Does Donald Trump Still Own Any Casinos in 2026? – Gamblinghood Investigates

Does Donald Trump Own Casinos in 2026? The Truth Behind His Gambling Empire

Donald Trump’s connection with casinos has always been one of power, spectacle, and controversy. From the neon lights of Atlantic City to his empire’s bankruptcy battles, Trump’s casino legacy is a fascinating blend of business ambition and public drama. But as of 2026, one big question still lingers among many — does Donald Trump still own any casinos?

To answer that, let’s trace his journey through the glittering highs and crushing lows of the casino world.

1. The Early Gamble: Trump Enters the Casino Industry

Donald Trump’s casino journey began in the early 1980s when he set his eyes on Atlantic City — then America’s hottest gambling destination. The city was booming, and Trump wanted a piece of the action.

In 1984, he opened his first major casino — Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, a grand venture that became a centerpiece of Atlantic City’s boardwalk. It was luxurious, massive, and proudly carried his name.

Soon after, he launched Trump Castle in 1985 (later renamed the Trump Marina) and in 1990, his crown jewel — the Trump Taj Mahal — opened its doors, calling itself the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” It was the largest casino in the world at the time, costing nearly $1 billion to build.

2. The Boom: Atlantic City’s Golden Years

For a few shining years, Trump’s casinos dominated Atlantic City. His properties drew celebrities, high rollers, and massive crowds of tourists.

Each casino carried a distinct identity:

• Trump Plaza: Elegant and centrally located for business executives and tourists.

• Trump Castle: Themed and family-friendly, often catering to middle-income gamblers.

• Trump Taj Mahal: Over-the-top luxury, packed with gold decor, marble floors, and chandeliers.

Trump appeared on television ads, conducted press conferences from his casino floors, and became the face of Atlantic City. To the media and the world, it seemed that Trump was the king of gambling.

3. Cracks in the Empire: Debt and Competition

However, behind the glamour was growing financial trouble. The late 1990s brought increased competition from newer casinos, particularly in Las Vegas. Atlantic City’s market started shrinking.

The Taj Mahal, despite its success, was built with heavy debt financing. Interest payments and operating costs soared. Trump’s company began struggling to keep up.

By the mid-1990s, Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts — the company managing all his casino assets — had gone public but was burdened by billions in debt. Trump himself admitted in later interviews that he was “over-leveraged.”

4. The Fall: Bankruptcies and Rebranding

Between 1991 and 2009, Donald Trump’s casino ventures went through multiple bankruptcies — five to be exact. Each one reflected the same pattern: overexpansion, high debt, and declining revenues.

Eventually, creditors forced Trump to scale back his ownership stakes. Though his name stayed on the buildings, his actual control over the casinos diminished sharply.

By 2009, Trump finally resigned from the board of Trump Entertainment Resorts, marking the end of his active involvement in the casino business.

The Taj Mahal was later sold to Carl Icahn, and eventually purchased by Hard Rock International, which reopened it in 2018 as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City — completely erasing the Trump brand.

5. Did Trump Make Money from Casinos?

This question has been debated for decades. Despite the bankruptcies, Trump himself managed to personally profit through management fees, licensing deals, and media exposure.

While shareholders and lenders took financial hits, Trump’s brand value grew. His fame from the casino days paved the way for other ventures — including “The Apprentice”, which turned him into a pop culture icon.

In interviews, Trump often claimed he “came out ahead” because others bore the losses while he gained visibility and branding advantages.

6. Trump and Gambling Today (2026)

As of 2026, Donald Trump does not own any casinos.
None of his former Atlantic City properties carry his name, and he’s no longer involved in the casino or hospitality management sector.

However, the gambling industry still fascinates him.

Several rumors have circulated that Trump — or his family — may explore online gaming or cryptocurrency-based casinos in the future. While there’s no confirmed venture, the speculation stems from the rise of crypto gambling platforms that align with Trump’s newer business interests, especially in blockchain and digital currencies.

Given his 2024 presidential campaign comeback and ongoing brand revival through Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), it’s possible he could re-enter the industry indirectly through partnerships or licensing.

7. Trump and Online Casinos: A Future Possibility?

If Trump ever re-enters gambling, it will likely be digital, not physical.

The online gaming market has exploded since 2020, particularly with crypto integration and NFT-based casinos. Trump has shown strong support for blockchain, even hinting at creating his own crypto token tied to his media empire.

Analysts at Gamblinghood speculate that “Trump-branded online casinos” or “TrumpCoin-powered gaming platforms” could easily attract a massive audience — especially among his loyal fanbase.

Such ventures could blend political identity, entertainment, and profit — something Trump has always excelled at.

8. The Legacy of Trump’s Casinos

While Trump’s casinos no longer exist, their cultural impact remains. The Trump Taj Mahal, with its grand opening, symbolized both ambition and risk — traits central to Trump’s image.

Many industry experts view his Atlantic City journey as a case study in branding over management. Trump wasn’t just selling casino experiences; he was selling himself — his name, his confidence, and his promise of luxury.

Today, the sites where his casinos once stood are reminders of that era. The Atlantic City skyline may have changed, but the Trump name remains a nostalgic part of its history.

9. Lessons from Trump’s Casino Empire

Trump’s casino story offers several lessons for entrepreneurs:

• Branding isn’t everything – without solid financial management, even the biggest names can fall.

• Leverage carefully – over-reliance on debt can destroy long-term success.

• Adapt to markets – when Las Vegas shifted to entertainment and digital innovation, Atlantic City and Trump’s operations lagged behind.

• Reinvention is key – despite losing his casinos, Trump reinvented himself through media and politics, proving resilience can outshine failure.

10. Final Verdict: Does Donald Trump Own Any Casinos in 2026?

No — Donald Trump does not own any casinos in 2026.

However, his name and influence still linger in the gambling world. His casino empire may have collapsed, but it played a crucial role in shaping his public persona — a risk-taker who turned setbacks into stepping stones for greater fame.

If he ever returns to the gambling industry, it will likely be through digital innovation, possibly linked to crypto or online gaming ventures — an area perfectly suited for modern branding and minimal financial exposure.

Conclusion: From Casino Floors to Campaign Trails

Donald Trump’s journey from the shimmering halls of the Taj Mahal to the political podium of the White House represents one of the most remarkable transformations in modern American history.

His casino ventures may have faded, but the spirit of risk-taking and bold self-promotion remains the cornerstone of his identity. Whether or not he ever rolls the dice again in the gambling world, his story continues to inspire entrepreneurs — and caution them about the cost of ambition.