Casinos in Atlantic City are Dirty and Have Poor Odds, Guests Complain
Several Atlantic City casinos have had to deal with harsh criticism from their formerly loyal patrons, who have said that the casinos have dirty and outdated rooms, little to choose from in the way of entertainment, and to add to the mix, display poor gambling odds.
Atlantic City's casino industry is under fire from longtime patrons who say declining perks, poor gaming odds, and deteriorating conditions are driving them away. Disgruntled guests cite a range of grievances, from disappearing room comps to high table minimums and lackluster entertainment options.
Frustration over tightened odds and vanishing perks
Casino executives in Atlantic City may want to listen carefully to their customers, as mounting dissatisfaction threatens to impact business. A recent report on February's GGR revealed that in-person casino earnings dropped by more than 4%, amounting to an $8.1 million decline compared to February of 2024. The report sparked a flood of comments from disillusioned guests who blamed the downturn on aggressive cost-cutting measures and worsening gaming conditions.
Many players voiced frustration over rising table minimums and tight slots, making it harder for them to enjoy their visits. "The casinos better get smart. The real gamblers know when they are being ripped off," one patron commented. "When the minimums on the felt are $25 and the machines are not paying at all, that is bloodsucking."
Others highlighted the stark reduction in complimentary perks, particularly free hotel stays. "I've gone to Borgata since it opened. They now act like they don't know me. Nothing as far as comps. The whole place has changed," said a guest named Joe. Another, Dan F., shared a similar sentiment, saying he once visited three to four times a year from Connecticut but has stopped going after losing his free stays.
Complaints about dirty rooms and declining service
Aside from the gaming issues, many Atlantic City visitors are also frustrated by deteriorating accommodations. Guests have pointed to Caesars Entertainment's properties - Tropicana, Harrah's, and Caesars - as some of the worst offenders.
Anthony B., a frequent guest at Tropicana, lamented that the once-popular casino has become 'roach-infested' and is struggling to attract guests. "They can't even give the rooms away. Invest some money in the town and the first thing to do is get rid of the corrupt mayor," he said, referring to Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr.
Another guest, Kelly, recalled her last stay at Tropicana, stating that while her room looked clean, the bathroom "smelled like a urinal." Disappointed with the decline, she moved her business to Caesars but said she has had no luck winning there either.
Harrah's also came under fire, with one visitor calling it a "total ghetto dump." Another guest criticized the high table minimums at odd hours: "Stop the nonsense with the $25 and $50 table minimums at 7 am on a weekday - total idiot executives."
Poor gaming payouts and rising costs
Atlantic City's shift toward lower blackjack payouts - moving from the traditional 3:2 odds to 6:5 - has left many players feeling shortchanged. The change, which benefits the house, has turned off longtime blackjack enthusiasts.
Ronald, a frequent visitor, stated that prior to COVID, Atlantic City had decent blackjack tables. Now blackjack is 6:5. They cram tables and intentionally shut others to squeeze more out of players. And they wonder why casinos are turning into ghost towns, he continued.
Others have criticized soaring prices across the board. Mike G. noted that since MGM acquired Borgata, his winnings have declined significantly. He also called out the high cost of playing popular slot machines like Wheel of Fortune. Meanwhile, Don M. said he recently paid $20 for a small cheeseburger and $5.50 for a Diet Coke at Golden Nugget, with Hard Rock charging even more.
Lack of entertainment and persistent smoke concerns
For many, Atlantic City is not just about gambling - it's also about entertainment and relaxation. However, guests say the city is falling short in this regard as well. RMX said that there is only one show to see right now. "Most of us are not gambling addicts. We include gaming as part of our experience, along with dining, shows, and in the summer, the Boardwalk and the beach," RMX continued. "AC better get smart and start treating their patrons better."
Another frequent complaint is the prevalence of indoor smoking on casino floors. Many guests, like Joseph, have chosen to take their business elsewhere, preferring smoke-free casinos like Parx in Pennsylvania. "As soon as you walk in, they stink like an ashtray. When will the executives realize most people don't smoke and don't want to be exposed to a toxic environment?" he asked.
Will Atlantic City casinos heed the warning?
With growing complaints about poor service, expensive amenities, and unappealing gaming conditions, Atlantic City's casinos face a critical moment. Many loyal patrons have already reduced their visits or abandoned the city entirely in favor of better gaming experiences elsewhere.
For now, executives at these properties would do well to listen to their guests before the damage becomes irreversible. Without meaningful changes, Atlantic City risks losing even more of its once-loyal customers to competing markets.
