Atlantic City Casinos Blog

   I just had a wonderful weekend in Atlantic City. Got my first swim in the ocean, gambled some and won, and ate like royalty. All for ….

   I met a couple of buddies for dinner at the Red Pearl restaurant in Bally’s, a nice Asian gourmet room. We all ordered off the $27.50 fixed-price menu, and shared another dish or two. Delicious. The cost? Well, nothing, except for the tip to our friendly waiter. I used my $50-off gourmet dining from the Harrah’s diamond book, one of my pals used his, and it took care of the $100 tab.

   Then we went downstairs to the Blue Martini for after-dinner drinks. We used two coupons for two free drinks, but we went a little over the limit. I gallantly agreed to take the extra $14 out of my comp account. We sat for about an hour and enjoyed a live band and a couple of hotties dancing next to them. An older couple really cut up the dance floor, providing some quality entertainment. The cost? Again, nothing, except a tip to our hard-working cocktail waitress.

   Sunday afternoon, my sister and her husband and kids came down from northern New Jersey. We met at the Harrah’s buffet. I used my two free buffets coupon from that wonderful diamond book (Gotta use them up before they expire on Tuesday.), and paid for the other three out of my comp account. We sat for three hours, engaging in wonderful conversation while stuffing our faces on crab legs, shrimp, sushi and other delectables. The bill? You guessed it. Only the tip to our servers.  From there I went to the Borgata to pick up $50 in free slot play, played for an hour or so and went home.

   Back in my abode, it was time to turn on the computer and add the last week’s gambling results to my spreadsheet. OK, I admit I’m a bit anal about that. When I looked at the bottom line, I’m down about $1,000 for the first half of 2009. Not bad. I’m a pretty good video-poker player, but don’t play perfectly and I like to feed the reel-spinners too.

   But what I got for that $1,000 is amazing. More gourmet dinners than I can count: Max’s Steakhouse at Trump Plaza, Patsy’s at the Hilton, Asian Spice at Resorts, Casa di Napoli at Showboat, Bacchanal at Caesars. Sometimes I used comps, other times my friends treated me with theirs. But in almost all the cases, we never went into our wallets except to tip our servers. And that’s not counting countless buffets at nearly every joint in town. And we won’t talk about the gifts of name-brand jackets, clock radios, kitchen equipment, a TV and other goodies the gaming halls have given me over the years.

   I could never afford all this stuff if I paid out of pocket. But the casinos allow me to live well above my means - without going into credit-card debt.

   Yes, life is good in Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – June 29, 2009 –Trump Taj Mahal is adding even more excitement to an already pulse-pounding show. The casino announced that it is holding a contest to find one lucky talented individual who has what it takes to perform with the world-renowned cast of Cirque Dreams Pandemonia. The contest, which will be held on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the newly renamed Cirque Dreams Theatre (formerly Xanadu), is open to every dreamer of any age.

“The only requirement is talent,” said Neil Goldberg, the founder and artistic director of the Cirque Dreams brand of shows produced by Cirque Productions. “If you’re outgoing, ever dreamed of being in a Broadway caliber show and have a unique skill, we’d love to see your talent. We’re looking for that star quality…that special something that makes you different from others.”

The winner of “Run Away with Cirque Dreams” will perform in a once in a lifetime feature role in Cirque Dreams Pandemonia designed exclusively for them after being trained, costumed and rehearsed with the world class company of  artists sometime during this summer at Trump Taj Mahal.   This new breathtaking extravaganza is currently enjoying a wildly successful engagement in the recently transformed Cirque Dreams Theatre at the Taj Mahal. The winner will also receive 6 complimentary tickets for their debut performance.

Not interested in taking center stage? Not to worry. The public is also invited to experience this behind the scenes audition process.  Simply come in, watch the magic unfold and enjoy a day of family fun with lots of excitement and surprises.  There’s sure to be mind-blowing talent, fun and laughter for everyone.

Goldberg himself along with members of the cast and creative team will be picking the lucky star from the hundreds of hopefuls expected to attend from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. Widely recognized as an entertainment luminary, Goldberg is known around the globe for spotting talent and harnessing it to realize his creative vision while mesmerizing audiences the world over. Cirque Dreams Pandemonia is the latest in his successful lineup. The show has been at Trump Taj Mahal since June 24 and will continue through September 6, is packed with fantasy, fun and imagination.

Described as a “riotous world of extraordinary chaos,” Cirque Dreams Pandemonia is a show in which acrobats, athletes, musicians, and just plain zany eccentrics bring to life fun house antics on a breathtaking stage of innovation and one-of-a-kind thrills for audiences of all ages. It’s world-class athleticism mixed with limitless imagination.

Show times are 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays; 9 p.m. on Fridays; 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are priced at $35 and $25.

The contest on July 18 is free and open to the public. So those who have a talent they want to show off—or know someone who has a flair for the unexpected—are invited to join us at the Taj Mahal in the Cirque Dreams Theatre between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.  Be prepared to perform no more than two minutes.  Singers, dancers, actors, musicians, street performers and more are welcome and should bring their own music, props, talent and imagination.

Who knows…you could be the next star of Cirque Dreams Pandemonia!

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – June 28, 2009 – Resorts Casino Hotel announced that it’s honoring Michael Jackson’s legacy at its Boogie Nights dance club, Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4. Michael Jackson’s music, which has been a mainstay on the musical landscape of Boogie Nights since its inception, will be celebrated all weekend.

Those who party at Boogie Nights will be treated to a Michael Jackson tribute, featuring his chart-topping hits and countless singles that hold a place in everyone’s heart. Party-goers will enjoy tracks from his impressive catalogue of songs, such as “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Thriller,” “Man in the Mirror” and so many more.

The ultimate performer, Michael Jackson began his career with his siblings in the Jackson 5. His talent propelled him into icon status and he went on to become a pop legend as a solo artist. Jackson’s hits span decades, and he netted 13 Grammy Awards and sold hundreds of millions of records. Who didn’t want to learn how to “Moonwalk?” His “Thriller” and “Beat It” jackets became fashion must-haves. Sporting a single glove and a voice that melded soul, R&B and pop, Michael Jackson leaves an irreplaceable void in the entertainment industry. Millions are mourning his loss.

ABOUT BOOGIE NIGHTS

Boogie Nights, one of Atlantic City’s hottest nightspots, is open every Friday and Saturday night beginning at 9pm.

Boogie Nights is a nonstop dance party dedicated to bringing back the music, style and pop culture of the 70s and 80s. Guests are treated to their favorite disco, pop and dance hits, from ABBA to ZZ Top, spun by a live DJ. A video wall displaying music videos and visual imagery from each era sets the mood and invites customers to hit the dance floor underneath the shimmering disco ball.

Complementing the trip back in time is the specialty drink menu, which features cocktails with inspired names. From the “Miami Vice” to the “Donny Almond” to the “Jack Tripper,” the drink names make fun references to icons of the 70s and 80s. The authenticity of the surroundings, coupled with the visual imagery and live music, makes Boogie Nights a true retro dance party. Boogie Nights is located on the Dining Level between The Ballroom and Capriccio.

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ –  Trattoria Il Mulino, the casual sister restaurant to renowned Il Mulino New York, offers diners an affordable way to experience their acclaimed Italian cuisine: a $15.95 Prix Fixe Lunch Deal.  Available Wednesday through Sunday from 12 noon till 3 p.m., the lunch deal includes a choice of appetizer, entree and a dessert.

“We’re proud to offer more great experiences for our guests during the afternoon at Trattoria Il Mulino,” says David Pinchuk of Il Mulino New York.  “Now, diners looking for a quick, tasty lunch have got a budget-friendly new way to join us and enjoy our hospitality, world-class food and delicious cocktails and wines.”

Antipasti options include:  Citron Salad;  Insalata Caesar;  and Stracciatella Soup.  Entree choices include:  Rigatoni Bolognese;  Veal Marsala;  and Red Snapper Luciana.  Dessert items include a choice of Tiramisu or Cheesecake.  The special prix fixe lunch menu is available in addition to Trattoria Il Mulino’s acclaimed a la carte lunch menu of pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, antipasti and entrees.

Trattoria Il Mulino at the Trump Taj Mahal is open for lunch Wednesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m.  For more information, or to make a reservation, please call (609) 449-6004 or visit www.ilmulino.com.

   If you’ve driven into Atlantic City in the last month or so, you can’t miss them. The billboards are up on all routes into town. “When dealers are treated unfairly, everybody loses.” “When we all work together, everybody wins.”

   The public-relations battle between the United Auto Workers and several Atlantic City casinos, notably Bally’s and Caesars, is escalating. A couple of year ago, dealers at several casinos voted for union representation by the UAW. They say the casinos have refused to negotiate a contract, and started a public-relations campaign by putting up billboards and taking out full-page ads in the local paper. The casinos responded with ads of their own.

   It’s gotten a little nastier in the last week or so. The casinos put up billboards saying “Don’t let the UAW turn Atlantic City into another Detroit.” Enough said. The union fought back by taking out a full-page ad detailing the salary (well into eight figures) and benefits the Harrah’s Entertainment CEO walked off with last year.

   None of it is pretty, and none of it is good publicity for a resort struggling in hard economic times.

   So far, this war of words is not affecting the players or casino operations. Most visitors probably look at the roadside placards and newspaper ads and wonder what this is all about. It might be a different story if dealers go on strike or the UAW puts up “informational pickets” at casino entrances.

    Meanwhile, I’m sure the local paper and the bilboard companies appreciate the extra revenue.

Make it a Windependence Day!
Saturday, July 4 is your chance to win your share of thousands in Bonus Slot Dollars. Trump Plaza is giving away $500 Bonus Slot Dollars every 15 minutes, from noon – 8 p.m. Activate your free entry on the giveaway day by playing your favorite slots or by visiting Trump One Services. Then we’ll call out a lucky winner every 15 minutes. So play your favorite slots, and listen closely for your name!

We Want To Make You A Millionaire
Beginning June 15, 2009 through Monday. September 7, 2009, all new customers opening a Trump One account at Taj Plaza or Trump Taj Mahal will be eligible to participate in Trump’s Millionaire Maker Machine.

New Trump One Card members, play slots or table games and earn a minimum of 20 tier points, to be eligible. Then visit any Reward Center Kiosk to print your slip.  You can take a spin on the Millionaire Maker Mega Slot Machine.  Everyone is guaranteed to win, and a chance to win $1,000,000.

2X Slot Dollars
Make it a double date. Trump Plaza is doubling your Slot Dollars on two dates: Monday, July 6 and again on Wednesday, July 15. Simply play your favorite slots or table games starting at 6 a.m. on each date to 5:59 a.m. the next day. The more you play, the more you earn. Visit any Rewards Center Kiosk or Trump One Services any time to find out how much you’ve earned. Your Slot Dollars will be loaded directly into your account 48 hours after each date. So insert your card and have fun! Just remember to play them within 90 days.

Win $1,000 Bonus Slot Dollars Every 15 Minutes…On Two Different Days!
July 6 and 15 are also packed with chances to win Bonus Slot Dollars. Play any slot or table game at Trump Plaza using your Trump One Card between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. each date. Then listen up! We’ll call a $1,000 Bonus Slot Dollar-winner every 15 minutes. You just might be one of them. Bonus Slot Dollars are the fastest, most convenient way to play. Redeem them right at your favorite machine and play.

See It To Believe It
But even after seeing it, you still might not believe your eyes! Trump Plaza is proud to host Carnival of Wonders in the Theatre, now through September 6. This award-winning show is the ultimate combination of magic, comedy, fun and elegance. It’s the intrigue of a traveling carnival, blurring fantasy and reality. See it right here at Trump Plaza. Featuring star magicians Mark Kalin, Jinger Leigh Jeff Hobson, it’s a must see it to believe it show! Show times are 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and Saturdays; 9 p.m. on Fridays; and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are priced at $25.

One of the Best…In the World!
It’s official: The Beach Bar at Trump Plaza is party central. Voted one of the 21 Sexiest Beach Bars in the World by The Travel Channel, our hotspot is the ultimate place to kick back all summer long with great food, cool cocktails, live music and wild nights. It’s paradise—right here on the beach!

Slots and Table Lovers: We’ve Got a $1,000 Tournament Every Week!
Trump Plaza is hosting $1,000 Wheel of Fortune Slot Tournaments on Thursdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Casino Event Area and Blackjack Tournaments on Wednesdays July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Jezebel’s. There’s no entry fee and no buy-in. Plus, if you’re one of the 21 weekly winners from April 1 through August 19, you’ll qualify for the Tournament of Champions on August 26, where you could win a share of $5,000! Whichever tournament interests you, the way to enter is the same: simply play for at least 30 minutes using your Trump One Card to get in on the tournament action.

Win a Lincoln MKZ: Luxury at Light Speed
Earn entries July 1–25 and you could be cruising in a 2009 Lincoln MKZ, the car that combines unprecedented luxury with impressive power and performance. Voice-activated communications and entertainment system, heated/cooled power front seats and AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control are just some of the features that come standard on this hot car. The big drawing is on Saturday, July 25 at 9 p.m. We’ll give away the Lincoln, plus $5,000 Bonus Slot Dollars in additional prizes. So rack up your entries by playing your favorite slots and table games. And be sure to play on July 1, 7, 14 and 22 to earn 3X entries!

Your Email Could Mean $10 Bonus Slot Dollars or $20 in Matchplay
If you became a Trump One Cardholder prior to March 1, 2009 and have yet to give us your email address, then now is the time! This July we’re making it worth your while by giving you $10 in Bonus Slot Dollars or $20 in Matchplay when you give us your valid email address. And that’s just one of the great reasons to connect with us electronically. You’ll start receiving you exclusive email-only offers and promotions. Plus, email helps us conserve paper, so together we can help the planet. Just stop by Trump One Services to get started—then keep an eye out for an email with your reward!

Summertime is Shopping Time
Those who love to shop will love how easy we’ve made it! Trump Exchange is the shopper’s dream. We’re constantly adding the latest top-quality merchandise. Check out what’s new—and what catches your fancy—then use the Comp Dollars you earn to buy it. Trump Exchange offers the best in electronics, house wares, designer clothing and luggage, and so much more. Your Comp Dollars make shopping easy at Trump Exchange. And we make it even easier with our Trump One Rewards Catalog. Pick up a Catalog at Trump One Services or Trump Exchange and peruse everything that’s in the store. Plus, you’ll find unique offerings, like unforgettable travel experiences. Trump Exchange and the Trump One Rewards Catalog – two winning ways to shop.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – June 22, 2009 – “You’ll continue to see what you’ve been hearing,” as Resorts Casino announces the line up at the Boogie Nights Rock and Pop Art Gallery for July 2009. The first feature – “The Classic Rock Art Show” – will be presented Fourth of July Weekend, July 3 through July 5. Following the Classic Rock Art Show, the Gallery will display work by Michael Godard, which will be showcased along side the work of rock photographer Mark Weiss, Saturday Nights, July 11, 18 and 25.  The month will be capped off with an exhibit displaying art featuring Grateful Dead front man Jerry Garcia.

The Boogie Nights Rock and Pop Art Gallery is located on the dinning level, next to Boogie Nights. Admission is free, with all work available for purchase.

“We opened the Boogie Nights Rock and Pop Art Gallery to give visitors of Atlantic City a value attraction, as well as to add another level of excitement to the property – both goals were certainly accomplished” said Kathleen McSweeney, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Resorts Casino. “With a diverse offering from classic rock to futuristic art, there’s something for everyone at the Gallery in July.”

The Classic Rock Art Show is a rare collection of original art, lithographs, photographs, handwritten song lyrics, concert posters, gold records, album art, animation drawings and more from the greatest rock artists of all time. The Classic Rock Art Show – presented by Classic Rock 103.7FM The Shark - will be on display Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 from2 p.m. to 12 Midnight and Sunday, July 5 from 12 noon to 6 pm.

Ron Campbell, director of legendary Saturday morning Beatles Cartoon series that aired on ABC from September 25, 1965 through April 20, 1969 and animator on the Beatles film Yellow Submarine will make a rare personal appearance at the “Classic Rock Art Show” at the Boogie Nights Rock & Pop Art Gallery. Ron will have many of his original Beatles paintings on sale created specially for this show as well as give attendees a live demonstration of his painting.The Classic Rock Art Show will also feature a special appearance by nationally known Rock concert poster designer Scotty C.  Scotty C will personalize his unique posters for Rock Art Show guests.  His designs include posters featuring Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Black Sabbath, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Kiss, Pearl Jam, Doors, Stevie Ray Vaughan and more. More information on The Classic Rock Art Show is available at www.rockartshow.com.

Following the Classic Rock Art Show, the Boogie Nights Rock and Pop Art Gallery will showcase the works of Michael Godard along with rock photographer Mark Weiss. The Godard/Weiss exhibit will be displayed in the Gallery from 6pm to midnight, on Saturday July 11, 18 and 25.

Known as the “Rock Star of the Art World,” Michael Godard’s eye-catching art work includes Martini’s with animated olives, dancing strawberries, flaming dice, drunken grapes and playing cards. The colors are intense and the pictures are life-like, painted on black canvas, onlookers will find themselves mesmerized. For more information on Michael Godard, visit www.michaelgodard.com

From creating album covers to shooting portraits and touring the world with bands that topped the charts, Mark Weiss is one of the entertainment business’ go-to guys for capturing that distinct look. Weiss’ work includes intimate photos of rock superstars like Jon Bon Jovi, Ozzy, Gene Simmons, and the Rolling Stones, as well as pop culture icons like Jack Nicholson, Johnny Depp, and Drew Barrymore. For more information on Mark Weiss, visit at www.weissguygallery.com .

To cap the month, the Boogie Nights Rock and Pop Art Gallery will showcase a Jerry Garcia exhibit that will be sure to please any Grateful Dead fan. The Garcia items will be displayed in the Gallery Friday, July 31 from 9 pm to 12 midnight, and Saturday, August 1 from 6 pm to 12 midnight.

The Boogie Nights Rock and Pop Art Gallery was inspired by Boogie Nights, one of Atlantic City’s hottest nightspots. Boogie Nights is a nonstop dance party every Friday and Saturday night dedicated to bringing back the music, style and pop culture of the 70s and 80s.

Complementing the trip back in time is the specialty drink menu, which features cocktails with inspired names. Guests can expect to see Roller Girl zipping around on roller skates, a Michael Jackson look a like mingling with the crowd and the newest Boogie Nights Character “the Streaker”. The authenticity of the surroundings, coupled with the visual imagery and live music, makes Boogie Nights a true retro dance party. Boogie Nights is located on the Dining Level between The Ballroom and Capriccio.

If you’re a video-poker player or looking to learn the game, here’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

Gambling writer Bob Dancer is having a meet-and-greet Saturday, July 11 in the Ego Lounge at the Trump Taj Mahal. It will take place from 2 to 4 p.m., and admission is free.

As a bonus, the first 100 people to sign up will get a free and autographed copy of Dancer’s book, “Video Poker for the Intelligent Beginner.”

Here’s your chance to get the book, meet Dancer and ask him your questions about video poker.

For those not in the know, Dancer is one of the most prominent writers and teachers of how to play skilled video poker and get the most bang for your gambling buck. If you have any interest in the game, you don’t want to miss this one.

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – June 18, 2009 - Resorts Casino Hotel is adding a new game to its already action-packed casino. Get ready for Flop Poker, the latest in an exciting line of live Poker offerings at Resorts, set to launch Friday, June 26.

Easy to learn and fun to play, Flop Poker is a five-card game that pits players against a pay table. Players get paid for having a pair of jacks or better. Adding to the excitement is a bonus feature allowing for a second way to win: the highest-ranking poker hand on the table wins the entire table’s pot.

The game, which uses six cards and is played with a standard 52-card deck, provides nonstop action that card-lovers of all kinds will love. Plus, it’s fun for Poker enthusiasts and those new to the game. Like any Poker game, Flop Poker begins with an ante wager. Then players make a pot wager (the table minimum), after which they receive three cards. At this point the player can look at his or her card and decide whether or not to continue. Those who continue, place a flop wager (equal to the ante), those who don’t wish to continue must surrender their ante. However they will be able to keep their cards and play for the pot.

After all flop wagers are placed—and any forfeited ante wagers are collected—the dealer will expose the three community flop cards. Now players make their best five-card poker hand using their three cards and any two of the community FLOP cards. Players must have a pair of jacks or better to win the ante and flop wagers. The pot will be awarded to the highest-ranking poker hand on the table. Ante always pays 1 to 1.

Flop pays as follows:

Hand Payout Odds

Royal flush                    1000 to 1

Straight flush                 500 to 1

Four-of-a-kind               100 to 1

Full house                     30 to 1

Flush                            20 to 1

Straight                         10 to 1

Three-of-a-kind             4 to 1

Two pair                       2 to 1

Pair, jacks or better       1 to 1