Same old, same old: gaming numbers down in Atlantic City

    Is this record skipping or moving backwards? 

    Once again, Atlantic City gaming numbers are down in December, this time 8.9 percent compared to December of 2011.

    Total numbers for 2012 were down eight percent compared to 2011. That’s six straight years of decline. On top of that heap of bad news, Revel finished near the bottom of the list for December, beating only Resorts and Trump Plaza in money they brought in through gambling.

    Perhaps misery loves company? Nevada’s numbers are about a month behind Atlantic City’s, and their casinos saw an 11 percent decline state-wide, and a 13 percent decline on the strip.

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    New Jersey now ranks fourth in total gaming revenue, behind Nevada, Pennsylvania and Indiana.

    This coming year could be an interesting one for Atlantic City casinos. Will we see consolidation? I’m not sure how long this trend can continue before more casinos go bankrupt and/or close.

    Jen A. Miller writes the Down the Shore with Jen blog for NewsWorks.org. Jen is author of The Jersey Shore: Atlantic City to Cape May, which is now in its second edition.

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