Over the past three decades, Atlantic City has been the second biggest casino destination in the United States behind Las Vegas. However, this has changed in a major way since the state of Pennsylvania has taken over this spot based on their 2012 revenue.

A Great Start

While it's little surprise to those who've been following the US gaming industry over the past year, Pennsylvania not only closed the gap between it and Atlantic City, but they earned far more money than the former second largest casino destination. 

Pennsylvania casinos have made a collective $515.7 million from slots and table games, according to recently released data from January and February. This is quite a bit more than the $479.6 million that Atlantic City casinos have made during the same period. 

Could Atlantic City come back?

While AC is in a strange spot as America's third biggest gaming destination, there is hope that they could reclaim their position as the second largest gambling hub. 

New Jersey Senator Jim Whelan spoke about the situation by saying, "Obviously it’s not good news. We don’t like being passed, but I think it tells us we need to redouble our efforts. Some of our properties are frankly in need of renovations and in need of reinvestment. I think if we get that we will be right back where we belong."

Besides the casino renovations and improvements, Atlantic City will also see their $2.4 billion Revel Casino open very soon. This venue will feature 1,898 hotel rooms, 2,450 slot machines, 160 gaming tables, 10 swimming pools, and a 5,050-seat theater. With all that it offers, Atlantic City Revel is expected to be a huge draw for the reeling casino destination. Furthermore, Revel could help the city vault its way back into the second biggest gaming destination spot in the United States.