The resort's 2,000-seat ballroom and 462-seat theater have played host to a wide array of entertainers including Prince, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, Sting, Steve Martin, Andy Williams, The Beach Boys, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Billy Crystal, Perry Como, Peter Allen, Connie Francis, Air Supply and Aretha Franklin.

[5] However, when the resort was nearly complete, that company was denied a gambling license by the State of New Jersey due to alleged ties to organized crime and sold the complex to Donald Trump.

[11] A deal was ultimately reached to give the bondholders 50 percent ownership of the Castle, in exchange for reduced interest rates and forgiveness of $25 million of debt.

[13] Trump then began negotiations to sell a 50 percent stake in the property to the Rank Organization for $325 million and convert it into a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

[21] Negotiations continued while Atlantic City casino values plunged, with Coastal offering $75 million for the property in February 2010,[22] but no deal was reached.

[33] In June 2022, UNITE HERE Local 54, a union representing hospitality workers in Atlantic City, encouraged its members working in the casino industry to go on strike.

On July 28, 2022, the Golden Nugget AC reached an agreement with the union promising higher wages, better healthcare and pension plans among other benefits.

Golden Nugget was the last casino in Atlantic City to strike a deal with its employees after Tropicana, Hard Rock, Caesars, and Borgata decided to sign the contracts.

[34] The roof of the Golden Nugget currently houses the transmitter tower and broadcast facilities of WWFP 90.5 FM[35] which is licensed to Brigantine, New Jersey and is owned by the Calvary Chapel of Marlton.