Pain of Atlantic City casino contraction, where 3 more may close soon, to be far-reaching

With three more of Atlantic City's 11 casinos threatening to close by September, nearly 8,000 workers and their families will be affected. But the impact of the closings will be felt far beyond their kitchens.

Small businesses that sell to the casinos will be hurt, along with the housing market.

Atlantic City's local tax burden could shift more onto already-struggling homeowners.

And dwindling casino tax payments could result in more cuts to programs that help senior citizens pay for prescription drugs or rides to the doctor's office or grocery store.

The Showboat and Trump Plaza say they will close soon, and Revel could join them if a buyer isn't found in a bankruptcy sale next month.

The Atlantic Club shut down in January.