There are no legal casinos on Staten Island itself, but several large casinos are located within an hour's drive, making them a frequent topic among the Korean community in New York and New Jersey.

The closest is Atlantic City, New Jersey, which is about a 2-hour drive from Staten Island and is home to several large resort casinos, including Hard Rock, Ocean, Borgata, and Caesars.

Additionally, Meadowlands Raceways in East Rutherford, New Jersey, offers horse racing and sports betting and is about a 30-40 minute drive from Staten Island.

In New York State, discussions about downstate casino licenses in New York City have been actively ongoing since 2023.

Currently, New York State has granted licenses to Resorts World New York City, Empire City at Yonkers, and three upstate casinos in northern New York. Plans are being discussed to issue three additional full casino licenses in the New York City metro area, with potential locations including near Madison Square Garden, Coney Island, and several other candidates.

For Staten Island residents, this issue brings complex considerations, including increased traffic, economic impacts on the local community, and the prevention of social issues.

The topic of casinos is also sensitive within the Korean community. Gambling addiction can affect individuals across all races and cultures, but experts point out that in the Korean immigrant community, economic pressure, language barriers, and a competitive culture can lead to gambling issues being hidden beneath the surface.

Social service organizations in some areas of New Jersey and New York offer free counseling services for gambling addiction, and hotlines are available for counseling in Korean. If someone in your family has been visiting casinos frequently, it may be best to have a quiet conversation about it first.

Many people also enjoy casino trips. Atlantic City offers a variety of entertainment options beyond casinos, such as boardwalk strolls, seafood buffets, and shows, making it a popular destination for family vacations or gatherings with friends. However, if traveling with children, it's advisable to check in advance the age restrictions and areas where children are allowed, as many parts of the casino are adults-only.

When visiting Atlantic City, be aware that parking fees, resort fees, and accommodation costs, in addition to food and drink expenses, can be higher than expected, so it's recommended to budget accordingly.

Both New York and New Jersey have strict gambling laws, so it is essential to only use legally operating casinos. While online casinos are legalized in New Jersey, online gambling is currently illegal in New York State.

Staten Island residents fall under New York State jurisdiction, so it is crucial to keep this in mind. If you need help with gambling issues, you can reach out to the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) or the New York State Office of Problem Gambling Services, where you can also request Korean interpretation services.