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Quirkiest Laws Still on the Books in Atlantic City


As most of you know, Atlantic City has long been known for its boardwalk and thriving casino and bar-fed nightlife. However, the city still has its quirky side, especially when it comes to laws.


A quick dig around will tell you that there is a trove of bizarre and outdated Atlantic City laws that technically still stand. While many are no longer enforced, they offer a strange and entertaining look at the city’s past.


From public behavior rules to forgotten restrictions, here are some of the quirkiest laws still technically on the books in Atlantic City.


Online Sports Betting Goes Mainstream


On the subject of gambling. While some of Atlantic City’s laws are stuck in the past, New Jersey’s sports betting laws are among the most progressive in the U.S. Since 2018, residents and visitors have been able to legally bet on professional and college sports through regulated apps and websites.


Today, New Jersey is one of the biggest online sports betting markets in the country. If you’re looking to place a legal bet online, you can check out the betting.us NJ overview for the best NJ online sportsbooks. Whether you're into NFL Sundays, NBA playoffs, or weekend parlays, these sites offer the safest and most convenient way to wager without having to visit a land-based sports betting outlet.


No Ice Cream After 6 pm


Let’s face it, this is a law that locals have debated and joked about for years. To outsiders, though, this is a strange law. Yes, it is technically illegal to eat ice cream on the boardwalk after 6 pm. Don’t worry, it's rarely (if ever) enforced, so you can have peace of mind the next time you’re slurping away.


The law was put in place back in a time when the city was trying to create and maintain a clean-cut image. Littering and rowdiness were acted on swiftly. Still, while it’s never used, the law is still ‘on the books’ to this day.


Singing in a Swimsuit


There’s also an old rule against singing in public while wearing a bathing suit. It sounds ridiculous, and it kind of is. However, it’s based on public decency codes from decades past, when the city was trying to walk the line between being known for offering beachside fun and promoting family-friendly order.


You’d have to catch a police officer on a very bad day these days to get into any trouble for crooning in your bikini. That said, there's plenty of opportunity to wind up visitors to the state who know no better.


Fortune-Telling is Forbidden


While the previous laws are obviously outdated and not enforced, this one is still enforced. While some ordinances allow palm reading and psychic shops under specific licenses or permits, they’re both restricted under legal law.


On the face of it, that doesn't seem so strange. The law was enacted to combat fraudulent activity in the area. However, what makes the law odd is that Atlantic City is known for being built on games of chance. It’s quite ironic that predicting your future with playing cards is allowed, but not using tarot cards. 




Busking Requires a Permit


Planning to play your saxophone on the boardwalk? Be sure you’re in the right zone and have a performance permit. Atlantic City regulates public entertainment to prevent overcrowding and manage noise, especially during busy summer weekends.


The same goes for buskers using amplifiers or setting up shop near major casinos. While this law is enforced more regularly than the others mentioned above, it's still considered quirky given how synonymous the city is with music and performance.


Final Thoughts


Atlantic City is known as being a forward-thinking city, yet some of its quirkiest laws remain stuck in a bygone era. From strange boardwalk rules to outdated decency codes, the city's legal landscape is full of surprises.


Most are rarely enforced, but surely they should just be struck off to remove any doubt. While they’re still active, there’s a chance you’ll get in serious trouble the next time you enjoy some singing while walking down the boardwalk, eating ice cream!

author

Chris Bates



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