More Casinos Planned for Pennsylvania - This Time Near Pittsburgh

At a time when it would seem that most are stepping back for a second to evaluate the current economic landscape, many others, in many different states and jurisdictions across the country are still strongly pushing and considering the development of casino gaming. One such area is near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, specifically Washington County.

Opponents of the plan to build and develop gaming and casino businesses in and around the Washington County area point directly to the fact that now is not the time to, for lack of a better term, "gamble", on such high investment projects. Vocal opponents site the fact that blue chip markets such as Atlantic City and Las Vegas are performing very bad and have been doing so for some time. 

Proponents and local business leaders in the Washington County area and Pittsburgh Metro region refute these arguments saying that the casinos will usher in hundreds if not thousands of new jobs. Not to mention many highly anticipated off shoot businesses such as outlet stores, restaurants and other entertainment attractions. "It is far more likely that this move will significantly benefit the region with a ripple effect. Capital intensive projects such as these bring jobs to construction, followed by jobs created by the casino itself. We anticipate that the economic slow down will turn around relatively soon and we want to be ahead of the curve when that happens", commented a high ranking business person in the area. 

Another opponent of the plan cited the growth in legalization for casino gaming across the United States. Such growth dramatically impacts neighboring markets. What was once a unique and highly differentiated business strategy has grown to be almost a commodity to the consumer. 

Pinnacle Entertainment Out of the Atlantic City Casino Game?

Yes it's true and it seems like the hits just keep on coming for the Atlantic City Casinos and the market it serves. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention it, Pinnacle Entertainment, one of the most aggressive and best brand names in the Gaming, Resort and Casino market. 

The Pinnacle Entertainment Group had plans of developing a mega casino complex near the boardwalk on the plot of land that is now the "burial site" for the Sands Atlantic City. The project was billed at an estimated $2 Billion and now it is nothing more than an idea that will never be. 

The reality is that Pinnacle still owns the land, but word from the Company Chairman Dan Lee has said, unofficially that is, that the company plans on selling the land for fair market value in this time of not so good fair market values.  The project was to be a mega resort in the theme of a beach house to rest on the boardwalk and really press a new era in the casino market for Atlantic City. 

Several issues were pointed out to be the reason behind the Pinnacle move. First the economy in general. People just don't have money and what they do have they aren't spending it. Second, the Atlantic City economy in general. With a double whammy of increased competition from neighboring states and jurisdictions the noose is tight for what customers they can get. Last, the move for Atlantic City to develop off boardwalk gaming halls, for example the development of the Bader Field area in the city. 

So what now for Atlantic City as the bloom is definitely off the rose. Keep tuned to see the continuing saga. 

Atlantic City New Jersey Meet Flint Michigan

You live long enough and certain things actually don't make you surprised. Actually, better stated, certain things happen that you are so overwhelmingly surprised that the situation in question doesn't make you surprised. 

Well such an incident happened today. Perusing the news, articles, blogs, and other sources of information about the casino industry, I came across an article related to the Atlantic City New Jersey Casino market. Specifically, the article was about the embattled Tropicana Resort and Casino. For those of you who are regulars to my blog, here's a little background. In the last 2 to 3 years the Tropicana has seen horrible reports about customer reviews, has had it's owner lose it's license to such issues due to Casino Control Act regulations and most recently has had the threat of layoffs due to a significant and terrible economic downturn. Ok, that brings things up to date for now. Well reading the article brought about the most glaring example of obliviousness that I have ever read. In the past year the American Auto Workers were able to organize the workers of the casino into a union. That same union has now settled to plan a strike for the Tropicana Casino workers for a date yet to be set, if certain concessions are not made. Yes this is all for real.

In one of the worst economic downturns I've ever seen in my life time, with the ever increasing competition from neighboring states, and the push by the employee organizations of the casinos, these numb nuts are organizing a strike should they not get what they want in their next contract !!!??? 

Have any of you ever seen the movie from the late 1980's called "Roger and Me"? To the point, the story is by famed documentary film maker Michael Moore, with whom I'm still up in the air about my opinion on, but no doubt made a poignant point about the downfall of one town that once stood strong. That town is Flint Michigan. It once was the crown jewel of the auto industry and almost the entire city was employed or benefited from it. Not recognizing the changing tide of the economy, competition and the world in general a slow deterioration ended with complete fall from grace. 

Is Atlantic City and it's casino industry there? Sadly I think so. Workers striking over conditions in a market that is evaporating. Legislation that hinders growth of the industry and competition that continually is knocking at the door.

I hope I'm wrong. The irony is the same people probably responsible for the fall of Flint Michigan are the same people that are now overseeing the labor unions for the Tropicana. Please God don't let history repeat itself.

Atlantic City Casinos - A Gaming Market at a Cross Road

If you are one to follow the casino industry on a whole, there's no secret that the current economic climate has had a significant and direct negative impact on every gaming jurisdiction in the United States. Sure, there are a few individual gaming companies that are holding their own, but across the board things are very shaky. No where does it seem to be worse, however, than in Atlantic City New Jersey. I've written for some time my disgust with crippling legislation that has handicapped Atlantic City such as smoking bans and not moving forward with legalizing sports betting, not to mention a chronic and long standing problem with city officials unable to recognize and support the industry like it should. Well, I find no joy in the result, but there's no way any one can say I was wrong. Atlantic City and it's casino market is in a lot of trouble.

The cities oldest casino, Resorts Atlantic City is in jeopardy of going into foreclosure not being able to meet it's debt payments, the Tropicana Resort Atlantic City has been embroiled, for almost two years, with drama surrounding it's ownership, and most recently the Don himself, Donald Trump, whose name itself has been a fixture in the resort by the sea, has shed any official involvement with the direct operation and oversight of the Trump casinos that still share his name. 

What's a head for one of the largest casino and gaming markets in the country? Not sure. The reality is things don't look good. No doubt ever increasing competition from neighboring jurisdictions like Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York are eating into Atlantic City's long time dominance in the casino market, but add in the free fall of the economy, loss of jobs that result in less spendable cash by customers and drying up credit markets, and the outlook is scary. 

Atlantic City may have missed the boat and lost it's chance to secure a foothold as a destination resort. Infighting, lack of strong political leadership and lack of long term vision by the areas decision makers are to blame. Shame on them.  

ACES Train Service.

Many, many years ago a train came from New York City, down the coast line to the then sleepy down of Atlantic City New Jersey. Well recently a new era, that is taking it's cues from the olden days, finds a rail line from New York City to Atlantic City once again. 

The light rail line is called ACES, and travels from New York's Penn station to Atlantic City's Rail Terminal.  Service started yesterday, February 6th, for the inaugural train trip. 

The rail line is newly remodeled and is a multi-level rail line that is supposedly very comfortable for passengers to enjoy. There is a 300 person capacity in the 4 cars that make up the rail line, but there is so much more. The seating is comfortable leather chairs, there are several food and beverage kiosks available and there is also a private lounge. 

There are a few catches though. There is a short stop in Newark New Jersey, and pricing can be a bit much where the low end one way tickets are $25 and the high end tickets where you have access to the lounge can be as much as $300. A bit more than the simple AMTRAK rail from Atlantic City to Philadelphia and points west.  Also the rail line only runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday twice daily. 

In a time where Atlantic City, and the Casinos that make up a substantial part of the market place, are really falling on hard economic times, something novel and unique like this should fire up some excitement. The thing is will New Yorkers "buy into" this concept and get on the train is the big test. Again, the rail line only offers two trips a day out of NYC for the three days and, at most, can only hold up to 300 people. So at most you're getting an additional 1800 people a week to Atlantic City to NYC. Only time will tell. 

Penn National Gaming.

I almost find it funny that I can even write this blog with an attitude of fun. The fact is that Casinos have been a haven for people. Good or bad as that might be, whether it be a person's only form of entertainment, a good investment or the very institutions that create jobs and opportunities for a region Casinos have something. 

Well with all the great vision in Atlantic City some 30 years ago, it seems like the bloom may very well be off the rose and the armor is starting to show it's vulnerability. Penn National Gaming, one of the Giants in gaming across the globe has announced that they will no longer be pursuing the development of a stretch of Route 30 in Atlantic City for a Gaming Casino. 

This is just another sad story in what could have been a very bright path that Atlantic City should have taken during the course of 30 years. Sure the economy is very much to blame, but the powers to be and the inability to see the magnitude of which the casino industry has helped not just the region but the entire state has been abysmal. Now Pennsylvania and every other state is adopting casino legislation. The workers in Atlantic City casinos pressed for a smoking ban also making the casino's lose there competitive appeal. Add in the big fact that they won't allow Sports Books to run in casinos and it almost seems like Atlantic City wanted to fail.

Penn National Gaming's decision to not pursue this development is a frightening look and glimpse into the future of where Atlantic City is headed. Today a major casino developer pulls out. Tomorrow an existing casino goes out of business. The trend is too unbearable to think about.

Happy New Year and Best of Luck for all Your Casino Visits.

I guess in the grand scheme of things I'm a little tardy getting to the official and obligatory "Happy New Year". It is only January 2nd, but it already seems passe. Regardless, better late than  never so Happy New Year to all my friends, family, followers and contributors. 

No doubt for the casino industry, 2008 has the same stigma as it has with the rest of the world....just bad. Workers were laid off in droves, many of the best performing and traditional powerhouses of casinos and gaming had not only losses, but some of the most significant in each of their respective histories. Destinations like Atlantic City, Las Vegas and Reno suffered major set backs. Yet here we all still stand. One such obvious point is that I still have a relative loyal following of readers and posters, and a regular barrage of emails and notes. Sure casinos cut back on work force levels, but they still stand. Better or worse, one thing I'd "bet on" in the long run is that casinos will weather the storms. My hopes and best wishes go out to all the down trodden and other business industries, but in terms of probability, casinos, games of chance or whatever you want to call it as a collective, has been around long before recorded history and will continue to do so. 

So let us all look to this new year, this year of 2009 with great anticipation. That through it all we'll weather the bad storms, and 2008 was a doosey. That fun and games are still important to the basic needs of the human spirit. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.