A game of chance- you can either stack your chips or lose this month's rent

TRY YOUR LUCK AT THE NORTHEAST’S “VEGAS”

Forget about spending two weeks worth of paychecks on a trip to Las Vegas where once you leave the strip there’s nothing but dry desert. Instead, see how far your dollars can take you at Atlantic City, Jersey’s oceanfront resort community that inspired the board game Monopoly. Believe me, it has more to offer than just Keno. Your grandparents and their friends already know the deal.

Feeling Lucky

With over 10 upscale casinos you can chose plenty of ways to lose or win some rent money. Whether blackjack, poker, craps or roulette is your game, Atlantic City has it all. If table games are a bit too intimidating there are plenty of low-stakes slot machines for as little as a penny. And remember, as long as you’re sitting at a machine or table all drinks, even alcoholic ones, are free - which will help losing hurt a bit less and winning feel twice as good.

Once Your Wallet has Called it Quits

In nearby Brigantine, New Jersey there’s Marine Mammal Stranding Center - Sea Life Museum where you can see whales, dolphins, seals and sea turtles that have been rescued after washing ashore on New Jersey’s beaches, all for the suggested donation price of $1. Or for $7 you can touch juvenile sharks and checkout rare sea creatures at the Atlantic City Aquarium. For those into randomness , there’s a Ripley’s Believe it or Not that will definitely not disappoint. If you’re feeling physical, you can drive a go-cart and play paintball at Central Pier Arcade and Speedway or tee-up at Atlantic City Miniature Golf. The famous four-mile long, ocean-side Atlantic City Boardwalk is a great place for a stroll with your summer or all season boo. For those allergic to walking, you can take a ride in the comfort of a rolling chair. There are 23 rides, a Ferris wheel and bumper carts at Steel Pier, the city’s historic amusement park.

Celebrate Your Winnings or Dance Away Your Sorrows

Cuba Libre Restuarant and Rum Bar brings a taste of Old Havana to the east coast. Every Friday and Saturday night Cuba Libre features Cuban master percussionist, singers, dancers and a DJ that spins Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and Latin House music. Wish you could party by the water? Hilton Beach Club has you covered with live entertainment, tug-o-war competitions, limbo contests and boogie boards. No need to miss your favorite night spots back in NY with Atlantic City being the second stop on the 40/40 world tour.

Rest Up

Since Atlantic City street beating and winning or losing money can get tiring, we recommend getting a room so that you can recuperate and get more energy for retrying your luck after a nap. When reserving a room make sure to ask about blackout dates that save you tons since their on days that the hotels don’t usually get large crowds and are desperately looking to fill up rooms.

Getting There

For Philly folks, you can hop on the NJ Transit’s AC Line straight to Atlantic City, for only $8 each way. New Yorkers, the trips a bit longer for you, but still convenient and at a very low price. Several buses run from Port Authority Bus Terminal to Atlantic City every half hour for about $33 round trip. Or you can catch a charted bus from several locations in NYC for $40 or less and get back up to $25 to gamble and a $5 meal voucher once you arrive. I also hear Mega Bus supposedly has a $1 deal to Atlantic City. If anyone gets on that please let me know what it’s like.