelming, which suits casual players and anyone who finds the mega-resorts tiring. If you want the widest choice of games or a long list of restaurants, the bigger properties offer more.

The building is historic and parts of it show their age. In January 2026, Resorts began two capital projects: a multi-phase renovation of the Ocean Tower's exterior façade that is expected to take several years, and the replacement of a rooftop and five cooling towers. Expect scaffolding or work zones on the exterior for some time.

What's on the floor

Slots. The slot floor covers the bulk of the casino, with a mix of current video titles, reel machines and video poker.

Tables. Blackjack, craps, roulette and the carnival poker games, on a smaller scale than the large resorts.

Poker. Resorts does not run a poker room. Borgata, Harrah's and Tropicana are the options for live poker in the city.

Sports betting. Resorts has a retail sportsbook.

Dining

  • Capriccio — the property's flagship Italian restaurant, with ocean views. It was named in USA Today 10Best's Readers' Choice top ten casino restaurants for 2023, 2024 and 2025, and runs a Sunday brunch.
  • Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville and LandShark Bar & Grill — the casual, beach-facing side of the property. The LandShark area on the beach was expanded recently.
  • Dougherty's Steakhouse and Raw Bar — steaks and seafood.
  • Breadsticks Café & Grill — casual meals.

Capriccio is the reason many people choose Resorts for a night out. Book ahead for weekends and brunch.

Tips before you go

You must be 21 to gamble at any Atlantic City casino.

Make the beach part of the visit. In summer, the Margaritaville and LandShark area on the sand is one of the more relaxed places to spend an afternoon on the Boardwalk.

Walk next door. Hard Rock is directly beside Resorts, so it is easy to combine the two in one evening.

Expect exterior work. With the façade project running over several years from 2026, parts of the outside of the Ocean Tower may be under scaffolding.

Smoking. As of October 2026, Atlantic City casinos still allow smoking in designated sections. Ask staff where the non-smoking areas are.

Getting there

By car, the Atlantic City Expressway brings you into the city from Philadelphia and South Jersey, and the Garden State Parkway connects from North Jersey and New York. Resorts has self-parking and valet.

Without a car, NJ Transit trains and buses run to Atlantic City from Philadelphia and North Jersey, and the Atlantic City Jitney, the city's small shuttle buses, runs along Pacific Avenue a block back from the Boardwalk. Rideshare drop-off is straightforward at every Boardwalk property.

Once you are here, the Boardwalk itself is the easiest way to get around. From Resorts, Hard Rock is next door and Ocean is a walk north; Bally's and Caesars are a longer walk south.

Who it suits

Resorts suits casual players who want a compact, easy-to-navigate floor, diners heading for Capriccio, and summer visitors who want a casino with a beach bar on the doorstep. Its history also makes it a natural stop for anyone curious about how Atlantic City's casino era began.

It is a weaker fit if you want live poker, a large table-games pit or a modern resort stay.

Compared with Hard Rock next door, Resorts is smaller and calmer, with fewer games but a more relaxed atmosphere. Compared with Bally's, it has a stronger signature restaurant and more of a beach feel.

Nearby

Hard Rock Atlantic City is next door to the north, and Ocean Casino Resort is a little further along. Heading south, you reach Bally's, Caesars and Tropicana.

In the Marina District, Borgata, Harrah's and Golden Nugget are a short drive away.

For every venue in the state, see all New Jersey in-person casinos.

FAQ

Is Resorts the oldest casino in Atlantic City?

Yes. Resorts opened in 1978 as Atlantic City's first casino.

Does Resorts Casino Hotel have a poker room?

No. For live poker, go to Borgata, Harrah's or Tropicana.

What is the best-known restaurant at Resorts?

Capriccio, its Italian restaurant, which was named among the top ten US casino restaurants in USA Today 10Best's Readers' Choice awards for 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Is there a Margaritaville at Resorts?

Yes. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville and the LandShark Bar & Grill on the beach are part of the property.

How old do you have to be to gamble at Resorts?

21, the same as every Atlantic City casino.

Is Resorts being renovated?

As of 2026, Resorts is renovating the exterior façade of its Ocean Tower in phases over several years and replacing rooftop cooling equipment.

Rather play from home? See our New Jersey online casino reviews.

Details checked against the venue's official site and recent local reporting. Hours, restaurants and games change, so confirm before you go.