Borgata is to become the first casino in Atlantic City to offer physical skill-based gambling, having secured permission from New Jersey gaming regulators.

A basketball contest will be hosted on 21 March, where players will compete against each other as opposed to the house, as they aim to make free throws for money.

Borgata senior vice president Joe Lupo said: "This is a first step, something we've never been able to do until now.

“A year from now, you'll probably see a lot more of these skill-based tournaments or even games on the casino floor.”

Atlantic City casinos suffered a torrid 2014, with four out of 12 in the city closing for business, while the Trump Taj Mahal was only saved from closure by billionaire and prospective owner Carl Icahn, who paid the necessary $20m to take the venue through bankruptcy proceedings.

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has approved the tournament as part of its “New Jersey First” initiative to welcome new products before other states and re-energise the casino industry in Atlantic City.

Other casinos in the city will be able to propose physical skill-based games, but any new game will have to be evaluated by the state.