Atlantic City Braces for Blizzard as Casinos Stay Open

Robert Harris
February 23, 2026
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TL;DR: Atlantic City’s casinos are remaining open despite a severe winter storm that could dump up to 2 feet of snow on the area, with some travelers already trapped inside the gaming establishments.

What Happened

The US National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for Atlantic City, New Jersey, forecasting snowfall of 24 inches or more along with winds up to 60 mph. This storm is expected to be one of the worst to hit the area in years, potentially the worst since the historic blizzard of 2016 or even the past three decades.

Despite the severe weather conditions, Atlantic City’s iconic casinos have remained open for business. The New Jersey governor has urged residents to stay home and off the roads unless absolutely necessary, but the gaming floors and hotel rooms of the city’s gambling resorts continue to welcome visitors.

Some travelers have already become stranded in Atlantic City due to the storm, unable to leave the casinos as roads have become impassable. Local authorities have warned that this blizzard could be the worst to hit the region since the infamous ‘Storm of the Century’ in 1993.

Why It Matters For Players

For gamblers and casino enthusiasts planning a trip to Atlantic City, this powerful winter storm poses some serious logistical challenges. Flights and other transportation options in and out of the city have been severely disrupted, leaving many visitors stuck inside the casinos for the duration of the blizzard.

However, the casinos themselves are still operating and providing entertainment and accommodation for those who are able to make it there. Dedicated players who are already on-site will be able to continue enjoying the gaming floors, restaurants, and other amenities throughout the storm.

The key concern for casino-goers is ensuring they have adequate supplies, medications, and other necessities to weather the blizzard, as travel in and out of Atlantic City may be extremely difficult or even impossible for the next couple of days. Visitors should also be prepared for potential power outages or other disruptions to normal casino operations.

Market Context And Trend Analysis

Atlantic City has long been one of the East Coast’s premier gambling destinations, but the city has faced significant challenges in recent years. The rise of online gambling and competition from casinos in neighboring states have cut into Atlantic City’s market share, leading to the closure of several iconic resorts.

However, the remaining casinos have worked hard to reinvent themselves and attract new visitors. Investments in non-gaming amenities like entertainment, dining, and luxury accommodations have helped position Atlantic City as a well-rounded vacation destination.

The resilience of the city’s casino industry is being put to the test once again with this severe winter storm. While the short-term impact on visitation and revenue is likely to be significant, the fact that the casinos are remaining open and operational during the blizzard demonstrates their commitment to serving customers and weathering the storm.

Looking ahead, the ability of Atlantic City’s casinos to maintain business continuity during extreme weather events could be an important factor in their long-term success. Gamblers and tourists will likely remember which resorts stepped up to provide a safe haven during the blizzard, potentially boosting loyalty and future visitation.

Casino/Betting Angle For online casino and gaming

For online casino and gaming enthusiasts, the ongoing operations of Atlantic City’s brick-and-mortar casinos during this blizzard serve as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of the gambling industry.

While severe weather events can certainly disrupt in-person casino visits, the growth of online and mobile gambling options means that players can continue to enjoy their favorite games and betting activities regardless of external conditions. Online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites are able to remain fully operational 24/7, providing a seamless gaming experience even when traditional casinos may be forced to close their doors.

The ability of Atlantic City’s casinos to stay open during this blizzard also highlights the importance of diversified revenue streams and non-gaming amenities for modern gambling establishments. By offering hotel accommodations, dining, entertainment, and other attractions in addition to gaming, these resorts are able to provide a compelling value proposition to visitors even when extreme weather limits their mobility.

Online casino and gaming operators can take inspiration from this example, investing in a robust, multi-faceted product offering that caters to a wide range of player preferences and needs. By anticipating and preparing for potential disruptions, whether from severe weather or other factors, these businesses can ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for their customers no matter what challenges arise.

Key Takeaways

  • Atlantic City casinos remain open despite a severe winter storm expected to dump up to 2 feet of snow on the area.
  • Some travelers are already trapped inside the casinos due to impassable roads and transportation disruptions.
  • The resilience of Atlantic City’s casino industry is being tested, but the continued operations demonstrate their commitment to serving customers.
  • The ability of brick-and-mortar casinos to maintain business continuity during extreme weather events could be an important factor in their long-term success.
  • Online casino and gaming operators can learn from this example, investing in diversified revenue streams and preparing for potential disruptions.

FAQ

Will the Atlantic City casinos close due to the blizzard?

No, the Atlantic City casinos are remaining open despite the severe winter storm. While travel in and out of the city may be extremely difficult, the gaming floors, hotels, and other amenities continue to operate for visitors who are already on-site.

What should casino-goers do if they are stuck in Atlantic City during the blizzard?

Visitors trapped in Atlantic City’s casinos should ensure they have adequate supplies, medications, and other necessities to weather the storm. They should also be prepared for potential power outages or other disruptions to normal casino operations. Staying inside the casinos is the safest option until the blizzard passes and travel conditions improve.

How can online casino and gaming operators learn from this situation?

Online casino and gaming operators can take inspiration from the Atlantic City casinos’ ability to maintain business continuity during the blizzard. By investing in diversified revenue streams, non-gaming amenities, and robust contingency planning, these businesses can ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for their customers even in the face of external disruptions.

Final Verdict

The resilience and adaptability of Atlantic City’s casino industry is being put to the test once again, this time by a severe winter storm that could dump up to 2 feet of snow on the area. While the short-term impact on visitation and revenue is likely to be significant, the fact that the casinos are remaining open and operational during the blizzard demonstrates their commitment to serving customers and weathering the storm.

For online casino and gaming enthusiasts, this situation serves as a reminder of the importance of diversified revenue streams, non-gaming amenities, and robust contingency planning. By anticipating and preparing for potential disruptions, whether from severe weather or other factors, these businesses can ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for their customers no matter what challenges arise.

If you’re looking to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the online casino and gaming industry, be sure to check out Katana.so for expert analysis, news, and insights. Our team of industry veterans is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date information to help you make informed decisions and stay ahead of the curve.

Author Robert Harris