2008 a Big Year for AC’s Casinos...

December 2007/January 2008

NOT SINCE CASINO GAMING FIRST PASSED IN 1976 HAVE SO MANY CASINO PROJECTS BEEN ON THE DEVELOPMENTAL DRAWING BOARD AT ONE TIME. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NOW AND THEN, THOUGH, IS THAT TODAY'S PROJECTS ARE GOING TO GET BUILT...

No sooner did New Jersey voters approve legislation that would legalize gambling in Atlantic City only, then casino operators, speculators and dreamers rushed to make their casino plans a reality. As we all know now, many of those projects were simply pie-in-the-sky attempts by entrepreneurs to cash in on the excitement surrounding Atlantic City’s newfound opportunity. Many of the would-be developers from those days didn’t know a crap table rake from a backyard rake, but they knew there was a ton of money to be made if they could only get their project open.

Vornado promised a huge casino complex at the old Two Guys Department Store site, now the home to Atlantic City’s Public Works Department. Camelot Casino was going to build right at the foot of the expressway. Benihanna, of the restaurant chain fame, bought the Shelbourne Hotel and had plans to develop that into a casino hotel. Bob Guccione, publisher of Penthouse Magazine, moved quickly on his project at Missouri and the Boardwalk, but ran out of money just as the last piece of steel was being put in place. Guccione bankrolled the movie “Caligula” as a way to raise money for the Atlantic City project. But the movie, despite a ton of publicity, bombed at the Box Offices across the country and Guccione just couldn’t recover. The project was never completed and eventually torn down and sold to Donald Trump.

Yes, the road to casino riches in Atlantic City is littered with “might haves,” “wannabees,” “could’ve beens,” and “maybes.” Over the past thirty one years, only eleven properties are operated by five different companies. Five companies. Not exactly a bastion of competition. And Atlantic City suffered because of it. Not until the independent minded, free wheeling, hip Borg a t a opened did the other operators realize they’ve got to ante up if they are going to play successfully in Atlantic City.

And now, the market is about to get even more diverse in the coming years as Revel Entertainment and Pinnacle Entertainment rush to build their mega resorts. Former Tropicana casino executive Dennis Gomes is pursuing a casino property, and Curtis Bashaw, the former Executive Director of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), is partnering with Wally Barr, the former President of Bally’s Casino, to build at the site of the former Dunes Casino Hotel at Albany Avenue and the Beach. The word on the street has casino mogul, Steve Wynn chompin’ at the bit to get back into the Atlantic City casino market again. Add to that, Harrah’s and Borgata are opening new, luxurious hotel towers this year, with Trump Taj Mahal’s new Tower not far behind.

Atlantic City could see more growth in the next five years than it saw at the onset of casino gaming. No doubt, at the current time, the future of Atlantic City looks very bright in spite of the loss of market share due to the opening of slot parlors in Pennsylvania and casinos in New York, two of Atlantic City’s largest feeder markets.

The opening of the new hotel towers, at the properties noted earlier, will be a big boost to the Atlantic City market at a time when it needs it most.

That excitement should be enough to carry the town until the next phase of openings at Pinnacle and Revel. The Casino Insider predicts a big turnaround for AC casinos in 2008. The pieces are falling into place. The town is poised to rock the gaming world as Atlantic City begins to truly blossom in the years ahead. It’s going to be exciting to watch unfold. The only potential hitch in the proverbial giddyap would be a lack of cooperation between the casinos, residents, politicians, tourism agencies, and independent businesses.

Only?

Stay tuned here each month as we match up what actually happens compared to what should have happened.

Be sure to be on the lookout for our next issue Jan. / Feb. 2008, on the street Friday, January 18th, 2008. I’ll have a complete breakdown of all of the casino promotions happening throughout the winter season in Atlantic City.

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
Chairman's Club terrific...

The Insider has had plenty of opportunities to sample some of the top offerings to top players by Atlantic City's casinos. Not that we are a top player, we're not.

But we do get chances to experience what top players are offered in the hope we will write about them.

Smart thinking on the part of those who think up such things. Writing about the Chairman's Club at the Atlantic City Hilton or the Black Label club at Borgata is an easy thing to do. If you're a regular player then you want to aspire to this level of treatment. You won't regret it. At the Chairman's Club, guests are treated to a wide variety of superior amenities.

From a free, lavish hot and cold buffet, to comfortable sofa and lounge chair seating to sit, relax and enjoy. This place caters to its customers and that's just fine with us.

$9.99 Limited time Saturday Cornucopia Buffet...

For a limited time the Atlantic City Hilton is offering their award-winning Cornucopia Buffet with the regular full compliment of choices for just $9.99 on Saturdays through December 29th. They want to show off their buffet to new and old customers as this is the same buffet normally sold for $21 Sunday through Friday.

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 January and February 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
"Black Label" Club a few notches above the rest...

Other than the Chairman's Club at the Atlantic City Hilton, there are not many Player's Clubs that tickle this writer’s fancy. One that does stand above the rest is the "Black Label" Club at Borgata.

Talk about pampering the customer, this place is a dream come true. There’s an easy Country Club feel to it. Not in the stuffy sense but comfortable and relaxing. Probably the best free food buffet offering as well. A recent visit was met with Roasted Lamb Chops, delicious, fresh carved roast Prime Ribs of Beef, Chicken Francaise and Fresh Talapia, along with pasta dishes, side dishes, desserts, and a big WOW factor.

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
Daily Poker Tournaments

Stop into Caesars any day in January 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 Pool "After Dark" at Harrah's...

Harrah's recently unveiled The Pool at Harrah's, a new upscale diversion designed to relax and refresh Harrah's customers. Open Wednesday through Saturday night, "The Pool" salutes casino employees with "The Pools" SINdustry Night. Casino employees get free admission before midnight with casino ID. Saturdays and Sundays are reserved for DJ's and dance music. The Pool at Harrah's features four cozy wading areas, six relaxing hot tubs available for private rental, private cabanas featuring plasma TVs, iPod docking stations and relaxing couches, drink specials at the bar, and live entertainment and events.

HOUSE OF BLUES
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
Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Lessons...

A great place to start for beginners. Don’t be intimidated from playing simply because you don’t know the nuances of betting structure, as well as the overall lingo of casino style Poker. One stop here and you’ll be ready to play...put me in coach! Poker lessons every Monday through Friday at 2 and 8pm in the main casino. Just ask one of the dealers or floorpeople for the exact location. For more information on Resorts Casino entertainment, promotions and overnight packages call Marketing Services at 1- 800-932-0734.

SHOWBOAT
Daily Poker tournaments...

Stop into Showboat any day 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
Win A Chevy Impala SS and meet Martin Truex, Jr. January 18th...

Oh yeah, start your engines race fans.

This will be a day to remember in Atlantic City. Tropicana giving away a brand new, Chevy Impala SS and an opportunity to meet Martin Truex, Jr., one of NASCAR’s most revered racers.

TRUMP MARINA
2X Cash Back in Febru a ry...

This is the kind of promotion which will help clear away those winter blues. 2X Cashback at Trump Marina on February 4th, 13th and 25th. Between me, you, and the lamppost, the 13th happens to be the same day Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood are appearing at Boardwalk Hall courtesy of Trump Casinos. Can you say, “Reserve now?”

Up to $2,600 cashback is available per player per trip. some restrictions apply. See Trump One Services for complete details.

Earn Rewards Playing Free Online Games at Trump Marina

Trump One Card holders have a great way to stay on top of their game when not in Atlantic City as Trump Casino web sites are offering rewards for free online gamers. The only thing you can’t do with these online games is get cash directly for your bet, but established players can hone their skills, and new players can get comfortable with the nuances of casino games before they ever step on the casino floor. The Casino Insider predicts Trump Marina will increase its action on games normally reserved for experienced gamers.

Games like Craps, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Three Card Poker, Baccarat, etc. Smart move.

TRUMP PLAZA
Take a Mid-Winter break at Trump Plaza...

After the holidays have ended, and the reality of winter sets in, treat yourself and your love to a mid-week, mid-winter, overnight jaunt to Atlantic City. The publisher and his lovely wife, Mrs. Insider, take mini-vacations in Atlantic City during the course of the winter season, and they swear by the rejuvenating affects a casino respite offers. Oh, and did I mention they live just ten miles away? If getting away for a week is impossible due to conflicting schedules, two or three days at any Atlantic City casino is an unbelievable way to ungrind from the day to day routine. Trump Plaza offers luxurious accommodations paired perfectly with outstanding service, and a pampering touch, and is located right in the heart of town, just a stone’s throw from Atlantic City Outlets at The Walk and The Pier at Caesars. That is, if you leave the hotel at all. You may prefer to do what we do, relax, lay back, and enjoy. Call 1-800- 677-7378 for reservations, or visit the web site noted above. For the record, the other two favorites for the Insider midwinter, mid-week getaway, particularly if you just want to chill, are the Atlantic City Hilton (1-800-257-8677,) and Borgata (1-866-MY BORGATA.) All three will put you right back in the game.

TRUMP TAJ MAHAL
Trump Casinos present Keith Urban & Carrie Underwood at Boardwalk Hall...

Trump Taj Mahal, Trump Marina and Trump Plaza, collectively known as Trump Atlantic City, are presenting Country superstars Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall on Friday, February 15th. Two days earlier Trump Marina is giving away 2X Cash Back...hmmm? Trump Deals for January 2008 were not known at press time, but something tells the Casino Insider the other two Trump properties, Trump Plaza and Taj Mahal, will no doubt have something special planned for the 14th, 16th and 17th. Valentine’s Day is turning into Valentine’s Week in the city that’s “Always Turned On!” For more information on Trump Taj Mahal entertainment and events call (609) 449- 1000 and ask for Trump One Services.

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.