A note to AC's Casinos... Don't panic, the 'Boomers' are on the way...

October 2007

AS ATLANTIC CITY'S CASINO INDUSTRY GRAPPLES WITH COMPETITION IN NEARBY PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW YORK, CASINO INSIDER SAYS, "STAND PAT, THE BABY BOOMER RETIREMENT BONANZA IS ABOUT TO SAVE THE DAY..."

I was originally going to write about all of the wonderful deals, incentives, shows, and events taking place this fall in Atlantic City's casinos. That was before I read a report reminding me that this year begins the much anticipated cycle of "Baby Boomer" retirements.

Why is that a big deal for Atlantic City casino operators?

Well, if they've done their homework, they would know that these sixty-five year olds aren't going to be quite like any other retirement group before.

First, it's probably best to not use the term "retiree" when refering to this demographic group. That's too, senior citizen, and this group will defy that term at all cost.

The bonanza for Atlantic City's casinos lies in the fact that this group has plenty of money, loves to travel, thinks nothing of pampering themselves, and, has plenty of time on its hands. Casinos like Borgata, with their new Water Club Hotel tower opening in 2008, Trump Taj Mahal, and Harrah's are all positioning themselves perfectly to cater to this discerning group of consumers. Timing, as they say, is everything. And, the timing of the additions to the Atlantic City gaming market couldn't be more perfect in terms of being in a position to meet the expected future demand. A demand that will last the next twenty five years at least.

Now, I can't tell you for sure that any of Atlantic City's casino executives have taken the Baby Boomer retirement phenomenon into consideration during the planning of their respective futures. If they haven't, shame on them. For the past four years the emphasis of casino marketing has been toward the younger demographic, ages twenty five to forty five. That's an important group to be sure. After all, if you're going to survive over the long haul, you're going to have to develop new customers and introduce your product to new bodies. Plus, this young, hip, partying crowd has been one of the reasons Atlantic City has been able to successfully transition their respective business models to appeal to this next generation gambler.

Having said that, the Boomer retirement market offers a tremendous opportunity for Atlantic City's casinos to add to their bottom lines significantly.

Whether they aggressively go after this huge windfall-waiting-to-happen, or continue to scratch their collective heads over new competition in Pennsylvania and New York, remains to be seen, but the smart money's on the guile of Atlantic City's casino executives recognizing the tremendous upside potential of this very affluent group and ramping up to meet their needs.

Sources tell the Insider that Atlantic City casinos will be offering some terrific promotions going into the late fall and holiday seasons, as they ramp up to recapture customers lost over the past few months to the convenience of the Pennsylvania slot market.

Great entertainment (Pennsy slot parlors have none), "Big Money" promotions and giveaways, and terrific rates on overnight accommodations mean the Atlantic City customer is once again King in the former "Queen of Resorts."

Next month I'll peruse the holpleasure palaces. An issue you won't want to miss if you'll be coming to Atlantic City over the holiday 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
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 through the end of the summer. 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 October 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 offers three ways to play poker...daily, late night or single table

Have it your way at Atlantic City's top casino. Daily poker tournaments, late night games and single table poker are all on the table (pardon the pun) at Borgata. Poker tournaments run from 11am daily. late night poker is offered Sunday through Thursday at 11:30pm. Single Table Tournament action is available daily from noon to midnight. Just "Sit 'N go" as they say. 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 appeared September 9th, and Lidia Bastianich stops in on October 7th, with Giada De Laurentis finishing up the series on November 18th. For more information call Ticketmaster at 1-800- 736-1420.

Daily Poker Tournaments

Stop into Caesars any day in October 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
The Entertainment Continues Unabated...

Many thought things would change at Atlantic City's House Of Blues once the Harrah's Entertainment buyout was complete. Well, that was months ago and HOB has never been busier in terms of the amount of "Top Quality" entertainment and acts they've been able to bring in. My sources tell me to not expect any drastic changes in philosophy any time soon. For more information call 343-5700.

Foundation Room food fabulous...

If you thought HOB was all entertainment and no sustenance, think again. The Foundation Room provides a touch of Southern Hospitality and delicious cuisine to go along with it. If you get a chance you'll definitely want to try it out.

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. $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 October 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 non-smoking tables. Texas Hold ‘Em, as well as regular poker games, are played.

Tournaments are held at 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 $35,000.

TRUMP PLAZA
Giving Away Gas...

Or Gas Cards that is. Sunoco gas cards to be exact. Stop in to the Plaza on October 23rd and get in on the Giveaway. See the promotions center for complete details.

$50,000 Fa-Boo-Lous Giveaway...

Trump Plaza presents a $50,000 Halloween Fa-Boo-Lous sweepstakes giveaway on Saturday, October 27th. Be sure to get to the Plaza early and get your Trump One card inserted into your favorite slot machine. See the Trump Plaza promotions center for complete details.

TRUMP TAJ MAHAL
Oktoberfest is on the menu...

Save the weekend of October 20th and 21st for the Trump Taj Mahal's annual Oktoberfest celebration. The weekend long affair boasts a full array of German food, drink, music, and fun. For more information see the Trump Taj Mahal promotions center.

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.

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.