What is it about Las Vegas that every other city wants to draw a comparison with it? Well, Vegas is not just any other city. It is an internationally accredited resort city popular for its intense gambling activities, fine dining, luxury shopping, and incredible nightlife.

The Atlantic City, on the other hand, is a small resort city built in the image and likeness of Las Vegas. It is nicknamed 'the mini Vegas,' thanks to the inspiration it draws from it. But does Atlantic City resemble Vegas in any way?

Here is a detailed description of the similarities and differences between the two.

Why Atlantic City Is Considered A 'Mini Vegas'

The Atlantic City of New Jersey has been nicknamed 'mini Vegas' for a reason. The title boils down to the inspiration the city draws from Vegas. First, it is a resort city like Vegas. The general setting of the city, as well as its strategic positioning, automatically makes it look more like Vegas.

Related: You Can See (& Play) Atlantic City's Very First Slot Machine At This Casino

Just like Las Vegas, Atlantic City has a huge history of gambling. Since 1976, casino gambling has been an integral part of the city, with vacationers jetting from far and wide seeking to experience it firsthand.

The city’s incredible nightlife is also behind the mini Vegas tag. This city has, in recent times, developed an obsession with nightlife similar to what happens in Vegas. The city is painted with multiple nightclubs where vacationers party their holiday away.

Related: First-Timers Need This Many Days To Make The Most Of Las Vegas

Similarities Between Atlantic City And Vegas

The Mini Vegas tag bestowed on Atlantic City has more to do with the similarities between the two states. These similarities go beyond the obvious things, such as having a beautiful skyline and incredible beaches.

One thing no one can take away from these two cities is their gambling culture. Both cities have casinos lined up on their streets. The best part is that these casinos operate legally under regulations set by respective local authorities.

Besides the gambling culture, both cities are entertainment hotspots. From movie theaters to nightclubs, there is never a dull moment in any of them. Being entertainment hotspots, it is easy to spot and interact with pop stars and other celebrities in either of them.

Diversity is another important aspect that makes the cities similar. Vacationers can opt to stay away from the casino and still have a great time on the beach. Water activities are rife in both cities providing an alternative form of entertainment.

Why Atlantic City Is Different From Vegas

Even with the multiple similarities highlighted between the two, Las Vegas is still miles ahead. Not even the gambling culture in Atlantic City comes close to that of Vegas.

Vegas Is Diverse

Atlantic City has all its casinos within the same area. On the other hand, Vegas has its casinos spread out across the city. The Vegas Strip is the most popular of all, but it isn’t the only place with casinos in Vegas.

Vegas has a huge history with gambling, which is part of the reason why the world's leading casinos are based in the city. With its diversity, vacationers can easily navigate the Las Vegas Strip from one casino to the next as part of the experience.

Vegas Enjoys A Higher Status

Branding and presentation have put Las Vegas Boulevard on the global map. Its casinos have played a key role in marketing the city to the outside world. With several casinos in the area, vacationers are more convinced about their possible success and the increased likelihood of winning.

With more people frequenting these casinos, the number of winners automatically rises, which increases the ratings of Vegas as a haven for gamblers.

Great Outdoor Activities

Other than the beach, Atlantic City doesn’t have much to offer. Not everybody is a great swimmer, meaning the city lacks the diversity to accommodate a wide range of vacationers. Vegas, on the other hand, has everything the average vacationer would need.

Outdoor activities are rife in Vegas. With its vast desert area, vacationers have a lot of hiking to do. From the Red Rock Canyon to Fire State Park, the list of outdoor spaces to explore is virtually endless.

Good Reputation

Reputation is an essential aspect of modern-day tourism. Even with its state-of-the-art casinos, Atlantic City has failed to attract many vacationers because of New Jersey’s bad reputation.

Cities on the East Coast have largely been associated with increased crime rates. Even though Vegas is not immune to crime, the cases are not as rampant as those experienced in New Jersey. Vegas' flexibility has enabled it to tackle crimes to a large extent. Even with the increased cases of gun violence all over America, Vegas has still managed to keep such scenarios low, which is a great bonus point to its tourism basket.

Atlantic City's obsession with the Vegas culture has earned it the title ‘mini Vegas’ tag. True to it, the city is living in the shadow of Vegas but will have to work a bit harder to reach Vegas’ heights. With its small size, the city might be forced to reorganize its strategic plan if it is ever going to come close to Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Casino Hotels Are Just Out Of This World

Perhaps surprisingly, Las Vegas does not actually have the largest hotel in the world (it's actually First World Hotel & Plaza in Malaysia, which is the largest according to the Guinness World Book of Records), nor is it the gambling capital of the world - that's China's special administrative region of Macau that's the largest gambling center in the world. The largest casino in the world is in the unlikely state of Oklahoma on the border with Texas.

But even though Las Vegas seems to be unable to break or keep world records, it is certainly the world's most famous gambling destination.

Top Casinos In Las Vegas:

• Caesars' Palace (Seen In The Hangover)
• The Venetian
• Bellagio Hotel & Casino
• The Palazzo At The Venetian Resort
• The Mirage
• Circus Circus

Las Vegas is home to many of the world's most famous and most respected casino hotels (and most of America's most famous casinos). Atlantic City just doesn't come close. Las Vegas is home to over 60 major casinos, whereas Atlantic City has 31 casinos total, and none of these have the name recognition of Las Vegas.