Some AC Casinos Have Created Their Own Labor Problems...

June 2007

THE FACT THAT THE HARRAH'S OWNED CASINOS AND TROPICANA ARE ENGAGED IN A MAJOR FIGHT WITH THE UAW OVER ATTEMPTS TO UNIONIZE THEIR DEALERS MAY NOT SEEM LIKE A BIG DEAL...BUT THE FACT THAT BOTH CASINO OPERATORS BROUGHT IT ON THEMSELVES IS...

Imagine for a moment that you are the head of one of the largest gaming companies in the world and you've just been granted an unprecedented opportunity to operate four casinos in a twelve casino market by the agency charged with protecting the integrity of the industry, the Casino Control Commission. You, A.) Do everything you can to show that the approval was not misplaced by operating in a manner that demonstrates such appreciation... or B.) Proceed to create a hostile working environment so that the door is left wide open for any union to come in and capitalize on the situation, while at the same time alienating 190 independent Jitney drivers by creating your own transportation company. If you're like most people you would more than likely go with A.

Not only is A the right path to take, it is also the one which will pay the most dividends in the long run. But let's continue with the wandering imagination exercise, shall we? You're President of another huge gaming concern and your company has just taken over one of the hottest casinos in Atlantic City, Tropicana. Here is a casino which has helped re-shape Atlantic City into an overnight destination as opposed to the day-tripping destination it had been for most of its existence. The Tropicana, under the former owners Aztar, had built the Quarter, the Cuban-themed retail, entertainment and dining center that has raised the bar of expectation of Atlantic City visitors. One of the first orders of business for the new owners, was to lay off over three hundred workers in a weak attempt to increase its bottom line immediately. How foolish of me to believe that the way to success was to increase market share instead of laying of workers.

Understand that this layoff was not necessitated by the dire straits of the company. It was not a last ditch effort to save a company on the verge of going out of business. If that were the case, I wouldn't be writing this with the tone I'm using. Companies have a right to survive and sometimes it is necessary to lay off workers in order to do so. This move was simply a money-grab designed to cut costs so the company could show an immediate operating performance improvement for stockholders.

Shameless is a word that comes to mind.

To further add insult to injury, Bally's casino dealers are voting on whether to unionize on June 2nd and the casino took out a full page ad in the local daily citing all of the improvements it has made to keep dealers happy. A minor suggestion to the executives who created the volatile employment situation in the first place...the time to implement positive changes that employees will genuinely appreciate is before they get to the point of acting on their own behalf and voting in a union.

Next month I'll focus on the Atlantic City casino scene as it relates to the new competition in Philadelphia. More specifically, what Atlantic City's casinos should do collectively to stave off any encroachment on their market. So, be sure to pick up a copy of the July issue of South Jersey Insider Magazine as we present everything worth doing at Atlantic City's casinos. Until then, play smart, stay within your budget; always sign up for casino customer cards, and always try and play “maximum credits,” if you can. You can’t hit the Jackpot unless you do. And feel free to send me an e-mail if you have any questions about Atlantic City’s casinos... I can be reached at casinoinsider@acinside.com

AC HILTON
Invites you to the Atlantic City Seafood Festival...

When the long running summer staple, the Atlantic City Seafood Festival, ceased operation last year because Historic Gardner's Basin its former home for seventeen years had outgrown the venue, the Atlantic City Hilton saw a community event that simply represented everything tasty about the Jersey Shore.

They teamed up with Tony Sbarro and relocated this new event to Bernie Robbins Stadium, home of the Atlantic City Surf professional baseball team. The event is slated for June 16th and 17th, and will feature live entertainment both days, highlighted by a performance by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes on Saturday June 16th. There are also a bevy of attractions and a Kid's Corner, in addition to Crafter's Row, a selection of some of the finest crafters in the area. See the Resorts Promotions Center for complete details.

BALLY’S
“Dancing Queen” - Abba’s Greatest Hits

This new show runs through June 21st, and features the songs of the hit musical, “Momma Mia.” “Dancing Queen” is a tribute to Abba’s greatest hits of the seventies, and is a different kind of show for a casino stage. Following this show in June, will be “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing,” Fifty Years of Motown. That starts June 30th.

Daily Poker tournaments

Stop into Bally’s any day in June and get in the game. Poker Tournament games available every day at the Poker Lounge at Bally’s. The Lounge comes fully equipped with 50-inch Plasma TV’s and twenty four non-smoking tables.Texas Hold ‘Em, as well as regular poker games, are played.

Tournaments start at 3pm Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday at 1pm.For more information call 340- 1141.

BORGATA
The Ultimate Father's Day giveaway...

Borgata pays tribute to Dads on Father's Day, June 17th, by giving away an array of incredible prizes beginning at noon. Here's a run down of some of the terrific prizes to be given away. Starting at 12 noon - Pool Table; 1:00 PM - John Deere Riding Lawn Mower; 2:00 PM - LG 60' HDT; 3:00 PM - Two tickets to the Big Game February 3, 2008; 4:00 PM - Yamaha WaveRunner; 5:00 PM - Harley-Davidson Motorcycle and 6:00 PM - 2007 Porsche Cayman. Then they'll award four more prizes every hour: $2,500, $1,000, a Sony Blu-Ray disc player and a Weber Grill. See the “My Borgata” rewards center for more information, or call 677-1000.

$50,000 Poker Fridays continues...

Every Friday in May you can get in on the Poker craze and give yourself a shot at 50 large at the same time. The action starts at noon in Borgata’s brand new, perfectly posh poker room. The game is No-Limit Hold ‘Em and buy-ins are $250 and $30. Get your seat early as seating may be limited. My Borgata Card required to play. See the “My Borgata” rewards center for complete details.

CAESARS
Daily Poker tournaments

Stop into Caesars any day in June and get in the game. Poker Tournament games available every day at the Poker Arena. The Arena comes fully equipped with 50-inch Plasma TV’s and twenty four non-smoking tables.Texas Hold ‘Em, as well as regular poker games, are played. Tournaments start at 3pm Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday, 1pm.

HARRAH’S
The New Pool at Harrah's Impressive...

Harrah's recently unveiled The Pool at Harrah's, a new upscale diversion designed to relax and refresh Harrah's customers. Be sure to check with the “Total Rewards” customer service representative for complete details, or to sign up for your card.

Hawaiian Luau featured on Sundays...

What's the sense of having a brand new, luxurious indoor pool and spa if you don't have a party to go along with it? Well, every Sunday, Harrah's is featuring an Hawaiian Luau replete with fireeating dancers and a three course family style dinner. Be sure to check with the “Total Rewards” customer service representative for complete details.

HOUSE OF BLUES
Great entertainment slated for summer...

House of Blues has undergone some changes recently, which has resulted in Harrah’s Entertainment taking over the Atlantic City facility. If you are a fan of the House Of Blues don’t be alarmed; the Insider has learned that the cutting edge entertainment and exclusive Foundation Room will continue, as evidenced by their entertainment lineup on page 35. Keep checking here for details as this is one item that is hot. For more information call 343-5700.

RESORTS
The Sopranos are coming...

Hit Resorts or the Atlantic City Hilton on Saturday June 23rd for a "killer" event and a chance to bump into one of the Sopranos. America's favorite crime family from the Hit HBO TV series, will be in town for the Sopranos' Sweepstakes. High profile actors from the Emmy Award-winning show are expected to appear, including James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano), Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Meadow Soprano), Tony Sirico (Paulie Walnuts), Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti), Vince Curatola (Johnny "Sack" Sacramoni), Steven R. Schirripa (Bobby Bacala), and John Ventimiglia (Artie Bucco).

The event is timed perfectly, coinciding with the series finale of The Sopranos, which will end its six-year run just weeks before this event. See the AC Hilton or Resorts Promotions Center for complete details.

Texas Hold ‘em Poker lessons...

Stop into Resorts Monday through Friday at 2pm and 8pm in the main casino and fine-tune your Texas Hold ‘Em game. Lessons cover all aspects of the game.

SHOWBOAT
Tony ‘N Tina’s Wedding...

This ton-of-fun production started in Philadelphia, working the restaurant circuit. It was so much fun and so well received it just naturally snowballed onto bigger stages like the Main Ballroom at Showboat. The event features the Philadelphia/Italian wedding of Tony and Tina, with all of the requisite South Philly family members. The end result is a roaring good time. Tickets can be purchased at TicketMaster at 1-800-736-1420.

TROPICANA
Win His & Her’s Jeep Wranglers...

Stop in to Tropicana anytime through July 7th and head to the promotions booth to sign up for a chance to win His & Her’s Jeep Cherokees. No play or purchase necessary, but you can earn more entries with your play. Drawing held on July 7th, 2007.

IMAX ticket stub holders get $2 off at Brulee’...

This one’s sweet and easy. Bring your IMAX ticket stub to Brulee’ and present when ordering and get $2 off any dessert.

Diamond Club members get $2 Off an IMAX Ticket...

Sign up for your Diamond Club Card from Monday through Friday and get $2.00 off the regular ticket price of an IMAX movie. Then take your ticket stub to Brulee for $2.00 off any dessert.

Double cash back and double comps...

This is a pretty good deal for new card members. Double cash back and double comps. Can’t go wrong with that. Plus Tropicana card holders are eligible for all kinds of perks and promos, like discounts in the shops at the Quarter.

TRUMP MARINA
Win $500 Every Ten minutes...

On Saturday June 9th and Sunday, June 10th, Trump Marina is giving away $500 every ten minutes. All you need to participate is a Trump Marina Wild Card. See their Promotions Center for more information about this event.

$101,000 Run for the money Sweepstakes...

On Saturday June 16th Trump Marina is giving away $101,000 over a twelve hour period beginning at noon and continuing to midnight. All you need to participate is a Trump Marina Wild Card. See the Wild Card Services Center for more information about this event.

Four Play: A lotto way to win...

Every Tuesday at 7PM, four numbers will be randomly selected. Match the four numbers with the last four numbers on your Wild Card, and you could win the weekly grand prize of $5,000. At press time the Jackpot was over $170,000.

Thursdays feature Hometown Heroes...

Every Thursday at Trump Marina folks can participate in one sensational event. Hometown Heroes starts at 7pm and participants can not only win prizes for themselves, but also for anyone in attendance from their same zip code. See their Promotions Center for more information about this event.

TRUMP PLAZA
$25,000 "your Choice" Sweepstakes...

Stop into Trump Plaza on Friday, June 22nd and get your chances to win one of five cash prizes of $5000. Must be present to win. See the promotions center for complete details.

LCD Digital Photo Frame & Digital Camera Sweepstakes...

Trump Plaza is giving away ten Digital Photo Frames & Digital Camera's on Saturday, June 23rd. It's a fun way to play and win valuable digital prizes. See the promotions center for complete details.

TRUMP TAJ MAHAL
Fun in the Sun Sweepstakes...

Head to the Trump Taj Mahal on Sunday, June 10th for a chance to win $2500 every 15 minutes. Straight forward, simple and easy to participate.. See the promotions center for more information.

Mercedes CLK 350 Giveaway...

The Trump Taj Mahal is giving away a sleek Mercedes CLK 350 on Saturday, July 7th. There will also be cash giveaways too. Check out their promotions center for complete details.

Jack Diamond is a pseudonym of a southern New Jersey, well known business marketing analyst, with over twenty five years of award winning advertising and marketing experience.