Here's an interesting back-and-forth between two NJ.com users about what Atlantic City's mission has been and should be.

From NJ.com user mp1977, responding to another comment suggesting A.C. should just fade away altogether because the gambling business is a dying enterprise:

Your analysis is incorrect. Gambling is not dying out. The revenue is crossing over to other states where they have more convenient locations, offer better comps, and an overall better experience. NJ had a monopoly on East Coast gambling for 30 years and our idiot politicians screwed it up. I have no intention of going to AC anytime soon especially since I can cross into PA and be at the tables in 20 minutes.

And from NJ.com user hudsonhistor:

MP1977, YOUR analysis is incorrect. Gambling IS dying out. Only 17% of visitors to Las Vegas gamble (source: LV Visitors & Convention Center). Almost all visitors go for conventions, shows & other non-gambling attractions. They're in the middle of a desert. We have the Atlantic Ocean. If Atlantic City promoted itself as a world class BEACH resort like it used to be it wouldn't have to worry about competition from PA & elsewhere.

Respond to these comments by going straight to their page in the article.

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGPcza9MHPEGTaMOPKU9uFijvuMSQ&url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/10/your_comments_atlantic_city_ca_1.html