Making Atlantic City a top resort destination all year long...

September 2007

IT'S TIME FOR CASINO EXECUTIVES, CITY OFFICIALS AND RESIDENTS TO WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE ATLANTIC CITY A PREMIER RESORT COMMUNITY...

Atlantic City has come a long way since Resorts International Casino first opened its doors on Memorial Day weekend in 1978. In many respects you could say the town has come full circle, and is right back where it started before the passage of casino legislation legalizing casinos in Atlantic City only, in 1976, albeit a more modern version. Back then, casinos were seen as a cureall to everything which ailed the city, and why not? Atlantic City would have a virtual monopoly on East Coast gaming that would eventually last twenty five years. Yet, lost in all of the hoopla surrounding Atlantic City's newfound asset, were the reasons the city lost its luster with the traveling public in the first place. There it lays, untouched by time, almost forgotten, except for the occasional acknowledgement by the publisher of this magazine, Dan Klein, on his radio show and in his "Starting Points" column. I first read Dan's remarks regarding the forgotten reasons Atlantic City needed casino gaming to begin with back in the January 1998 issue of the then Atlantic City Insider's Guide. In the same issue, Klein called for a retail outlet mall long before anyone even heard the name Cordish. I am happy that I write for a publisher who gets it.

As Klein has noted, the success of gaming simply masked those problems, all of which have been left to percolate under the surface, unattended to, ready to rear their ugly heads when the exclusive on the gaming market wore off.

It has.

Atlantic City is now completely surrounded by new gaming destinations and parlors, with more planned for the future. Now, city officials, casino executives and residents are facing a reality that should have been dealt with long before gaming was considered as Atlantic City's cure-all. That reality has the safety and attitude of its residents at its core.

To be fair, facing these realities is hard, laborious and seemingly mountainous work. One that requires the cooperation of the residents, city officials, casino operators, and small businesses.

Back in the years before casino gaming, Atlantic City, once the Queen of Resorts, had been relegated to "Third World" status by the national media during the 1964 Democratic Presidential Convention, whose delegates and news people experienced less than first class accommodations. The experiences were shared with the world via newspaper wire reports and national television newscasts. The story was no longer about the next Democratic presidential hopeful, it was who could report on the most outlandish, downtrodden aspect of the city. The results were devastating to a city with one foot out the door and the other on a banana peel in the eyes of the traveling public anyway.

You see, at the same time the media was chiding Atlantic City as a mere shadow of its former self, the Civil Rights movement was taking hold in major urban areas of the country, and some of those areas, such as Newark, Patterson and Jersey City, were experiencing major civil disturbances by the black community clamoring for equal treatment under the law. Atlantic City, with its historically large black population, was thought to be a powder keg waiting to explode – it never did – and many families opted for other vacation areas perceived to be safer.

Since that time, the black community, as well as the Hispanic community and all of the other ethnic groups in Atlantic City, have mostly eliminated that aspect of what seemed to plague the city, but the other problems of crime, attitude, cleanliness, and as well as various groups working for their own self interest and against the interests of the city collectively, have been left unaddressed.

Back to basics...

As just noted, there are simply too many factions and interest groups pulling at the center of the city's fabric for attention to their needs, instead of banding together to build a superior community. A community that is inviting and friendly to its visitor guests.

Casinos focus and demand response to their needs. Small, independent businesses in Atlantic City have no cohesive organization from which they can effect the city's welfare, and the residents are so disinterested in their own city, and ultimately, their own welfare, only 6000 people voted in the last election for mayor. That, out of a year round populace of more than 35,000.

That tells you a lot about what you need to know about the root of the problem. How can you get folks to make their city a shining example for all the world to see when you can't even get the residents to come out and exercise their right to vote? How can you get folks to help make their town safer when they won't even walk three blocks and pull a lever? Yes, this one is the ultimate head scratcher.

Primarily because all of the ills which still plague the city are curable.

Every single one of them. The problem is the solution requires the participation of all of the affected parties named above. Getting them all to the table to hammer out the overall needs of the city, so it can compete effectively against any newcomers to the gaming market is the toughest part of the process. Once in place, it would be hard to argue against the common sense measures I have presenting here. Measures, that if followed will put Atlantic City in the driver's seat for the next twenty years... at least.

Next month I'll look at what Atlantic City's casinos have in store for this fall in the way of entertainment and promotions. An issue you won't want to miss if you'll be coming to Atlantic City over the late summer/ fall season. 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
Huge Electronics Giveaway...

Stop into the Atlantic City Hilton anytime between now and Sunday, September 16th and give yourself a chance to win one of a hundred fabulous home entertainment electronic products. Bose Acoustic Wave Entertainment Systems, A 42" TV, or an IPhone. Over one hundred winners. Play slots at the Hilton now through the sixteenth to earn more entries and more chances to win. The action starts at noon and goes to 10pm. See the promotions center for complete details.

50% Slot Refund...

For new members. Sign up for a Hilton Card and earn 50% slot refund on your slot play.

Atlantic City Hilton opens 10Til nightclub...

The Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort announced the opening of 10Til, its new, late night experience, featuring unique live entertainment every Saturday. Starting at 10pm, The Hilton transforms its multi-million dollar Chairman's Club into "10Til," an upscale club with floor-to-ceiling ocean views and stylish décor, and open to the public for the first time. 10Til is located on the second floor, just steps away from the property's gourmet dining room, and the escalator which transports guests to and from the theater.

Breeder's Cup Room Package October 25th to 28th...

Any qualified casino players may be eligible for an outstanding special room rate package for the Breeder's Cup. Contact Joe Sarnese at 1-800-962-5373 Ext.2 for more information.

BALLY’S
Play Bally Bowl, you could win $1,000,000...

Bally Bowl is back and it is bigger than ever. Stop into Bally's anytime between now and December 29th and get in on the action where the Ultimate winner could receive $1,000,000. Check with the Bally Bowl Kiosks located throughout Bally's and the Wild West Casinos.

Daily Poker tournaments

Stop into Bally’s any day in September 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
Borgata Poker Open runs to September 20th...

It's part of the now famous World Poker Tour, The Borgata Poker Open. Seating is limited, and tournament runs through September 20th. Special room rates available for Tournament Poker players. For more information call the Borgata Poker hotline 317-7412.

CAESARS
Caesars Chef series presents Paula Deen, Lidia Bastianich and Giada De Laurentiis...

Well, no doubt about the fact that Food Shows on TV are hot, and there's none hotter than Paula Deen, Lidia Bastianich and Giada De Laurentis. All three will be appearing at Caesars as part of their Chef series. Paula Deen appears September 9th, Lidia Bastianich on October 7th and Giada De Laurentis on November 18th.

Tickets are just $60 for all three events. For more information call Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420.

Daily Poker Tournaments

Stop into Caesars any day in September 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 fire-eating 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 late summer / early fall...

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 39. Keep checking here for details as this is one item that is hot. For more information call 343-5700.

RESORTS
Daily Boardwalk slot tournaments...

Resorts Atlantic City will present Daily Boardwalk Slot Tournaments. The Daily Boardwalk Slot Tournaments are open to new and existing members of the Resorts Destinations Club thru September 30th. $1000 in prizes given away every day. For more information stop in to the promotions center at Resorts.

SHOWBOAT
Daily Poker tournaments...

Stop into Showboat any day in September and get in the game. Poker Tournament games available every day in the Poker Room at Showboat. The Lounge comes fully equipped with 50- inch Plasma TV’s and twenty four nonsmoking tables. Texas Hold ‘Em, as well as regular poker games, are played. Tournaments are held at 11am, 2pm and 7pm Monday through Sunday. For more information call the Poker Hotline 343-4686.

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

This one’s sweet and easy. Bring your IMAX ticket stub to Brulee’, 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
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
$1,000,000 Giveaway...

Earn entries now through September 16th for a chance to get in on Trump Atlantic City's $1,000,000 giveaway. The more you play, the more you earn. All three Trump Resort properties will be participating. Drawings start on September 14th. See the promotions center for complete details.

TRUMP TAJ MAHAL
$1,000,000 Giveaway...

Earn entries now through September 16th for a chance to get in on Trump Atlantic City's $1,000,000 giveaway. The more you play, the more you earn. All three Trump Resort properties will be participating. Drawings start on September 14th. See the promotions center for complete details.

Trump Entertainment presents The Police on November 3rd...

Trump Entertainment will present The Police during their long awaited reunion World Tour at Boardwalk Hall on Saturday, November 3rd. The Police feature one of rock 'n rolls most prolific entertainers and singer/songwriters in Sting, and the concert is expected to sell out fast as tickets are on sale now. For tickets call 1-800- 736-1420 or go to ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available at the Boardwalk Hall box office.

$100 for new members...

New players can stop into Trump Taj anytime between now and September 30th, and sign up for your Trump One card, and play slots for free, up to $100 dollars.. For more information check with the Trump Taj promotions center.

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.