Is Popularity Of Gambling In Philadelphia Part To Blame For AC Casino Closings?

By Suzanne Monaghan

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - With more options in the Philadelphia area for places to gamble, many people say there is no need to head to Atlantic City.

You've heard that "Philly loves a winner," but winners love Philly too.

"I don't go to Atlantic City no more," one patron at SugarHouse Casino told KYW Newsradio. "I used to quite often, but no more, since this is up here, no more."

Another big reason is that long drive to the shore.

"It's not really worth it anymore," this Philadelphia gambler said. "This casino's is close by. You could win anywhere and the traffic is too bad, so why go that far."

Many say they still like Atlantic City for the hotels, shows and beaches, but A.C. needs to promote those things over gaming:

"The best thing about going to Atlantic City was the beach and getting hotel rooms, but other than that, what's the use of going there?"

"You go there to the beach, the beach is dirty, so I think that SugarHouse took most of their clients."

All this was evident as SugarHouse was packed with gamblers Labor Day Weekend, many of whom say they once took their luck to Atlantic City.

Check Out These Other Stories: