Atlantic City’s loss looks like it’s Pennsylvania’s gain.

The shore casinos posted their numbers for 2009 – and it wasn’t pretty.
Revenue was down 13 percent. Don’t cry for them just yet, however,

They still took in $3.9 billion. But that’s their worst return since 1997.

Much of that money that used to flow into their coffers is instead now being shoveled into slot machines in Pennsylvania, thanks to the state’s foray into expanded legalized gambling.

And as we now know, the competition is about to get even stiffer for Atlantic City.

That’s because Pa. has finally signed off on legislation that will allow our casinos to introduce table games – poker, craps and roulette.

The state Gaming Control Board envisions having table games up and running in Pa. casinos – including Harrah’s in Chester – by the summer.

Not good news for the Jersey shore gambling mecca.

“It was a a tough year, a hell of a tough year,” is the way the last 365 days was described by Don Marrandino, eastern regional president of Harrah’s entertainment, who oversees their operations in Atlantic City.

Hey, at least he can look forward to more money likely flowing into their Chester operation.

Atlantic City now is planning to push some of its non-gambling amenities as a way to lure gamblers back to the shore town.

Talk about a roll of the dice.