Atlantic City Casinos Blog

   Sure, you have to buy gifts for your loved ones. But if you’re a gambler - or even if you’re not - you don’t have to wait in line in the wee hours of Black Friday to pick up cheap stuff from Target and KMart. And if you are a gambler, you can even get some of the stuff for free.

   Caesars is having a promotion in partnership with its shopping pier. For every 500 points players earn between now and December 11, not counting play on Saturdays, they get a $25 gift card for The Pier at Caesars. Swipe your Total Rewards card in the special promotional kiosk to begin. To get you started, gold-level players get 50 bonus points, platinum get 100, diamond get 200 and Seven Stars get 300 extra points. Pick up the gift cards from 3 to 9 p.m. Dec. 18 and 19.

   If last-minute shopping isn’t your bag, The Pier will have all sorts of specials on Black Friday and the next day. Total Rewards card holders can get into the pier at 8 a.m. November 27, an hour earlier than the general public. Show your player’s card, and you’ll get a coupon book for all sorts of special deals in the shops and restaurants. If you’re too weary from stuffing yourself on Thanksgiving and watching all that football, it’s OK to come later or on Saturday. Both days, show your Total Rewards card and get the discounts.

   Several stores are offering discounts on their own, so you don’t even need a Total Rewards card. But the cards are free to anyone age 21 or older who has a pulse, and no play is required. Be sure to check the information desk at the entrance to the pier. I was there last weekend, and there were several leaflets offering good discounts sitting on the counter.

   Of course, most of the stuff in the pier is pricey, so these discounts will help if you want to do some high-end shopping for someone on your list.

   I went to Resorts Saturday night to pick up a gift that was offered - a bottle of designer rum. OK, I don’t drink rum, but I know I can find someone who will enjoy it. Plus, they were sticking papers with good prizes inside randomly selected bottles, and I could use some more slot cash or a fancy electronic gizmo.

   After playing for about half an hour, I went upstairs to get on line. The line stretched almost to the connector into the Taj Mahal. It moved kind of slowly. I timed it, and it was 50 minutes from when I got on line to when I stepped up to the desk to get served. I saw there were only six people working at the table to help the players. By that time, of course, they had run out of rum, and were offering either a rain check or $25 in slot play. I took the rain check. My reasoning was, I wasn’t waiting in line for almost an hour to have $25 slip into the maw of their video-poker machines in 10 or 15 minutes.

   All right, I can understand them underestimating the number of people who would respond. But waiting an hour to pick up a prize is a dumb move on the casino’s part. If a couple hundred people, all good enough players to warrant this offer, are waiting in line for an hour, they’re not feeding the machines or betting chips at the tables. And this happens quite often in Atlantic City. A friend and I waited an hour to pick up gifts from Bally’s earlier this month, and that was a line for Diamond players only.

    Far be it from me to tell casinos how to run their business. But it doesn’t take a Harvard MBA to figure out that they should want their players at the machines and tables for that hour, not waiting in line. How about having employees on standby to be called in for overtime (or part-time work) if the demand for a promotion is greater than anticipated? How about getting a temp agency to provide people with last-minute work opportunities if the lines get long? In today’s economy, I’m sure plenty of people would be willing to come in on a moment’s notice to earn some extra money. It had to have cost Resorts more in lost revenue while their best players waited on line than they saved by having only six people working the desk.

   To Resorts’ credit, they said prize slips will be randomly inserted into the rum packages given to those who took rain checks. The odds of winning will be the same as they were on Saturday. Most other places in Atlantic City aren’t as considerate of their players. If they run out of the gift you wanted by time you reach the table, you’re usually out of luck.

$100,000 Drive A NASCAR Sweepstakes
Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines! The Taj is putting you in the driver’s seat for an experience unlike any other. It’s the $100,000 Drive A NASCAR Sweepstakes! The action is on the Main Concourse, October 3, from noon–8 p.m. and October 4, from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. And all Trump One Cardholders get a free entry. Every hour, 10 lucky winners will pocket $500 cash and get a chance at thousands more. Plus, those selected get a virtual NASCAR experience. If you’re one of the lucky names called, you’ll get behind the wheel of an authentic NASCAR, converted into a simulator so that you can feel the high-speed action as you race against others.

Kelly Clarkson Live!
When it comes to pop stars, it doesn’t get much bigger than Kelly Clarkson. Catch this American Idol winner with special guests The Veronicas and Parachute in the Mark G. Etess Arena on Saturday, October 10. From the moment she won Fox TV’s first American Idol competition in 2002, Kelly Clarkson has never looked back. Stringing together hit after hit and performing in front millions of fans, this multi-platinum-selling star is always high up on the charts—thanks to her down-to-earth persona and amazing voice. Show time at 8 p.m. and tickets are priced at $59 and $39.

Make Some Noise!
Catch Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers performing in the Xanadu Theater at Trump Taj Mahal on Saturday, October 10 at 8:00 pm. Ticket prices are $48.50 & $38.50.  Hornsby is a thirteen-time Grammy nominee, has won three Grammys and co-wrote the classic “The End of the Innocence” with Don Henley, a Top 10 record for him.

You Could Unlock a Treasure of up to $10,000 on Columbus Day!
Unlock your treasure at Trump Taj Mahal on Saturday, October 10. We’ll select 10 lucky players at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. If you’re name is called, you’ll get to choose a key to unlock a treasure chest. The more chests you can open, the more cash you win. All Trump One Cardholders get a free entry. Be sure to activate yours by playing your favorite games between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the day of the drawing. Happy treasure hunting!

It’s a Comedy Explosion
Platinum Productions, Inc., in association with Yesha Ministries, presents Atlantic City Comedy Explosion. The laugh-out-loud show stars Arnez J, Sommore, Earthquake, George Willborn and TuRae. The laughs are in the Mark G. Etess Arena on Sunday, October 11. Show time is at 8 p.m. and tickets are priced at $85, $59.50 and $49.50.

It’s On!
Football season is here. So watch your favorite games every Monday in Ego Bar & Lounge. Enjoy great food and drink specials, plus chances to win big. Maybe even a share of $25,000! Don’t miss Trump Taj Mahal’s $25,000 Run for the Riches every Monday during football season. Use your Trump One Card to register at any Rewards Center Kiosk from 5 p.m.–8 p.m. on Mondays. Then catch the action in Ego on our high-def big screens. If the second half kickoff is returned for a touchdown, you automatically win your share of $25,000! Be sure to catch ESPN’s Mike Gill, as he broadcasts live in Ego each Monday, from 3 p.m.–7 p.m.

A Picture-Perfect Giveaway
Monday, October 12 is your chance to win a Sharp LCD TV or $1,000 cash. And we’re naming winners every fifteen minutes from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. If your name is called, the choice is yours: pick an amazingly sleek and stylish 1080p TV or $1,000 in cold cash. All Trump One Cardholders get a free entry. Be sure to activate yours by playing your favorite games between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the day of the drawing.

Live Nation Presents Ron White
Comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White takes the stage in the Mark G. Etess Arena on Saturday, October 17 as part of the Trump Comedy Series. The cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funnyman from the wildly successful “Blue Collar Comedy” tour is making a pit stop in Atlantic City. Catch the best-selling author and Grammy-nominated White in a special one-night-only appearance. You’ll roll in the aisles as White brings to life the razor-sharp wit from his “You Can’t Fix Stupid” Comedy special and his comical autobiography: “I Had The Right To Remain Silent…But I Didn’t Have the Ability.” Show time is at 8 p.m. and tickets are priced at $65 and $55.

Rennaisance 2009
BRE Presents Renaissance 2009 with special guest Jann Klose performing in the Xanadu Theater at Trump Taj Mahal on Saturday, October 17.  Show time is at 8:00 pm. Ticket prices are $49, $39 & $29.
In celebration of their 1969 formation, the English progressive rock heroes Renaissance, are embarking on a 40th Anniversary Concert Tour.  Annie Haslam and Michael Dunford have come together with some great musicians to mark this special milestone. The mainstream Renaissance lineup is most well known for their rich symphonic textures, stunning vocals and poetic lyrics. Don’t miss this reunion of some great talent.

Laura Pausini
Fragale Productions presents Italian singer Laura Pausini in the Mark G. Etess Arena on Sunday, October 18. From the time she made her recording debut at only 18 years of age, Laura Pausini has captured the hearts of millions with her golden voice. The international sensation has performed around the globe for countless fans. Perhaps her biggest performance was when she sang for Pope John Paul II at a special Vatican Christmas mass. Show time is at 6 p.m. and tickets are priced at $95, $85 and $75.

Your Place for Lunch and Dinner
Whether you want to linger over a fabulous mid-day meal or make it a memorable evening, Il Mulino offers it all. The celebrated New York Italian restaurant is famously one of the toughest tickets in Manhattan. Now visitors to the Taj Mahal can use their Comp Dollars to enjoy a taste of the scrumptious authentic Italian cuisine for which Il Mulino is known. Choose Trattoria Il Mulino for a casual dinner or a fabulous lunch.

Trattoria Il Mulino located in Trump Taj Mahal is now serving lunch from 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Enjoy a prix-fixe menu of $15.95 for three courses. Choose from antipasta, home made soup, pasta and dessert for one great price. Of course, many other selections on their fabulous menu are also available. FREE short-term parking is available in porte cochere.

Additionally, Trattoria Il Mulino will delight you with their Happy Hour, available Tuesday through Sunday from 4:30 pm until 6:30 pm.  Enjoy half priced drink specials and a free chef’s special appetizer with a purchase of any two drinks during happy hour. (Available in the Trattoria Lounge only.)  Drink specials include $3 beers, $5 glasses of wine, and $6 cocktails. You can also choose from signature cocktails, their extensive wine list or imported beers.

Join Us for Our 16th Annual Oktoberfest
Good times and great beer is back at Trump Taj Mahal. Don’t miss Oktoberfest in the Grand Ballroom on Saturday, October 24, from noon–8 p.m. and Sunday, October 25, from noon–6 p.m. For just $5, you’ll enjoy full access to nonstop entertainment—direct from Germany. Plus, enjoy authentic German fare, with a tempting spread of traditional food specialties. While you’re here, shop the marketplace for authentic European treasures. And you’ll even have a chance to win round-trip airfare to Germany!

Our Prediction: It’s Going to be a Great Show
Sylvia Browne, the renowned spiritual teacher and psychic will be in the Mark G. Etess Arena on Saturday, October 24. In addition to her stardom as a psychic, Browne is a well-respected author, lecturer and researcher in the field of parapsychology. From a very young age, Browne discovered her gifts and has helped counsel people ever since. He unique style—described as down-to-earth and genuine—coupled with her rare gifts make her in demand wherever she goes. She has appeared on major television shows nationally. From helping people see the future to helping live more fulfilling lives, Sylvia Browne is truly a star in the paranormal world. Show time is at 8 p.m. and tickets are priced at $75, $50 and $35.

Group Ole Presents Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievara AS1
It’s Mr. Energy and the Concert King—together on stage. Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievara are teaming up to form a truly dynamic duo. Catch them live on Sunday, October 25 in the Mark G. Etess Arena. It’s rare that two international stars of this caliber join forces. Don’t miss this one-night-only concert that promises hit after hit. Show time is at 2 p.m. and tickets are priced at $150, $98, $78, $58 and $38.

$2,500 Halloween Costume Contest
Dress up, cash in. The Trump Taj Mahal Halloween Costume Contest is offering up monster prizes. Put on your scariest, funniest or most creative costume you just might be a winner! Join us in Ego Bar & Lounge at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 31. To enter, simply register at any Rewards Center Kiosk from noon–5:50 p.m. You could win up to $1,000. Dressing up has never been this rewarding!

Russian vocalist, Irina Allegrova
Miami Sun International presents Irina Allegrova in the Arena at Trump Taj Mahal on Saturday, October 31, 2009.  Show time is at 7:00 pm with doors opening one hour prior.  Ticket prices are $200, $150, $125, $100, $75 , $55 & $50.  Tickets can be purchased through www.russianny.com or by calling 718-615-1617.

The Angels Are Sticking Around!
The seductive and sultry group The Angels are staying put through March 2010, thanks to popular demand! Catch the ladies in their spicy act at Ego Bar & Lounge as they sing and dance in the most alluring fashion. You’ll enjoy renditions of the hottest acts including the Pussycat Dolls, AC/DC, The Black Eyed Peas and more. Of course, the entertainment isn’t all that’s hot. You’ll enjoy our signature drink menu and sizzling scene. Complemented by DJ Hot Linh, you can enjoy The Angels Thursday–Saturday, from 10 p.m.–2 a.m. For table/ bottle reservations, email: egobar.tablereservations@taj.trump.com.

I got a pleasant surprise in my mailbox the other day. The Hilton sent me a couple of offers for next weekend that look wonderful. On Friday, if I play for 15 minutes, I get a designer blanket. On Sunday, 15 minutes of play earns me a bottle of booze plus 5 times cashback. I’m there, dude. Both days.

What makes this interesting is I’ve barely played in the Hilton at all this year. It sounds like they want my business again. It may have to do with the fact that the few times I did go in there, I lost pretty badly. But in any case, these offers are enough to lure me back in the door.

Here’s a message to all the other joints in town. Send me an offer I can’t refuse, and you, too, will get a shot at my bankroll.

   I spent last night putting together my September casino offers. Man, it was a big pile!

   I can get free cash almost every day of the month at the two Harrah’s properties I visit most, and ditto at Resorts. Borgata has upped my $20 coin bonus from once or twice a month to three or four times a month. And I have point multipliers out the wazoo at three of the four Harrah’s properties.

   The better news is, the amount of cash offered per visit has gone up at several of these properties.

   With the summer season almost at an end, and people getting ready for school and other fall activities, the casinos must be wondering how they’ll fill the seats at the tables and in front of the machines. If you have a reasonably secure job and some money in the bank, now is a good time to be an Atlantic City gambler.

   I was driving into Atlantic City last night, and was struck by the number of billboards on the Atlantic City Expressway offering bonuses for new players to join their slot clubs. The Harrah’s properties offer a free room in Las Vegas if you sign up in AC. Tropicana offers a coupon book full of discounts all over the property. Trump Marina will give new players $50 in free slot play, and Trump Plaza lets new members spin a wheel for a prize.

   Too bad I’m already a member of every slot club in town. I got nothing like this when I joined. But if you’re not in my position, check the billboards as you drive into town. Also check the weekly free newspapers, At the Shore and Atlantic City Weekly for ads about the incentives.

   Here’s another way to jump-start your holiday shopping. Bally’s is having a spree month in September. Starting at 6 a.m. September 1, you earn one “spree” point for every 5 base Total Reward credits you earn at Bally’s. On Sept. 26, go to the upstairs ballroom and pick out your gift. Or take free slot play instead. Redemptions start at 50 points, so it won’t take much to earn a holiday gift for someone on your list.

   I went to the Showboat on Wednesday to work a promotion. I had a dinner date with a friend, and just wanted to earn some bonus cash before we met. I went to the kiosk to redeem my cash, and there was something I could touch for a free buffet. Turns out Showboat has a deal at least through August where you get a free buffet if you earn 50 reward credits on a Wednesday. Darn! I hate giving up a freebie, but I already had plans at a different property.

   Harrah’s has the same deal on Mondays and Thursdays. Earn 50 Reward Credits, get a free all-you-can-eat spread.

   The grub at both of these buffets is above average, not like some others in town, that I won’t eat at, even for free. So if you don’t have a job or some other ”minor inconvenience” that keeps you from Atlantic City on weekdays, this is one offer you want to take advantage of.

    For now, those offers are advertised as being good only through the month of August. But given the dismal revenue figures in Atlantic City - revenue for the first half of the year was down 20% from last year - I strongly suspect they will be continued for the fall.

   Yeah, they know it’s still hot out. But the folks at Caesars have fall, or maybe even holiday shopping, on their minds in August.

   People who play at Caesars Monday through Thursday in August can earn points towards gift cards at The Pier at Caesars. You get a $25 gift card for every point you earn, up to $5,000.

   You have to start by swiping your player’s card in a special kiosk in the hotel lobby. They’ll give you a few extra points to get the credits racking up. Gold players get 50 extra points, platinum gets 100 starter points, diamond players get 200 points and Seven Stars members get 300 extra points. Each base Total Rewards credit equals one point towards the promotion. You pick up your gift card the first few days in September.

   On another note, it was nice to see Atlantic City crowded this weekend. The beach was full when I went out for a swim. The casinos were packed and the food expo had twice as many people in attendance as last year. Of course, that meant we actually had to stand in line to taste some of the better goodies offered for sampling, but it gave me some time to let the booze wear off.

$50 Bonus Slot Dollars
It’s summer and who couldn’t use a little extra cash to play with? At Trump Marina, new Trump One Card Members get $50 bonus slot dollars. Just sign up, play favorite slot machine and earn 20 tier points.  New members will receive $25 Bonus Slot Dollars on the day they enroll and $25 Bonus Slot Dollars on their next visit,

Visit any kiosk machine and access your account to view your points. Then, make plans to come back to Trump Marina and play!

$85,000 Money Mania Machine
Join us on Sunday, August 16 in the Atrium, where you could earn your place in the $85,000 Money Mania Machine. Picture this…money is flying all around you and you have 60 seconds to grab as much as you can. Whatever you walk out with is yours to keep. You could grab up to $5,000.

From noon to 8 pm, we’ll randomly select a guest every half hour to enter the Money Mania Machine. Simply play slots or table games, and earn an entry for every 10 tier points from August 1 through August 16. Activate your entries at any Rewards Center Kiosk from 10 am to 7:50 pm on August 16 and prepare to grab your share of $85,000.

$1,000,000 Roulette Challenge Spins Into The Marina

It’s a new spin on becoming a millionaire…from August 1 through October 2, play roulette for your chance to win entries into Trump Marina’s Million Dollar Roulette Challenge. Here’s your chance to play your favorite table games to earn entries to win BIG!

Players receive one entry for each hand-paid slot jackpot over $1,200. Table players receive one entry for each designated hand or “natural” occurrence.  All entries will be placed in a bin located in the Atrium, for this million-dollar monster of a drawing, to be held on Saturday, October 3 in the Atrium.

We’ll randomly select six entries from the promotions drum. If you’re one of the lucky six chosen, you’ll spin the roulette wheel for a chance to win a cash prize of $10,000, $100,000 or maybe even $1 million (annuity over 25 years). All six finalists are guaranteed to walk away with at least $1,000. There are a million reasons to play at Trump Marina!

For complete details on how to earn entries, stop by Trump One Services.

Fall Under a Hypnotic Comedy Spell
“Hypnosterical: Uncensored Comedy Hypnosis” is the can’t-miss comedy hit of the summer. And it’s only at Trump Marina. “Hypnosterical” is the funniest—and most risqué—comedy sensation to hit Atlantic City. And you could be a part of the laughs! Master Hypnotist Joe Boccuti places volunteers from the audience under his spell. With the hypnotized doing the unthinkable, this interactive show will have you talking for years to come. Come see the show—or be the show. The fun is in The Shell now through September 5. Show times are 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and 10 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets are priced at $22.50.

As Summer Rolls On, the Party Keeps Going Outdoors!
The Deck at Trump Marina is having one of its best seasons ever – thanks to people like you who choose to party here! The Deck is A.C.’s hottest outdoor hangout with live music 7 nights a week, great food including a barbecue each weekend and a Seafood Festival on August 15.  Enjoy drink specials, prizes and giveaways. Use your Comp Dollars to enjoy lunch or dinner outdoors, overlooking the marina, then jam out or dance to live music as you make this the ultimate summer to remember. The Deck is your place to let loose seven days and nights a week. Plus, we’re even serving up breakfast every weekend all summer long. Whether you come by land, air or sea…just come—to The Deck at Trump Marina.

The Belmonts are Back!
Take a trip down Memory Lane at Trump Marina! Brothers Management presents The Belmonts on Saturday, August 8 in The Shell. From “A Teenager in Love” to “In the Still of the Night” to “Come On Little Angel,” The Belmonts are legendary Rock & Roll balladeers with harmonies that enveloped a generation and hits that are still embraced today. Relive the 50s and 60s at this special one-night-only performance. Show time is at 8 p.m. and tickets are priced at $30.

Feel the Thunder
Get ready to take flight! Wednesday, August 19 is the annual Atlantic City Airshow, “Thunder Over The Boardwalk.” With performances and demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, Air National Guard and others, you’ll want to catch the high-speed action of one of summer’s biggest attractions. The show is from 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Ragdoll, A Tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
Brothers Management presents Ragdoll on August 29 and 30. It’s the ultimate tribute to some of the greatest New Jersey icons of all time–Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Known as one of the best tribute bands around, Ragdoll recreates the unmistakable harmonies and signature falsetto for which the rock and roll legends are known. You’ll enjoy chart-topping hits such as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Ragdoll,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Stay,” “Oh, What a Night” and more hits than we can name! Don’t miss this nostalgic and fun show in The Shell on Saturday, August 29 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, August 30 at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $25.

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 August 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 your 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!

Shoppers Rejoice!
As if you needed another reason to love shopping. At Trump Exchange we’ve made shopping so easy, that it’s truly the shopper’s dream. And we’re always adding the latest top-quality merchandise. So check out what’s new and then use the Comp Dollars you earn to buy it. Trump Exchange showcases the best in electronics, house wares, designer clothing and luggage, and a whole lot 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 see 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.

And…The Parking’s On Us
To show you our appreciation, we’re giving all Trump One Cardholders free parking in the self-park garage. It’s our way of thanking you for making Trump Marina your place to play. So stop in now through August 31 to enjoy free parking–and chances to win big!