This historic moment set the stage for a wave of casino openings in the following years, with numerous establishments joining the bustling Atlantic City landscape. Just a couple of years after the referendum, the first casino, Resorts Casino Hotel, opened its doors to the public on May 26, 1978. This landmark decision marked the beginning of a new era for Atlantic City, as it embarked on a path to becoming a gambling mecca rivalling the likes of Las Vegas. In 1976, New Jersey voters approved a referendum that legalised casino gambling in the city, hoping to revitalise the struggling local economy. The history of casinos in Atlantic City can be traced back to the 1970s. As the gambling capital of the East Coast, it has attracted millions of visitors seeking their luck and entertainment within its vibrant establishments. When Did Casinos Open In Atlantic City: Located on the eastern coast of the United States, Atlantic City has long been synonymous with glitz, glamour, and a bustling casino scene.