You’d think that the news of a Hard Rock opening and the possibility of a second casino launch in 2018 would be good news for the Atlantic City gaming industry.

The future of the North end of the strip seems to be up in the air in large part to the possible failure of the Lucky Dragon. However, there could be actual signs of hope for the property and other developments in that area.

Gambling operators have expressed optimism that financially strapped Atlantic City will see its renaissance in the coming years as threats to its existence slowly fade.

The last traces of President Donald Trump's onetime casino empire could vanish. Someone may finally buy and reopen the former Revel casino. (Or maybe not.) The U.S. Supreme Court could legalize sports betting nationwide, drastically expanding the gambling industry.