The economy took its toll on Atlantic City in 2008. The Casino Control Commission released its final report, showing revenues dropped by 7.6% over 2007, and December was down 18.7% over December ’07. Gamblers are apparently staying home in droves as they worry about keeping their jobs and their houses. Only Harrah’s showed gains for the year, and several properties had double-digit declines.

I saw that for myself when I went on a promotion run yesterday. I started at Resorts to pick up a gift card for the local supermarket. I still gotta eat, right? The parking lot was almost empty and so was the casino. There was no wait to pick up my gift card. Resorts is running an interesting promotion. If you earn three slot points, you get a pull on a video-poker machine with prizes for any hand 3-of-a-kind or higher. In the past, the line to play these promos has been long. I’ve waited up to an hour to get my spin of the wheel or whatever. This time, I just walked right up. Of course, I didn’t win.

Bally’s wasn’t much more crowded, despite the fact that they had an electronics giveaway going on. Every Sunday, you get a gift based on the total number of base Total Rewards credits you earn. I got right onto my favorite video-poker machine and right into the ballroom to pick up my prize.

The only place that appeared at all crowded was Max’s Steakhouse at Trump Plaza, where I met a buddy for dinner. We took advantage of their $35 three-course special, and apparently the word about it has gotten out. It is a great dining bargain for tough times.

Speaking of dining bargains, there’s one correction to last week’s blog. Peregrine’s at the Hilton has removed its name from the list of participating restaurants. Pity, I wanted to try it. I guess I’ll just have to save up my comps and do it like everybody else.

Share