AC has been crumbling, while Vegas saw the largest number of visitors in its history in 2014, beating out the previous high set in 2013. Now, after four Atlantic City casinos closed last year, bankruptcy possibilities swirling and leaders trying to figure out alternative ways to attract tourists and businesses, hardly anyone is comparing Atlantic City to Vegas. The city was transforming itself from a vacation resort focused on its beaches and amusement park - including an attraction of horses diving into a small pool of water - into one built around the gambling industry.

Atlantic City was going to be the next Las Vegas when its first casino opened in May 1978.