Gamblers play slot machines at the Hard Rock casino in Atlantic City, N.J., on May 17, 2023. All nine Atlantic City casinos turned a profit in the second quarter of this year, although that collective profit was down more than 20% from a year ago. Figures released Tuesday, Aug. 22, by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement show the casinos posted a gross operating profit of nearly $146 million in the second quarter of this year. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry)