Atlantic City Casinos Blog

   A friend and I were having lunch at a casino buffet earlier this week, when we looked over to see a man two tables away put half a dozen brownies into his bag. We commented on it, and it turned into a conversation on how much is too much to sneak out.

   Of course, the buffets’ official rule is you take out nothing unless it’s in your stomach. But manypeople don’t obey this.

   My friend and I are not among the few that heed the casinos’ rules. We’ve been known to take out some packs of no-calorie sweetener, a couple of tea bags or a piece of fruit. But where do you draw the line?

   I’ve seen women take a complete steak out of a buffet in their purses. Or stash two dozen cookies in a shopping bag. That may be too much. But is it wrong to take out a piece of fruit? A couple of cookies? A piece of prime rib for your dog or a chicken breast for your cat? A miniature pie for a late-night dessert? Or is anything fair game as far as taking from a casino is concerned?

   I don’t have any answers here. I’m just asking the questions. But it was something that made me pause and think.

$500,000 Football Challenge
Have you been scoring entries? There’s still time to get in on the action in Trump Marina’s $500,000 Football Challenge. Play your favorite slots and table games to earn entries now through October 31, 2009. Then join us for the “big game” on Saturday, November 7 at 10 p.m. in the Atrium for your chance to play on our gigantic football field board. Eight lucky players will be selected to “take the field.” If you’re one of them, you get the chance to gain yards by picking four “yard cards” to move down the field. Get 100 yards and you’ll score a touchdown worth $500,000! Huddle up at any Rewards Center Kiosk between 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. to activate your entries.

The Football Frenzy has been so popular; we’ve continued the game through December! Players can continue playing to earn entries from November 1 through December 5 for our second $500,000 Football Challenge. Another eight winners will be selected to ‘suit up’ and join us in the Atrium for another chance to play on the “BIG FIELD.” On Saturday, December 5 at 10 p.m. Talk about fantasy football!

A Cool Million Could be Yours
You could have a chance to win a cool $1 million at Trump Marina during our Million Dollar Blackjack Challenge. Simply use your Trump One Card to play your favorite table games and slots at Trump Marina from November 1 through January 1, 2010 to earn entries. Rack up those entries, then visit us at 10:00 pm in the Atrium on Sunday, January 2, 2010 for a chance to win BIG! We’ll select six finalists to play one hand of Blackjack. If you’re one of the lucky seven, you’ll win a guaranteed $2,500. But you could win a lot more: Any Blackjack in the first two cards dealt wins $10,000; A Blackjack in Spades in the first two cards dealt wins $100,000; and three “7”s in the first three cards dealt can win $1,000,000 (25 year annuity.) Remember to activate your entries on January 2 simply by playing any slot or table game between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Who knows? The New Year might start out on a very good note!

$50 Just For You!
What’s the latest fall accessory to get you the best Cash Back, dining, entertainment, rooms and more in Atlantic City? The Trump One Card, of course! And now, new Trump One Members who sign up at Trump Marina will receive $50 in Bonus Slot Dollars. Just sign up, play and earn 20 tier points to be eligible.  New members will receive $25 Bonus Slot Dollars on the day they enroll and $25 Bonus Slot Dollars to play with on your next visit.
New Trump One Card Members will also receive a FREE Trump Advantage Pass, filled with valuable discount offers for dining, shopping and salon services at all three Trump Atlantic City Properties. Get yours today when you sign up for a new Trump One Card.

$1,000 Every 15 Minutes: On Two Days!
Win your share of $33,000! Trump Marina is giving away $1,000 every 15 minutes on Tuesday, November 3 and again on Wednesday, November 25. Play from noon to 8 p.m. each date for your chance to win a cool grand. Best of all, every Trump One Cardholder gets a free entry. Be sure to activate yours by playing any slot or table game using your Trump One Card or by visiting Trump One Services. Then play your favorite games and listen for your name as we call a winner every 15 minutes!

Asylum Fight League MMA Returns
The mixed martial arts action returns to Trump Marina! Asylum Fight League Mixed Martial Arts is the East Coast’s premier amateur fight league. And they’re bringing their fiercest to the Grand Cayman at Trump Marina on Friday, November 13. Catch a night of high-impact action and great matchups: Julio Arce battles RJ Starace in a super lightweight AFL title fight. Patrick Enright takes on Anton Berzin for the AFL cruiserweight title. Plus, loads of other competitive matchups cap off the card. The first match is at 9 p.m. and tickets are priced at $100, $75 and $50.

A Diamond-studded Event
This is as close to the real Neil Diamond as it gets. DMEI presents Real Diamond: A Tribute to Neil Diamond, on Saturday, November 21 in The Shell. The premier Neil Diamond tribute band, Real Diamond, delivers a dynamic performance every time they take the stage. Dedicated to bringing audience the authentic Neil Diamond Experience, you’ll enjoy the costumes, the sound and hit after hit. Show time is at 8 p.m. and tickets are priced at $22.

Dine Out on Gourmet Your Way!
Trump Marina’s award-winning gourmet restaurants, DJ’s Steakhouse and Harborview are again offering guests a chance to dine on all-new three course prix fixe menus for just $35* per person. Make your reservations from Sunday through Thursday and choose from Soup or Salad, a Choice of Entrée and Dessert. Choose from hearty steaks and chops at DJ’s Steakhouse or savory Italian specialties and freshest seafood at Harborview. Either way, you’re in for a treat of expertly prepared cuisine and impeccable service at two of Atlantic City’s finest gourmet dining venues.

For a special treat, don’t miss the lavish Sunday Brunch from 10 am to 2 pm every week, at Harborview, where guests can dine overlooking a breathtaking view of the marina and enjoy a extravagent brunch menu with something for everyone. Choose from made-to-order omelettes, eggs Benedict, French Toast and pancakes, fresh fruit, an abundant raw bar and dessert selection that is to-die-for,accompanied by tasty mimosas and champagne for just $42.00 per person. For reservations, please call 1-800-777-8477. (*Tax and gratuity not included.)

Give Thanks and Let Us do the Cooking!
Join us for a traditional Thanksgiving feast at Harborview Restaurant. Bring the whole family for Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 26 and our chef will personally carve your own fresh roasted turkey table side accompanied by all the classic trimmings for $32.00 per person. Reservations are required and must be booked by Tuesday, November 24. Please call 1-800-777-8477 or Ext. 68400. (Available for parties of four or more. Tax and gratuity not included.)

Park for Free All November Long
Visit Trump Marina in November, and we’ll take care of the parking in our self-park garage. All Trump One Cardholders are entitled to free parking. Be sure to visit and enjoy all that we have to offer, from hot casino action to fabulous restaurants and shops.

Deal Yourself a High Hand and Win $250,000
What would you do with a quarter of a million bucks? Trump Plaza’s $250,000 Royal Flush is your chance to find out. Earn 20 or more Tier Points every day, now through November 28 and receive up to three entries each day. Simply earn your points, then visit any Rewards Center Kiosk to receive your entries. Then on the big day, Saturday November 28, deposit your entries into the drum in the 5th Avenue Slot Area and you could be one of the lucky ones. We’ll randomly draw five names at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Each contestant will choose five cards from a set of 20. If you’re one of the players, you’re guaranteed to win $250 Bonus Slot Dollars. Deal yourself a Royal Flush, and you’ll win $250,000!

Cast Your Vote…at Trump Plaza!
Tuesday, November 3 is a very important day. After all, you could win up to $10,000 at Trump Plaza. Simply play any slot machine or table game using your Trump One Card between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on November 3 and you’ll be eligible to win…big! We’ll select a winner every 15 minutes. The action is in the 5th Avenue Slot Area. And with cash and prizes worth up to $10,000, you’ll want to visit Trump Plaza to exercise your right to win!

Is That the Fab Four at Trump Plaza?
Don’t miss the Long Live the Beatles Show featuring the Mahoney Brothers. On two special days, Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29, you’ll enjoy a musical tribute like no other. The longest-running Beatles tribute show relives the magic of the Fab Four phenomenon with all the authentic costumes, exact instruments and, of course, all the hits. Show times are 9 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are priced at $25.

Fall Into Something New!
What’s the latest fall accessory to get you the best Cash Back, dining, entertainment, rooms and more in Atlantic City? The Trump One Card, of course! And now, new Trump One Members who sign up at Trump Plaza will receive $50 in Bonus Slot Dollars. Just sign up, play and earn 20 tier points to be eligible.  New members will receive $25 Bonus Slot Dollars on the day they enroll and $25 Bonus Slot Dollars to play with on your next visit.

New Trump One Card Members will also receive a FREE Trump Advantage Pass, filled with valuable discount offers for dining, shopping and salon services at all three Trump Atlantic City Properties. Get yours today when you sign up for a new Trump One Card.

Gourmet Your Way
Here’s your chance to experience award-winning gourmet dining at a fraction of the price at the award winning Max’s Steakhouse and Roberto’s Ristorante located in Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino. Whether it’s thick, flavorful steaks and chops at Max’s Steakhouse or the finest cuisine from Northern Italy in Roberto’s Ristorante, you can dine on four decadent courses for one fabulous price.

Select an appetizer, soup or salad, entrée and delicious desserts prepared by our Executive Chef, for the unbelievable price of $35 per person. Available in Max’s Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, and in Roberto’s on Wednesday and Thursday. A selection of wines are also available starting at just $15.00 per bottle. Dine in the warm ambiance of Max’s Steakhouse or take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean in Roberto’s Ristorante. Either way, you’ll discover Trump Plaza’s fine gourmet restaurants and impeccable service without breaking the bank. Call 609-441-6777 to make your reservations today.

Dine 24/7/365
Take advantage of the Early Bird Dinner Specials in our 24 Central Café, Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 7 pm. For just $12.95 per person, you’ll enjoy soup, salad, entrée and dessert. And Sunday through Thursday from 7 pm until midnight it’s half price appetizers at the bar. Certain availability or restrictions may apply.

It’s Thanksgiving so Gobble, Gobble – with US!
Trump Plaza will be offering guests two great options for the the turkey day feast. Roberto’s Ristorante will serve a gourmet Thanksgiving Dinner. Enjoy fresh turkey with all the trimmings and savory side dishes and of course sumptuous gourmet desserts to choose from, starting at $39.00 per person. Open 6 pm to 10 pm. Call 609-441-6777 to make your reservations today.

The Plaza’s 24 Central Café will offer a Thanksgiving dinner from 12 noon to 12 midnight. Choose from an entrée of turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables, along with pumpkin pie and other seasonal desserts favorites on the menu and available a la carte, starting at $19.95 per person. Reservations are not necessary and the restaurant is open conveniently, 24 hours a day!

Anyone can enter, and anyone can win in any of the promotional events (as long as they’re over 21)! All that’s needed is a Trump One Card, which is available for free at Trump One Services. For more information, visit www.trumpplaza.com. Tickets for the above entertainment can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, call the Trump Plaza box office at 609-441-6157. Show schedules are subject to change.

Caesars Atlantic City is giving everyone the opportunity to step into Emeril Lagasse’s Kitchen. “Taste of Emeril’s” is a fast-paced, intriguing, and often hilarious food competition and cooking demonstration, where contestants can win great prizes including chances to experience the finest restaurants at Caesars Atlantic City and The Pier Shops.  The culinary action, hosted by Marc Summers, will pit audience members against one another, as they compete for top spots as assistant chefs. Emeril will welcome guests and assist competitors via on-screen video.

“Taste of Emeril’s” will debut at Caesars Circus Maximus Theatre on October 21st, and will run for four weeks closing on November 12th. The competition is a first of its kind cooking challenge that sees audience members compete in a fully interactive cooking contest as seen on popular TV shows.  Members of the audience will need to pay close attention because you never know… anyone may be called to the stage to see how his or her culinary skills measure up.

“Caesars strives to give its customers exclusive entertainment experiences. ‘Taste of Emeril’s’ will give customers the opportunity to see first hand, what it’s like to cook in Emeril’s Kitchen” said Joe Domenico, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Caesars Atlantic City.  In addition to the cooking competition, each and every audience member will get the chance to taste of one of Emeril’s menu items featured in the show.  “Taste of Emeril’s” is sure to thrill all in attendance and with plenty of prizes to give away, it is an interactive experience for everyone…and anyone can win!

Audiences can catch “Taste of Emeril’s” Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 2 p.m. and Thursdays at 7 p.m. There will be additional shows on Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7 at 7 p.m. Tickets for “Taste of Emeril’s Cooking Challenge” are on sale now for $35.  Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 800-736-1420 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

$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.

   As the summer tourists go home and locals settle into their back-to-school routines, Atlantic City’s hotels and casinos are looking for ways to lure people in, especially on weekdays.

   Bally’s will offer triple comps for play Sunday through Thursday for the month of October. Not a great multiplier, but it helps.

   Teplitzky’s in the Chelsea Hotel starts a happy hour on October 1. From 4-7 p.m., 7 nights a week, you can get half-price appetizers and drink specials. These include a $4 mixed-drink special each night, $3 imported beers and $2 domestic beers. It’s not quite as good as comped, but the Chelsea is a pretty classy place, so you get some great ambience for the price of the drinks at your local watering hole.

   Tropicana is advertizing $69 room specials for week nights in October. And that’s for people who don’t gamble. Anyone who plays there can get it cheaper, if not for free.

   Here’s something to do tomorrow (Tuesday) at Caesars if you don’t have to be at a job. They’re holding their first annual life-skills fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Palladium ballroom. There will be health screenings, workshops on things like financial planning, and lots of exhibitors. Admission is free.

   A great Atlantic City tradition is scheduled to come to an end this weekend. The Bacchanal restaurant at Caesars will serve its last feast on Saturday night, the local paper reports.

   Caesars says the restaurant didn’t get enough business, but others told the paper they tried to make reservations and were told the place is full.

   For those unfamiliar with Bacchanal, it was a dining experience. You got an appetizer of cheeze, meats, shrimp and other goodies; choice of soup; salad; choice of entree; and dessert and coffee for a $65 fixed price. But there were also strolling minstrels who played diners’ requests, a god and goddess who gave neck and shoulder massages and all the wine you wanted.

   I’ve enjoyed several repasts at the Bacchanal, and I for one, will miss it.

   But there may still be hope. If past customers and wannabe customers deluge Caesars with e-mails and phone calls, the management might relent. But unless they do, it’s “ciao” to one of Atlantic City’s best dining experiences.

   Just a reminder that if you like good gourmet grub, Atlantic City is the place to be this weekend.

   The annual Food and Wine Festival is taking place at all four properties owned by Harrah’s Entertainment. A large number of celebrity chefs are taking part, and there will be plenty of food and drink to go around. Prices for the events hosted by the famous chefs range from $50 to $1,000 for an intimate dinner with Guy Fieri and 23 others. You can link to the event through Harrah’s web site, www.harrahs.com.

   If nothing else, I strongly recommend a trip to the main expo, running from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the sixth-floor ballroom at Bally’s. Admission is $30, and you can pay at the door.  You couldn’t pay with Total Rewards credits last year, which is a shame, because I don’t believe in paying for something I can get for free. But even though we had to cough up $30 in cash, it was well worth it. Several gourmet rooms from Harrah’s properties offered samples of their creations, and they don’t mind you coming back for seconds, thirds or even fourths. Numerous quality area restaurants offered tastes of their signature dishes, and many independent breweries and wineries offered samples as well. You can also buy salsas, sauces and other delights to use in your own kitchen. We staggered out of there stuffed and buzzed, but definitely satisfied. I plan to be there Sunday with a few of my foodie family members.

   You can hit the gym next week. I know I’ll have to.

WHAT: Borgata Nightlife is giving away chances to win one of three Kia Souls, cash and other nightlife prizes in celebration of launching the first-ever Nightlife Rewards program at Borgata.

PRIZES: On each drawing date (Aug 8, Aug 22 & Sept 5), the following prizes will be awarded:
Grand Prize: Kia Soul plus table service at mur.mur for four
2nd Prize: Table service at mur.mur for four plus $1,000 cash
3rd Prize: $1,000 cash
4th Prize: $500 cash
5th Prize: $250 cash

ENTER: Sign up for a My Borgata Card with Nightlife Rewards by registering with a Nightlife Rewards representative at MIXX or mur.mur on the qualification dates listed below and be automatically entered into the giveaway. Use your My Borgata Card at MIXX, mur.mur, Gypsy Bar and B Bar on the qualification dates and be automatically entered into the giveaway. No purchase necessary to enter.

WHO: Valid My Borgata Card holders. Must be 21 or older.

WHEN: Qualification dates for August 8 drawing:
Friday, Saturday and Mondays 10PM-4AM, July 24 through August 8.

Qualification dates for August 22 drawing:
Friday, Saturday and Mondays 10PM-4AM, August 10 through August 22.

Qualification dates for September 5 drawing:
Friday, Saturday and Mondays 10PM-4AM, August 24 through September 5

WHERE: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
1 Borgata Way
Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401

   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