Atlantic City Casino Workers Walk to Support Suicide Prevention and Combat Gambling Addiction

On September 6, 2025, Atlantic City casino workers participated in the annual “Out of the Darkness Community Walk,” an event dedicated to raising awareness for suicide prevention and the profound mental health struggles often linked to gambling addiction. This initiative serves as a crucial part of the casinos’ long-standing commitment to supporting mental health resources and community wellness, a mission they have championed consistently since 2020.

Casinos such as Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and Borgata not only sponsored the walk but have collectively raised over $1 million for suicide prevention efforts during this period. Numerous other casino resorts including Resorts, Golden Nugget, Ocean, Caesars, Harrah’s, and Tropicana, as well as the gaming manufacturer IGT, have also played significant roles as sponsors.

Community Commitment

“Each year, our casinos unite to shine a light on an issue that touches far too many lives. Our ongoing commitment to suicide prevention is about more than just raising funds. It’s about fostering connection, awareness, and support for those who need it most,” said Mark Giannantonio, president of Resorts and the Casino Association of New Jersey.

During this year’s event, approximately 750 casino employees embarked on a two-mile walk along the Boardwalk, a collective expression of solidarity and determination to foster community wellbeing.

Funding Impact

Since its inception, the Out of the Darkness Community Walk, under the sponsorship of Hard Rock and other casinos, has made a substantial impact. To date, the event has raised a total of over $1 million, highlighting the generosity and commitment of the Atlantic City gaming community.

This year, the walk generated around $239,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The top fundraising team was Team Hard Rock, which contributed over $70,000, led by Michael Sampson, general manager at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, who raised $34,520 personally.

“The collective effort of every Atlantic City casino to participate in this year’s walk underscores our industry’s commitment to this vital cause,” stated Sampson. “We are proud to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and its essential work in mental health awareness and suicide prevention.”

Understanding Suicide and Gambling

The AFSP reports that over 49,000 Americans died by suicide in 2023, making it the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. While the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) maintains that suicides directly linked to gambling addiction are rare, they note that one in five people with severe gambling problems will attempt suicide.

Moreover, military veterans developing gambling addictions are twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to those without such challenges. According to the NCPG, 40% of veterans seeking help for gambling issues report suicide attempts.

Conclusion

The Out of the Darkness Community Walk not only raises essential funds for suicide prevention but also fosters a caring community within Atlantic City’s gambling establishments. By participating in these events, casino staff and patrons show that they are standing together against the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Such collective action makes a significant difference in promoting awareness and providing support to those in need.