US Casino Pioneer Steve Norton Passes Away

Article by : Erik Gibbs Nov 14, 2023

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Steve Norton, the visionary behind the inaugural non-Nevada US gambling establishment—Resorts Casino in Atlantic City—has passed away at the age of 89. His son, Rob Norton, who serves as the President of Cordish Gaming, confirmed that he succumbed to an accident at his residence in Oceanside, California.

Steve Norton dedicated over fifty years to the casino industry, assuming leadership roles in various companies and offering guidance on the establishment and operation of casinos globally, including those on riverboats.

He played a pivotal role in establishing the industry’s national trade association and actively contributed to initiatives addressing gambling addiction.

The current president of Resorts casino, Mark Giannantonio, conveyed his sentiments regarding Steve Norton, describing him as an early and influential gaming executive in Atlantic City and at Resorts.

Giannantonio highlighted Norton’s significance as a leader in the Atlantic City market since the 1970s, emphasizing that he was always a pleasure to engage with over the years and a true gentleman in the business.

Steve Norton assumed the role of executive vice president at Resorts during the grand opening of the New Jersey casino on May 26, 1978.

The casino, located on the Boardwalk, faced an overwhelming influx of thousands of eager individuals attempting to gain entry. To manage the crowd, authorities contemplated redirecting traffic bound for Atlantic City.

The demand was so intense that patrons purchased buffet tickets, not for dining purposes but as a strategy to enter the casino ahead of others.

Some individuals went to extreme lengths, using plastic coin cups as makeshift facilities to avoid losing their coveted spots at the tables. The cash flow was unprecedented, surpassing all expectations and presenting a counting challenge that extended over an entire day.

Recalling the tumultuous events, Norton described the chaotic scene in a 2022 interview with The Associated Press, emphasizing the incredible nature of the situation.

Norton remarked on the madness, highlighting the numerous cigarettes discarded on the floor, noting that it reached a point where the carpet’s original color became indiscernible.

Resorts maintained a monopoly beyond Nevada for a notable 13 months until the introduction of new casinos in Atlantic City, which currently boasts a total of nine establishments.

Steve Norton played a pivotal role in driving the expansion of gaming beyond Nevada, according to his son, Rob.

Norton’s influence extended to New Jersey, where he spearheaded the identification of opportunities, conducted market feasibility studies, and collaborated with legislators and the Attorney General’s office to draft crucial legislation, including the Casino Control Act and related regulations that paved the way for the opening of casinos in 1978.

Before joining Resorts, Norton had a background in the hotel industry in the Bahamas and later worked for Sheldon Adelson’s Las Vegas Sands Corp., holding the position of president at Gold River Gaming and Argosy Gaming.

Utilizing his experience as a pioneer in the Atlantic City casino scene, Norton guided various state governments, including those in Louisiana, Illinois and Indiana, on the implementation of riverboat gambling.

In 1998, he founded his gambling consultancy firm based in Indiana. Beyond the United States, Norton offered his expertise to authorities in Singapore, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Andorra and the Netherlands Antilles, aiding in the establishment and operation of gambling facilities.

Notably, Norton played a key role in the formation of the American Gaming Association, the industry’s trade group, where he served as the sole founding director from outside Nevada.