The King of Casinos and Vacations...Come to Las Vegas Casinos.

Sure my title to this blog entry isn't the most eloquent that one could hope for, but the truth of the matter is I don't know if I could say much more here. Las Vegas casinos, well actually Las Vegas is synonomous with Casinos. The way Kleenex is synonomous with tissues and Petroleum Jelly is synonomous with Vaseline. To that end I just go the fever in me this past week and I'm planning a trip to Sin City in late January. Probablly not the best time to go to Las Vegas because everyone is looking to get out that way during the late part of January, but I'm going nonetheless. Well I figured I'd give a little bit of my insight to the best things to see and do while in the City where "things that happen there stay there".

My opinion let's start with giving some links to the official web sites supporting Las Vegas tourism. First is Visit Las Vegas, brought to you by the Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Authority. This site is a great tool to utilize in planning a trip to Las Vegas Nevada for several reasons. First, it actually offers the ability to book hotel rooms and other travel related information. Therefore, if you have information about a special or vacation pacakge, or something to that effect, you can use the site to see if the rates are comparable. Second, because this is an offical site of the visitors and convention authority information such as transportation in the local area and other non-commercial information is presented in a very useable fashion. Another website that is fantastic to use is none other than the offical web site of the City of Las Vegas Nevada. Now just so we're clear, this is a web site that is mainly used for people operating businesses in the city or surrounding areas. What I have found so useful about this web site is that it gives the little bit of information that really might be important in going to a city with such a moniker as sin city. This is an information source that offers great facts about local law enforcement, codes, etc. I 'm just saying, if you really have certain things on your mind when you're visiting Las Vegas, this is the kind of information you want to familiarize yourself with.

Now on to my trip. I'm actually breaking the trip up in to a few parts. First off are my Las Vegas Accommodations. I will be staying at the Mirage Casino and Resort located at 3400 Las Vegas Boulevard, and here's a online map of the location. My stay at the Mirage will be from January 22nd to January 25th. Now the reason I did it like this is because I arrive on January 22nd, which is a Thursday, but I check out on Monday the 25th. This does a few things. First, I was able to lock in a good rate for each day because of the multiple day check in, and I'm also not getting kicked in the shins with the weekend rate hikes. I will be getting back to this, but I will be then checking into Mandalay Bay Las Vegas from January 25th to January 28th. We'll get into all the fun things that come along with that change of venue in a second, but now to the Mirage. The Mirage Resort in Las Vegas is a fabulous Multi Start Award Winning hotel and casino property. I'm looking forward to eating at the Samba Brazillian Steakhouse and the the all time Award Winning Spa.

Now heading to the Mandalay Bay Las Vegas is located at 3950 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Again, we're talking about another great Las Vegas property with award winning service, decor, restaurnats and more. One of the fun things I can't wait to do during my stay at the Mandalay Bay is to rock and dance the night away at the Rum Jungle. Also the Mandaly Bay Las Vegas there is some really good entertainment. First and Foremost the hit Musical "Mamma Mia" is ongoing and tickets are available for many dates and times. Check out this link. Also check out Shark Reef which is open daily. For more information about Mandalay Bay Hote Reservations, you will find great information at the accompanying web site. Also, here is some additional information about the Rum Jungle at Mandalay Bay. I know it's the holiday's and we are all looking for the fun that goes along with this time of year, but my trip to Las Vegas is palpable. A little rest and relaxation for after the holiday season and something to look forward to do right in the middle of what I feel is the worst month of the year, Januaryl.

How to Get the Most from Casino Comps...Part Four..It's Not All About Gambling

Much of the discusssion that I've been focusing upon in the past few posts has involved what casino comps are, how to get invovled with casino comps and what differenet things you can do to make the most of your casino visits. I happened to be driving near Atlantic City New Jersey the other day and I noticed a great Casino Comps program that I just forgot to mention. The Harrah's Entertainment Company is a huge conglomerate company that owns and operates casinos all over the United States including, Caessar's Atlantic City and Caesar's Palace Las Vegas, also other great Harrah's properties including Harrah's Atlantic City and the ShowBoat Atlantic City Casino Hotel.

What Harrah's has come up with both ingeniously and both simplisticly is to create a rewards program that benefits everyone for doing just about anything at a property. Of course most of the credits earned in casino comps towards the loyalty program is earned through play at either slots or casino table games, the idea of "just using Harrah's" is front and center.

The Total Rewards program is very easy to understand. Basically anything that you earn casino comp credits for can be used for hotel rooms, meals or even a round of golf. The other beauty of what Harrah's has is that they allow the transfer and use of casino comps and credits at any one of their properties no matter where the casino comp credits are earned. I looked into the program a little more to get some specifics about what they do and it really is easy. Again, I'm getting this off of the official site, but I make no guarantees or warranties that these are exactly how these programs work. For simple slot reel machines, for every $5 spent a customer earns 1 credit in loyalty credits. For every $10 spent on a video poker machine 1 credit is earned. Table games and the credits earned towards loyalty points there are a little different. It works on the following forumula. Again, remember, I make no guarantees or warrantees that this is fact, but I checked out their site and this is what it seems to say. Table games such as craps, blackjack, poker or baccarat are determined by the average bet, what type of game is being played and the overall average length of play. For each level of credits earned the customer gets more perks. The basic break down of the program is Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Seven Star.

Because Harrah's has such wide range of reach across the country, from New Jersey, to Louisiana, to Nevada, I suggest looking into this program a little more. Information about the Harrah's Total Rewards Program can be found by going to the link provided.

We will be coming back with more information about casino comps and some inside tips to getting more out of these programs.

How to Get the Most from Casino Comps...Part Three Tipping the Dealer

The last few posts have been focused upon the joys of casino comps and some of the things casino players should know to get the most out of them. The first two posts got into the basics of what casino comps are, how to get involved in the process and what kind of comps are available. The next few posts I'm going to focus upon will target some very specific issues surrounding how to really get the most out of the comp programs. Things like tipping your dealer, getting airline bumps and other little nuggets of knowledge aimed at really improving your visit to a casino.

Really great Las Vegas Vacation Deals can be had if you can navigate your way through the casino comps process. There is truly a treasure chest of specials, discounts and freebies awaiting you by doing some of these little things that can really make a difference. Once such thing is tipping your dealer well and the right way. Now let me get this out of the way. Tipping your dealer will not influence the outcome of your comps, your winning percentage or anything like that...but that being said, taking care of these people can get you "prefferred service". It's not necessarily and directly related to comps and other things like this but your experience and service will directly reflect the level of tips, normally, when it comes to your dealers. The subject here is how to get the people working for you, to feel excited about you being at their table. There are many ways to tip a dealer, but one of the best ways I've come across is to actually involve the dealer in your play. Yep, you can get the dealer involved in your play by actually setting money down and putting a bet for him or her. I can tell you more so than not, whether it be mojo, the force, good luck or something in between, tipping your dealers seems to always pay off in the end.

There is more to come as it relates to getting the most from your casino experience in the days to come. I've received a few posts that have asked for some real inside tips to get comps, and I'm thinking about how to go about first collecting this info and distributing it. Stay tuned, there is more to come.

How to Get the Most from Casino Comps..Part Two the Casino Rate

We're back and I hope to all of you that you had a great Thanksgiving Holiday. I know I'm still stuffed from my meal on Thursday and I'm looking forward to eating my Turkey Day dinner next year. Is that pathetic or what? Well, when I last left you I had started a little series of mini-posts that I'm going to do the next few posts and that is talking about how to get the most out of Casino Comps or Casino Complimentary Give Away Stuff. Things like free food, cash back, free drinks, tickets to a show and stays at the hotel you're gambling. I got into the basics of the casino comps and how important it is to get into contact with the casino host or pit boss at the casino you are gambling. This is the way to get the ball rolling. To introduce yourself and to get your players card. Once you have the players card you can use it while playing slots or if you're playing table games let the pit boss know that you want your play to be rated.

Ah, see how I segweyed into that. The next discussion of this subject matter for casino comps is how to understand the casino rate. Now just so I don't confuse all of you out there, I'm tallking about the rate you can get as a player at a casino on room stays and not the rating process. So I'm sorry if there was some kind of confusion. To that end we have some quick info about how to get the elusive discounted room rates that the casinos offer to their players. First and foremost, casino rates for rooms aren't just thrown out to people for showing up at the casino. The general rule I've seen is that casino hosts and the casino marketing departments that manage the player development process require that gamblers and casino players gamble at least four hours a day and also gamble a minium level of bet. That's half the battle as far as I've seen, because many people believe that just being in the casino should allow them to get the casino comps. Now on the other hand, when it comes to slot and video machines the rule generally changes and the fact is that each casino sets it's own limit as to the amount a player is betting through the machines each day the play. Again, it has to be a minium level of some cash value.

The goal is to understand the rules of the casino comp game to get the casino rate. The ultimate goal, no doubt is to get the elusive free room and or suite at the casino, but as I stated, getting a casino rate where the room is deeply discounted is also an option and a much easier thing to obtain. The strategy is very simple. If you're going on vacation to say a Las Vegas Casino Hotel, call up that hotel and as to speak with a casino host. They will explain to you the rules and the levels of play you need to have in order to qualify for free and or discounted rooms. It really is that easy. Remember, the casino hosts are there to get you into the casinos to gamble and play so you're not putting them out. Being prepared to get the most out of your stay at the casino hotel is the best way to understand how to get the most from your casino comps.

We'll be coming back in a few more days to discuss more perks that come along with casino comps. Don't miss out.

How to Get the Most from Casino Comps...Part One Casino Comp Basics

Today I will begin a series of postings about how to get the most from casino comps. For those of you out there that read my blog that some how don't know what I'm talking about, casino comps are basically complimentary offers provided by casinos. Things such as free rooms, free dining, free shows and everything the mind could imagine. The casino comp strategy is very simple. It is a way to promote good will with the casino's customers and a way to keep them coming back to play. 

Getting casino comps is a process. Understanding that process from it's basic points all the way through to improving the level and sophistication of the comps you can receive and be eligible for will enhance your success at getting the best comps. The first step in getting involved in the casino comp process is to approach a casino host and ask to have your play rates. There are two ways to have your play rated depending on the type of game your playing. If you're a slot player you will use your card by directly inserting it into the machine during play. If you're playing at a table game, you will have to have the areas pit boss rate your play. 

The biggest part of this process is developing a relationship with a casino host. Point blank this is the single most important person to meet and cultivate a relationship in your pursuit of the sweetest of casino comps. 

After making contact with your casino host at your favorite casino resort, the next thing to do and this is ongoing, is to make sure that your play is being rated. Use your card whenever you play and make sure that the pit boss is aware that you're playing when you're at a table game.

The world of Casino Comps comes with many treasures and really can offer an experience. It is well worth looking into these programs if you are a regular player.

2008 Christmas Fun Events...Casino Style..

As far as I'm concerned today is the day that the 2008 Christmas and Greater Holiday season has started. For some it's the day after Halloween. That's just a little too early. To others it's Thanksgiving. Well I have a special friend who has a birthday today and I start the holiday season on this day. Some Happy Holidays !!!

To that end and because this is a casino related blog, let's talk about doing the Holiday Season Casino Style. Around the country many casino properties, if not all, take time to put together great Holiday events. I'd rather give you these updates now so you can have time to plan.

1- Out of Las Vegas the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino has it's annual Holiday Jam Slam. The event is sponsored by 107.9 and Budweiser. It's just a great series of Las Vegas holiday events that go on Friday December 12th, starting at 7pm. 

2- Let's head out to the east coast as the Trans Siberian Orchestra comes to the cold Atlantic City Boardwalk to don it's incredible style of Christmas style and rock music. This is great Atlantic City Entertainment and something worth seeing.

3- Making your way down to sunny Florida for the holiday and or Christmas season? Well if casino fun is what you're looking for the Seminole Hard Rock Casino is showing the Nightmare before Christmas in 3-D. Maybe a little bit out of the Christmas Style of things to do, but if you're a Tim Burton fan you'll know that this movie is made for kids and Christmas. 

I hope this gets you guys into the Christmas Spirit just a little and makes for some fun and memorable things to do. 

2008 Gaming Convention off to Start Amid Bad Economic Times...

The current economic downturn has effected more than Wall Street, Main Street, the Auto Makers and other big industry. The Gaming industry and the casinos in the various jurisdictions are feeling the pain. As most of you have heard I've been on a rant for a few days on many posts about the Atlantic City Casinos and the problems they have been experiencing for almost a year now. The issue is, that these problems are far more reaching than just the Atlantic City areae and that is just what the 2008 Gaming Conference has on it's agenda to discuss. The convention's official name the Globabl Gaming Expo, is expected to bring with it about 30,000 gaming professionals to the city of Las Vegas. Sure the economic times are tough, and even this kind of traveling is expensive to any company's books, but a sign of solidarity and bouncing some ideas off of each other is still a must.

Statistics that have been gathered show that as a whole, industry revenue across the United States in the third quarter was down by 4.6%. Many gaming officials are seeing two general reasons for this issue. The first , the economy is keeping the consumers from coming to the casinos and spending money. The second, due to the tight credit markets financial institutions are less likely to lend money with decent interest rates in order to keep casinos a float and to invest in property and marketing initiatives.

The opinion of this writer is that there is far more issues that face the gaming industry today. No doubt that the economic downturn keeps people from spending money. That's an easy one to analyze. The issues I'm seeing are that for whatever reason, the jursidictions, the states, the very people that have benefited economically from legalizing these businesses are more than half the problem. Tighter legislation, laws that actually negatively effect the industry such as anti-smoking, and other efforts on the part of the populace of many of these jurisdictions just are hindering any rebound.

It is my hope that this conference brings to the forefront these issues a little more and in greater view of the people that are being effected. In times when economic downturn was an issue, the legalization of casinos was a viable option. Why, now are many biting the hand that feeds them?

Ok, One Last Time About the Atlantic City Casino Smoking Ban..

To the pundits, the readers, the members and everyone in between, there is no doubt where my opinion lies when it comes to the effects of the smoking ban on Atlantic City casinos. For those of you not intimately involved with the day to day routine of the Atlantic City New Jersey area, today officially, a suspension of that ban was created. The expected back lash or anti-smoking groups, labor groups and any one else that fits into that category of course is completely irate at this latest step back in there cause. I even heard on a local talk radio station today one caller trying to make the case that anti-smoking laws actually had little to do with contributing to the declining performance of the Atlantic City Casinos. She cited the fact that during the same time the Las Vegas Casinos, which do not have anti-smoking legislation in place, have also reported a decline of 22% during the same time period. No doubt her point being that, overall, the failing economy is the real monster behind all decline and unfortunately, the anti-smoking laws in the Atlantic City casinos is just a spurious correlation.

Well, first and foremost, as I start all my posts about this issue, I deplore smoking, have been personally effected by tragedy caused by disease to family members, and totally understand and agree that second hand smoke is a reality that exists. Then, as I also do, I have no choice but to acknowledge that with casinos and the market of consumer it attracts, an inconvenient truth is evident. With casinos come a whole type of personality. That includes, sad to say, people of vice and overindulgence. And yes, that includes smokers..Poker players like their cigars, old slot veterans love their long cigarettes. These people like to drink and smoke and that's just that.

The correlation of Las Vegas to what is happening in Atlantic City is very low. Yes, the economy is a part of both market's woes. Problem is Atlantic City's woe's started long before the economy's issues reared it's head. Between the smoking ban and increased competition from neighboring states, the effects came quick and powerfully.

So that's it. The ban is lifted at least for the time being. Let's see if the proof truly is in the pudding. 

Poker Tournaments....Info for the Gambling Purists..

Hello and welcome back to my blog. Recently I've been obsessed with posting my opinions relating to the smoking ban legislation and how it is effecting, or to be fair contributing to the negative performance of the overall casino market in Atlantic City. Well, I'm going to take a break and step down from my stump for a bit here and get back to some basics.

One thing I have commented on in some time are the myriad of Poker Tournaments and the overall poker circuit. For anyone even remotely interested in casino action, the subject of poker has to be exciting. In my "travels" online I constantly search for good resources that offer first hand and informed information and for this subject of Poker I've found a great blog. One such blog that is authored by a professional poker player and who reports on Poker Tournaments is a great place to check out.

You'll see updated information about well known players on the circuit, schedules of up and coming tournaments around the country and get an inside feel for the world of professional poker.

So check out this great and informative blog. 

We're Back with More Casino Information..

Sorry for the absence my loyal friends, but I've had to deal with some personal issues over the last week. I come back to the fold with a theme that I've spoken about many times before...The ban of smoking in the casinos of atlantic city and the subsequent temporary repeal of this ban for the next year.

Just in case you've been in a bubble, happened to do missionary work in a part of the world that doesn't get the internet or if this is just the first time you've read one of my blog posts, I'll make it easy. I'm very much against any kind of ban on smoking in the casinos of Atlantic City. Just to re-cap Atlantic City casinos have seen some of the worst declining performances on a month to month basis in almost 30 years. Sure there are lot's of reasons for this, including the infringing competition of local states such as Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York and now I'm hearing Maryland, but in the face of all that taking away a natural and complimentary thing from the core market has always seemed absurd to me.

Yes, let me get this out of the way too. I realize that there are significant reports about the trends of second hand smoking and how bad the employees have it at the casinos. Yes, I can understand because I have had several people close to me, including family that have unfortunately been stricken down, no doubt from second hand smoke. Finally, yes, I want there to be a place where people can work and not have to deal with this kind of thing.

All this pales in the face of a terrifying thought. The thought of a quiet and cold whispering wind blowing down the Boardwalk in a winter not so far off. A quiet that is pierced here and there by the sound of small pockets of facilities that survived to have slots here and there. A place where street after street has boarded up businesses including casinos. For many they feel it's not a reality. To me its' very real.

I often bring up the example of Flint Michigan. If any of you have the stomach go rent a movie called Roger and Me. It's a startling look at how a city and region can fold in the face of a decline of the most contributing industry. This reality is very close to what could happen in Atlantic City.

Thank God Someone Heard ME..Casino Smoking Ban in Atlantic City Temp Lifted

I would never take more credit than I deserve. It's also very unlikely that many haven't even read my posts. That all being said the result is still the same and I'm mostly pleased.

In many recent posts I've gone against the grain of the predicted theme of this blog, that being Casino Resort Fun, and I've strongly editorialized on the harm the smoking ban at casinos in Atlantic City have caused. Well city council has decided to put a suspension on this ban at least for a year.

Casino analysts, as well as casino executives have seen a sharp decline in the performance of their properties that correlate almost 100% with the inception of the smoking ban. Opponents of the ban say that they've actually seen more customers come into the casinos b/c of the smoking ban. That is, saying that they have seen more come in because there isn't smoking allowed. Well I'm a bigger proponent of the proof is in the pudding. So for all those who say they "see' more people, it's flat out bullshit !!. Yes I said that here on this blog. Come on. Numbers by the NJ Transportation department even show less people coming to the city. What are these people saying.

I realize it's a sad thing to have to deal with certain inevitabilities but as I've state more and more, casinos have become a necessary evil. Yes, I did say "evil". Not in the sense of the devil or satan, but along with smoking, drinking and womanizing, gambling has a lot of sad consequences. All that being said, anyone in the state of New Jersey who says the casinos haven't helped out must have been living in a parallel universe.

My hope is that this suspension of the ban shows everyone that tightening the noose around the golden goose does no one any good at all.

Twin Rivers...Garbage Dressed Up..

Sometimes a casino will come along that just is plain smoke and mirrors. Well the Twin Rivers Casino and Dog Race Track of Rhode Island is just that...A Poor Quality Casino Resort and this is flat out the truth. I had the misfortune of traveling up to the "resort" and I use that term loosely in this case, about a year ago. Let's just say this is a place that has tried, and failed, at trying to create a dog race track into a world class casino. First, the property is crap. It literally has an area for Recreational Vehicles to park and stay on the grounds?? Second, the food, even at it's best restaurants, is so average for the price I'd rather throw my money out the window on my way down the dark and desolate road that took me there. Third and finally, the games for all the new carpets, lighting, etc, are just not that good. 

Twin Rivers Casino in Rhode Island isn't worth the breath of the sentence it took me to say it's name. Don't waste your time. Head to the Connecticut Casinos or others in the North East. 

Delaware Park...Not Disney World but Maybe Dolly World for Adults..

There's been too much discussion in my last few posts about the ailing economy, about legislation that is actually hurting casino jursidictions and just overall negative connotations. Kind of a far cry from the impetus and the title of this blog, Casino Resort Fun. Well I've taken my happy pills for the day and have decided to try and have some fun with these posts. Ok, well doing so I've come across a place that I really think is a neat littel gem. The title of this post is "Delaware Park..Not Disney World...Maybe Dolly World"...I thought it was clever line because it really does get to the heart of what Delware Park is. All in all it's a very cool piece of property that has some "neat" things, but it's not world class. First and foremost Delware Park can be found as the name for two properties in the United States. What's worse is actually the business name Delaware Park Casino is used by both places too. The official place I'm talking about is located in Wilimington Delaware off I-95. The other place that uses the same exact name is located in upstate New York and doesn't even have a casino? Yes confusing to me also.

Regardless, now to why Delaware Park Race Slots and Golf, is so cool. Well just look at that name. This place has a casino, horse track and Golf Course. Not to mention a full selection of food options. Again, I need to make it clear that it's not world class, but it's sure fun. Here's the skinny. In the casino there is a full three floors of various slot games. What's more is that Delware Park, because they could not get legalized table games are using what are called virtual dealer video poker and baakarat machines. That is, you sit at a station or table that is managed by a virtual dealer, or for the technically deficient, not a human. They look like real people...almost, but it's Delware Parks way of getting past not have legalized table gaming. Not to mention it cuts down on the dramatic costs of having to pay a dealers salary. We won't get into the bevvy of arguments that go against this type of machine, just know that they exist, they're pretty cool and I like them. Then we move to the restaurants. This too kind of is 'ok'. There are two upscale restaurants but they're not like five star restaurants. The food is good, the service is good, the decor is good. The value is where it matters and you 'll find it there. The two best options you'll find are the Del Cap room off of the casino complex and part of the horse track facility. The second is found in the club house of the Golf Course area called the Rail Restaurant. If I had to make my choice the Rail is a pretty good pick. Again, relative to what you're dealing with. That brings us to the Golf Course. Now, this is something to be discussed. I'm not much of a golfer, but I had an opportunity to play there once and have on occaision played at some other courses so I can tell a good course from a bad one. This is a good course. between the fairway and the greens I haven't seen the quality grass that this course has on any other course I've played. Soft and the fairways and greens play fast.

Why do I call it the Dolly Wood and not Disney World of Adult fun. Well it's simple. When I went to Delaware Park for the first time and noticed it had a casino, racetrack and golf course I thought about a bunch of friends that could very well be lost in a place like that for a few days. The thing is it doesn't have a few things that could really make it a Sodom and Gamorah. First it doesn't have a hotel. Second, the nightlife is really non-existent. It has a few shows here and there for entertainment, but I have to admit, I'd be thinking of an onsite gentleman's club. Last everything is just a little grade B. The casino is not lively, the clientele is kind of old, the restaurants are like upscale college restaurants, etc. etc.

All and all I'd give it a B+ and say you really should get out to the property to enjoy a day.

A Time When Gaming is Declining All Over..

As I trod each day to read my various blogs of which I'm a member, in addition to the other pieces of media that I read to keep up to date on various specials, promotions, packages, shows, etc, for casinos across the world I'm amazed. My amazement comes from one thing. All of these publications are concentrating on one thing...The effect the failing economy is having on gaming. Whether I'm looking at a trade magazine, a blog or a local newspaper from one of the jurisdictions that fancy my interest the news is seemingly gloom and doom. A trend that is concerning, but worth discussing.

One of my recent posts talked about the issues in Atlantic City New Jersey. Atlantic City has seen numbers of gaming win fall to it's lowest since casino gambling was first legalized back in the 1970's. As I wrote in that post amazingly the infastructure of Atlantic City the very employees and politicians that count on the industry to support them almost seem to be biting their nose to spite their own face. Partly this is to blame for a push to a smoking ban, as I wrote, but dare I even say, a push to an Atlantic City that has no real definition. Why do I say dare I say? Mainly b/c Atlantic City, a city that is pushing a major and legalized vice is also fighting tooth and nail through police policy as well as newspaper and public relations to show that they are fighting against such things as, "the oldest profession in the world. I know, I know, how dare I. Issue is, let's get it straight, gambling is a vice. For God's sake they have a disclosure on the bottom of most ads for casinos saying, in small print mind you, "Gambling Problem Call 1800-XXX-XXXX. What's the confusion? I mean seriously.

The issues don't stop there. In reading more articles I can across a story that says that the gold standard, for lack of a better phrase, in the casino and gaming industry, Nevada, is reporting Gaming win down to results comprable to 2006 !!!

The story is the same in almost every jurisdiction one way or the other. The main issue is people don't have money. They are spending less. My biggest frustration is when I see things like in Atlantic City where the people that bare to get the most benefit from the industry are clipping their own wings.

One shining silver lining about all of this is with capitalism usually comes innovation. Further, innovation usually benefits the consumer. Look for more interesting packages, discounts and other cool things being offered by casinos across the country. My hope is that very soon I'll be able to be reporting about these soon and stop talking about the drag the gaming industry seems to be caught.

Till then, happy hunting.

Update on the Atlantic City Casino Smoking Ban..

It seems where ever you turn something is amiss. Whether it be the housing market, the stock market, the oil market, consumer confidence, etc, etc, etc, things aren't good. This leads me to a follow up on a discussion I started a few days ago in another post. Currently Atlantic City is preparing to pass legislation that will entirely ban smoking in all casinos. The case has been fought hard by public interest groups, health groups and employee advocacy groups. In the post I made sure to mention how much I truly sympathize with the destructive nature of smoking and the undeniable link between it and lung cancer and other fatal diseases. The casino employees further assert that having to work in an environment where patrons smoke makes them helpless to avoid the second hand effects. Further, legislative proponents make the argument that b/c New Jersey has a smoking ban in effect for all public buildings since April of 2005 that casinos shouldn't be exempt.

Here's the reality once and for all. When Atlantic City made the infamous decision to legalize casino gambling whether it was acknowledged or not, that a certain acceptance of what kind of market this would create, who was targeted and the ancillary side effects that come with casino gambling is not correlated with God fearing people at a quiet sleepy seaside town. It means attracting and serving people that thrive on excitement, risk, late nights, extravagance and quite frankly vice. Recently states such as Delaware and Pennsylvania have legalized casino gaming. Between this new competition and hampering legislation such as the smoking ban, the effects have been almost predictable. In the past year, every month has shown casino industry performance in Atlantic City down from the year before. As the employees chant for this smoking ban, they may not realize it, but they are also possibly chanting the loss of their livelihood.

I never thought that the casinos in Atlantic City could ever face negative effects. Obviously I was wrong. Everyone should take a step back and really think and analyze this situation. This is  a critical time for Atlantic City. The steps taken in the next few months will set a tone, good or bad, for a long time to come. 

Sometimes Casinos aren't fun..

The economic downturn is definitely global. At a time when casino resorts and jurisdictions legalizing casino gaming has been on the upturn, the past few months have shown a sharp and negative drop. One such specific casualty has been the Circus Circus Casino organization. 

The corporate offices of Circus Circus in Reno nevada have recently made public that due to the downturn and low demand for gaming in general, up to 40 employees of the organization face job loss. What's worse is that no guarantee's of severance packages have been officially finalized or offered. 

But not all the news is dire and in fact some news has been reported that many still intend to visit casino resorts or visit destinations for vacations because of the downturn. They look at it as a responsibility. Yet the reality isn't necessarily because of responsibility as much as value. Places like Vegas and other regional destinations, in the face of this economic downturn are offering some great values. For example, some hotels are offering deals of multiple packages for like $69 to $100 a night. These are also coming with a host of premiums that include things like show tickets, restaurant vouchers and discounts to local events and attractions. 

One great place to visit to find great deals and associated premiums is Vegas.com. And let's get this straight so there are no punches pulled. I have ZERO association with this site. Vegas.com doesn't need me to endorse them, because if you look at all they offer in terms of complete information you'll see they are the real deal. 

The point is that life must and needs to go on and taking time to tighten the belt shouldn't mean giving up fun. Local casino resorts across the country are close to many and really worth a visit. A great meal, a chance of luck and maybe a show. Maybe even stay over a few nights. We've all grown to enjoy life and that shouldn't end. Perhaps for many of us our bank accounts are not as flush as we'd like, but there are options that can bring us that occasional smile.

We're Back People..

After a short recess brought on by powers beyond our control, The Casino Resort Fun team is back and better than ever...Here on Blogger. We won't get into the organizations or others that caused us issues, b/c in our opinion moving on is the best strategy. That's no matter if you're dealing with casino games of chance or dealing with life.

Well, all that being said, we'll begin this post with a quick note about the progressing story of the Atlantic City casinos. For those of you who aren't familiar with the situation, Atlantic City is facing a pressing vote that will make all areas of casino properties smoke free. Currently there is a delay by law makers on this very law. As of right now there is a partial ban on smoking in casinos. The following story gives greater details. Click here. The biggest issue behind this story is the effect that this legislation will have. On one side proponents of the bill are fighting for healthier work places for employees. On the other side, property developers and owners have spelled out what they feel is an inevitable negative side effect....Increasing decline in the regions casino industry. Problem is the latter is becoming a clearer reality.

The past few years between legislation such as smoking bans and increased competition from neighboring markets such as Pennsylvania and Delaware the effects have been felt in the Atlantic City casino market. Outspoken and well known casino developer and business mogul Don Trump Jr, has been saying for some time that such legislation, especially in the face of continued competition from neighboring markets would be catastrophic. Being a propopent of clean work place standards and also being personally effected by the effects of having had a family member die from lung cancer I find it difficult to have to admit the great Don is probably correct.

Atlantic City seems to be in perpetual and diametrically opposed positions against itself. From the beginning when casino legislation was first introduced city leaders, local citizen groups and developers have sparred over the optimal way to run the city. The result, in this writers humble opinion, lost opportunity to carve out a niche and create a strong unmatchable business environment. One that openly embraces the reality of a city that operates casinos, similiar to what Las Vegas has done. Since the 1970's a slow grind toward balancing community with industry have lead to the current siuation. What's worse is the region in general has really benefited from the casino industry. Actually the entire state. Millions of jobs, the creation of supplementary and complimentary industries that support the casinos, housing, etc, have come about as a result of the casino industry. What ominous possibilities come with declining competitive advantage in a state that has recently been rated as one of the most unfriendly pro-business states in the country. Only time will tell. My thought is if a laymen like myself can see the writing on the wall, wouldn't one hope that those in charge and "in the know" see it as clearly as me?

Well, we're glad we're back and be sure to keep an eye on our regular posts.