Atlantic City -- Casinos here closed this morning, a casualty of the state government shut-down, but hotels, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues remain open.
Casinos cannot operate without state inspectors on-site, and a budget impasse between Governor Jon Corzine and the New Jersey Legislature has forced the state government to shut down indefinitely.
The state has discontinued what it considers non-essential services. As a result, state recreational facilities are also closed, including state parks, beaches and historical sites; as well as courts and motor vehicle offices.
The Casino Association of New Jersey on Monday failed to convince the state Supreme Court to order state inspectors back into the casinos.
Today marks the first time that the city's gaming industry as been completely shut down. All 12 of Atlantic City's casinos are closed and up to 15,000 employees are out of work until the governor and legislature agree on a new budget.