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Trump Casinos

Donald Trump’s Atlantic City Casinos: Rise and Fall of a High-Stakes Empire

Donald J. Trump’s foray into the casino industry began in the 1980s, when he sought to build a luxury gambling empire in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Through his company, Trump Entertainment Resorts, he developed some of the city’s most iconic properties—but the ventures ultimately ended in a series of financial collapses, multiple bankruptcies, and a full exit by 2016.

Trump’s Atlantic City Casino Properties

Trump’s casino portfolio at its peak included:

  • Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino (Opened 1984)

  • Trump’s Castle, later renamed Trump Marina (Opened 1985)

  • Trump Taj Mahal (Opened 1990)

These properties were heavily branded with Trump’s name and marketed as luxury destinations. The Trump Taj Mahal, in particular, was touted as “the eighth wonder of the world” and was, at the time, the largest casino in the world.

Financial Trouble and Bankruptcy Filings

Despite early buzz, Trump’s casino businesses were plagued by overwhelming debt and high operating costs. Over the years, Trump Entertainment Resorts filed for bankruptcy four times:

  • 1991: Trump Taj Mahal filed for Chapter 11 due to nearly $3 billion in debt just one year after opening.

  • 2004: Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts filed again, restructuring debt and reorganizing leadership.

  • 2009: The third bankruptcy restructured operations under Trump Entertainment Resorts, further reducing Trump’s control.

  • 2014: A final bankruptcy led to Trump’s official disassociation from the company.

Though Trump had long claimed to be a successful casino mogul, each bankruptcy reduced his ownership stake. By 2016, he had completely divested from all Atlantic City casinos.

Trump’s Own Reflection

Despite the losses, Trump has consistently framed the Atlantic City chapter as a strategic business maneuver. In a 2016 interview, he remarked:

“Atlantic City fueled a lot of growth for me… I made a lot of money in Atlantic City, and then I got out.”

Critics argue that while Trump earned licensing fees, investors and bondholders bore the brunt of financial fallout. His name remained on properties years after his exit, contributing to the public perception that he was still involved.

Legacy and 2025 Context

All Trump-branded casinos in Atlantic City are now closed:

  • Trump Plaza was demolished in February 2021.

  • Trump Taj Mahal was sold and reopened as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in 2018.

  • Trump Marina became the Golden Nugget Atlantic City under new ownership.

In 2025, Trump’s Atlantic City saga is often cited in discussions about overleveraging, brand licensing without ownership, and the risks of high-profile real estate gambling investments. The story is frequently referenced in business case studies and by critics of Trump’s financial acumen.