You’d think that the news of a Hard Rock opening and the possibility of a second casino launch in 2018 would be good news for the Atlantic City gaming industry.

The future of the North end of the strip seems to be up in the air in large part to the possible failure of the Lucky Dragon. However, there could be actual signs of hope for the property and other developments in that area.

Gambling operators have expressed optimism that financially strapped Atlantic City will see its renaissance in the coming years as threats to its existence slowly fade.

The last traces of President Donald Trump's onetime casino empire could vanish. Someone may finally buy and reopen the former Revel casino. (Or maybe not.) The U.S. Supreme Court could legalize sports betting nationwide, drastically expanding the gambling industry.

IN MID-NOVEMBER, VIDEO game publisher Electronic Arts released “Star Wars Battlefront II,” a multiplayer shooter for consoles and PCs. The title is likely to be a top item on many holiday shoppers’ lists; the original “Battlefront” sold an estimated 12 million copies.

The Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments Dec. 4 in the case of Christie v. National Collegiate Athletic Association. The arguments are complicated and the Supreme Court’s ruling will not necessarily be black or white.

Some gambling technology companies expect the U.S. Supreme Court to legalize sports betting and are jockeying for position in the new industry months before a decision is even rendered.

In June, actress Michelle Rodriguez, dressed in a black tank top, jeans and sunglasses, boarded a helicopter in Nevada to promote a new, exotic tourism experience to Las Vegas visitors.