Sand's Slow Return: Atlantic City Casinos Pray for Beach Replenishment

As summer approaches, Atlantic City's casinos are anxiously awaiting a much-needed beach replenishment project that has been delayed for years. The lack of sand on the once-famous beaches has severely impacted tourism, with many casinos feeling the pinch.



The delay in beach replenishment has left Atlantic City's beaches in a state of disarray, with chronic erosion posing a threat to both property and tourism. Casinos along the shore, like the Hard Rock and Ocean Casino Resort, have seen their beach space significantly reduced, hurting their appeal to gamblers and tourists alike. The Hard Rock even lost its popular beach bar to repeated winter storms, while the Ocean Casino Resort spent $600,000 to truck in sand last year, only for it to wash away.



The delayed project has also affected non-casino businesses, with Resorts Casino Hotel President Mark Giannantonio noting that "every business from the largest casino to the smallest pizzeria" is suffering. Hard Rock's general manager, Mike Sampson, expressed concern about reduced tourism, stating, "It’s going to be a challenge." The city's real estate market may also be affected, with beachfront properties potentially losing value due to decreased demand.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has a $38.2 million project underway to place 1.2 million cubic yards of sand on the shoreline, enough to fill as many as 120,000 dump trucks. Executives at the three northernmost casinos are pushing federal and state governments to expedite the project, as the current best-case scenario has new sand hitting the beaches late this summer.

While beach replenishment is crucial for Atlantic City's economy, casinos may also need to consider investing in their own beach maintenance, as seen with the Ocean Casino Resort. Long-term solutions, such as artificial reefs or geotextile sandbags, could help stabilize shorelines and reduce erosion. Additionally, the city should focus on climate change adaptation strategies to better withstand future storms and rising sea levels.

As the saying goes, "better late than never." Atlantic City's casinos are hoping that the delayed beach replenishment project will breathe new life into their beaches and restore tourism to its former glory. With the project set to begin later this year, the city and its casinos are counting on the sand to bring back the crowds and revitalize the local economy.