Atlantic City’s summer tourism season delivered a mix of wins and setbacks, leaving experts optimistic yet cautious about the resort town’s future. A recent panel at Stockton University highlighted how casino revenues climbed while hotel taxes dipped, painting a picture of uneven recovery amid economic pressures. What does this mean for the iconic Jersey Shore destination? Dive in for the full story.
Casino Revenues Surge Amid Visitor Boom
Casino earnings in Atlantic City jumped this summer, providing a bright spot for the local economy. Jane Bokunewicz, director of Stockton University’s Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism, noted that gaming revenues rose, driven by steady crowds flocking to the slots and tables. This uptick reflects broader efforts to boost tourism in South Jersey, where the industry remains a key driver of jobs and income.
Experts point to targeted promotions and events as fuel for this growth. For instance, popular concerts and sports at venues like Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall drew out-of-town visitors, helping casinos rebound from past slumps. Bokunewicz shared during the Jersey Shoreview forum that these gains came despite national economic headwinds, such as rising costs for travel and entertainment.
The numbers tell a compelling tale. According to the institute’s analysis, casino revenue increased by several percentage points over last year, based on state filings from the first half of 2025. This surge not only supported thousands of jobs but also injected vital funds into community services.
Yet, not all sectors felt the lift equally. While gamblers spent more, other areas lagged, setting up a complex picture for the season.
Hotel Taxes Drop as Occupancy Struggles
Hotel taxes in Atlantic City fell this summer, signaling challenges in filling rooms despite the casino buzz. Bokunewicz explained that while more people visited for gaming and events, many opted for shorter stays or day trips, hurting overnight bookings. This drop in taxes points to broader issues like high room rates and competition from nearby spots.
Visitors faced steeper prices, with average nightly rates climbing to around $188, up from previous years, per industry reports. Panelists at the Stockton forum attributed this to strategies aimed at maximizing revenue per room, even if it meant lower occupancy. One result? Hotels saw occupancy rates decrease, leaving some rooms empty during peak weeks.
This trend affects everyday workers in the hospitality field. Fewer overnight guests mean less demand for services like dining and housekeeping, which could lead to job cuts if it persists.
To break it down, here’s a quick look at the key metrics from the summer:
- Casino Revenue: Up by an estimated 5-7% year-over-year.
- Hotel Occupancy: Down to about 70-75%, compared to 80% in stronger seasons.
- Tax Revenue Impact: Hotel taxes declined by roughly 3%, straining local budgets.
These figures, drawn from Stockton’s ongoing research into Atlantic City’s markets, underscore the need for balanced approaches to attract a wider range of tourists.
Economic Uncertainty Clouds Future Outlook
Looking ahead, uncertainty looms over Atlantic City’s tourism scene, with experts warning of potential slowdowns. The Stockton panel discussed how inflation and shifting travel habits could dampen next year’s visits. Bokunewicz stressed that while summer 2025 showed resilience, external factors like fuel prices and consumer spending might erode gains.
South Jersey’s economy has seen some positives, including a 4.2% job growth in the first quarter of 2025, as reported in the South Jersey Economic Review. This broad-based increase hit sectors like restaurants, bars, and retail, tied closely to tourism. However, panelists agreed that without fresh investments, such as new attractions or marketing campaigns, the industry risks stagnation.
One panelist highlighted ongoing efforts to diversify beyond casinos. Initiatives like beach cleanups and family-friendly events aim to draw more diverse crowds, countering perceptions of Atlantic City as just a gambling hub.
This mixed bag raises questions for residents and business owners. Will the gains in gaming hold, or will declining hotel stays drag the whole sector down?
Community and Industry Responses to Challenges
Local leaders and businesses are stepping up to address the pains of this summer’s tourism season. At the Jersey Shoreview forum, speakers shared strategies to tackle low occupancy, including partnerships with ride-sharing services for easier access and discounts for extended stays. These moves aim to make Atlantic City more appealing to budget-conscious travelers.
The community feels the impact directly. Long-time residents note how tourism fluctuations affect everything from school funding to street maintenance, all funded partly by visitor taxes. One positive development: Stockton University’s presence in the city continues to foster education and research, potentially sparking innovation in hospitality.
In a fresh take, experts suggest focusing on year-round events to smooth out seasonal dips. For example, fall conventions and winter sports have already shown promise in boosting off-peak visits, according to recent data from Visit Atlantic City. This approach could stabilize jobs and revenue, turning temporary pains into long-term strengths.
Panel discussions like this one provide a roadmap. By analyzing what worked—like casino promotions—and what didn’t, stakeholders can refine their plans. It’s a reminder that Atlantic City’s story is one of adaptation, much like its history of bouncing back from economic hits.
The ups and downs of Atlantic City’s 2025 summer tourism season reveal a destination fighting to thrive in tough times, with casino wins offering hope against hotel slumps and economic worries. As South Jersey pushes forward, these insights from Stockton University’s panel could guide smarter strategies, ensuring the boardwalk’s lights stay bright for years to come. It’s a tale of resilience that touches everyone from gamblers to families seeking sun-soaked fun, reminding us how vital tourism is to community spirit.
