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.