Mr. AC Casino
About Mr. AC Casino
Mr. AC Casino is a column that appears every other week in the The Press of Atlantic City’s Atlantic City Weekly. The Atlantic City Weekly is a tabloid newspaper available free of charge in casinos and on the Boardwalk. The column also appears online. Note: Any opinions expressed on this page are the author’s and not those of The Press of Atlantic City or the Atlantic City Weekly.
Last updated: Thursday, April 22, 6:15 p.m., Eastern
Additional information about Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore is available at:
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Everything AC
Atlantic City revenues more than double over March 2020
While New Jersey’s casino and sports betting revenue more than doubled in March compared to a year ago, it was because of the pandemic shut down during the second half of the month last year. According to the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement, Atlantic City’s nine casinos and three horse tracks that offer sports betting won $359.2 million last month – an increase of nearly 120 percent. The reason for the statistical increase is the fact that the casinos and tracks were open for a full month this year, but – due to the coronavirus – were shut down mid-March last year. The casinos and tracks handled $859.6 million worth of sports bets in March, compared with less than $182 million last March. After paying out winning bets and covering other expenses, they kept $60.7 million as sports betting revenue.
Governor increases casino, restaurant capacities
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has increased capacity at casinos, restaurants and other business to 50 percent. Gyms and fitness clubs, as well as personal care businesses also are included. Murphy announced that indoor and outdoor capacity for nonreligious events also would increase. Outdoor events that aren’t religious will have a limit of 50 people, up from 25, Murphy said.
Borgata, MGM to fully integrateLater this month, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa will be fully integrated as an MGM Resorts International property. This will allow for: ■ Earning tier credits for non-gaming spend (dining, hotel and more). ■ A better experience with M life Rewards cards working at all MGM Resorts properties. ■ TheBorgata.com will have a fresh, new look with easier navigation. ■ Express Comps balances will be simplified (MGM & Borgata Express Comps will be combined).
To implement these changes, and prepare for new promotions and events, Borgata has paused promotional offers through Friday, April 30. In addition, Borgata will pause gaming – slot machines, table games, poker, racebook, in-person sports betting and all casino cashier transactions – between 2 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28. During this time earnings and M life Rewards balances, as well as Express Comps, will not be available to view or redeem. Restaurants and non-gaming amenities will remain open.
In good spiritsThe Hard Rock Atlantic City Spirits Club will give participants a unique way to experience the world’s most renowned distilleries in five events through Friday, June 25. Scheduled to date are The Bourbon Trail on Friday, April 23, Scotch & Cigars at the Balcony Bar on Friday, May 21, and a Jack Daniel Distillery Spirits Tasting on Friday, June 25. All events begin at 6 p.m. Venues vary by event. For complete information visit HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com/Event-Calendar.
High in the skyOcean Casino Resort is now offering a private, invitation-only high-limit table game experience in The Loft, an exclusive 2,000-sq. ft. luxury gaming suite. Initially, The Loft is offering blackjack, roulette and baccarat. Located on the 44th floor, with floor-to-ceiling views of the Atlantic Ocean, The Loft features private butler service, a personal security detail, and a tailored bar with top-shelf offerings. Designed with COVID-19 health and safety protocols in mind, the suite undergoes a full deep-cleaning after each use.
Tropicana to join Caesars Rewards on April 27Effective Tuesday, April 27, Tropicana Atlantic City will be fully integrated into the Caesars Rewards network. Because of unforeseen circumstances, this is two weeks later than originally scheduled. Due to the system upgrade you may encounter disruptions beginning at 8 p.m. Monday, April 26, through the morning of Wednesday, April 28. In addition: ■ Return Rewards and Incentive Cash will not be unavailable between 10 p.m. Monday, April 26, and 5:59 a.m. Wednesday, April 28. ■ Redemption of Reward Credits will not be available between 10 p.m. Monday, April 26, and 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 27. ■ Effective at 10 p.m. Monday, April 26, Caesars Rewards Local and Trop Advantage cards no longer will be valid. ■ By 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, Caesars Rewards cards may be used. ■ Free slot play offers for Monday, April 26, must be redeemed no later than 10 p.m. ■ Beginning Thursday, April 29, Diamond and Seven Stars Celebration Dinners may be redeemed directly at the Chelsea Five Gastropub. For other participating outlets, visit the Caesars Rewards Center to receive a voucher. ■ All other offers must be activated at a promotional kiosk. Please note that players may encounter disruptions to the casino floor rating system between the hours of 11 p.m. on April 26 and 4 p.m. on April 27.
Detroit family to buy half of Ocean Casino Resort A New York hedge fund is selling as much as half its ownership in Ocean Casino Resort to the Ilitch family which owns professional sports teams, a nationwide pizza chain and a casino in Detroit. Officials of Luxor Capital Group LP told The Associated Press they have reached a deal with the Ilitch organization to acquire, through an affiliate, up to half the ownership of the casino. Ilitch, which owns the Detroit Tigers baseball and Red Wings hockey teams, the Little Caesars pizza chain, and Detroit’s MotorCity Casino Hotel, has already applied to New Jersey regulators for interim approval to own part of the casino. The deal will close after all regulatory approvals have been obtained. The amount of the family’s investment was not disclosed, and Luxor said it would not discuss details of the partnership, including any impact on day-to-day operations of the casino-hotel, until it gets deeper into the regulatory process with New Jersey authorities. Lounging aroundThe Chairman’s Club at Golden Nugget is now open from noon to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. In the news: Atlantic City’s female leadersBorgata Hotel Casino & Spa President and Chief Operating Officer Melonie Johnson was profiled in last month’s issue of Forbes Magazine. Senior Contributor Laura Begley Bloom described her as “a trailblazer who is one of only a handful of Black leaders in the casino space.” Read the complete article here. A few days later, Forbes published “Why Borgata Is Atlantic City’s Ultimate Culinary Destination”.
Jacqueline Grace, senior vice president and general manager of Tropicana Atlantic City since September, spoke with Play NJ about how the gaming industry is supporting gender equity, diversity and inclusion all year long. Grace has been with Tropicana’s parent company, Caesars Entertainment Inc., for more than a decade. She began her career in casino gaming at Bally’s Atlantic City. To read a transcript of her Women’s History Month interview, click here. In addition, Grace was profiled last month in The Press of Atlantic City. Click here to read that article.
In good spiritsThe Hard Rock Atlantic City Spirits Club will give participants a unique way to experience the world’s most renowned distilleries in five events through Friday, June 25. Scheduled to date are The Bourbon Trail on Friday, April 23, Scotch & Cigars at the Balcony Bar on Friday, May 21, and a Jack Daniel Distillery Spirits Tasting on Friday, June 25. All events begin at 6 p.m. Venues vary by event. For complete information visit HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com/Event-Calendar.
High in the skyOcean Casino Resort is now offering a private, invitation-only high-limit table game experience in The Loft, an exclusive 2,000-sq. ft. luxury gaming suite. Initially, The Loft is offering blackjack, roulette and baccarat. Located on the 44th floor, with floor-to-ceiling views of the Atlantic Ocean, The Loft features private butler service, a personal security detail, and a tailored bar with top-shelf offerings. Designed with COVID-19 health and safety protocols in mind, the suite undergoes a full deep-cleaning after each use.
Tropicana to join Caesars Rewards on April 27Effective Tuesday, April 27, Tropicana Atlantic City will be fully integrated into the Caesars Rewards network. Because of unforeseen circumstances, this is two weeks later than originally scheduled. Due to the system upgrade you may encounter disruptions beginning at 8 p.m. Monday, April 26, through the morning of Wednesday, April 28. In addition: ■ Return Rewards and Incentive Cash will not be unavailable between 10 p.m. Monday, April 26, and 5:59 a.m. Wednesday, April 28. ■ Redemption of Reward Credits will not be available between 10 p.m. Monday, April 26, and 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 27. ■ Effective at 10 p.m. Monday, April 26, Caesars Rewards Local and Trop Advantage cards no longer will be valid. ■ By 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, Caesars Rewards cards may be used. ■ Free slot play offers for Monday, April 26, must be redeemed no later than 10 p.m. ■ Beginning Thursday, April 29, Diamond and Seven Stars Celebration Dinners may be redeemed directly at the Chelsea Five Gastropub. For other participating outlets, visit the Caesars Rewards Center to receive a voucher. ■ All other offers must be activated at a promotional kiosk. Please note that players may encounter disruptions to the casino floor rating system between the hours of 11 p.m. on April 26 and 4 p.m. on April 27.
Detroit family to buy half of Ocean Casino Resort A New York hedge fund is selling as much as half its ownership in Ocean Casino Resort to the Ilitch family which owns professional sports teams, a nationwide pizza chain and a casino in Detroit. Officials of Luxor Capital Group LP told The Associated Press they have reached a deal with the Ilitch organization to acquire, through an affiliate, up to half the ownership of the casino. Ilitch, which owns the Detroit Tigers baseball and Red Wings hockey teams, the Little Caesars pizza chain, and Detroit’s MotorCity Casino Hotel, has already applied to New Jersey regulators for interim approval to own part of the casino. The deal will close after all regulatory approvals have been obtained. The amount of the family’s investment was not disclosed, and Luxor said it would not discuss details of the partnership, including any impact on day-to-day operations of the casino-hotel, until it gets deeper into the regulatory process with New Jersey authorities. Lounging aroundThe Chairman’s Club at Golden Nugget is now open from noon to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. In the news: Atlantic City’s female leadersBorgata Hotel Casino & Spa President and Chief Operating Officer Melonie Johnson was profiled in last month’s issue of Forbes Magazine. Senior Contributor Laura Begley Bloom described her as “a trailblazer who is one of only a handful of Black leaders in the casino space.” Read the complete article here. A few days later, Forbes published “Why Borgata Is Atlantic City’s Ultimate Culinary Destination”.
Jacqueline Grace, senior vice president and general manager of Tropicana Atlantic City since September, spoke with Play NJ about how the gaming industry is supporting gender equity, diversity and inclusion all year long. Grace has been with Tropicana’s parent company, Caesars Entertainment Inc., for more than a decade. She began her career in casino gaming at Bally’s Atlantic City. To read a transcript of her Women’s History Month interview, click here. In addition, Grace was profiled last month in The Press of Atlantic City. Click here to read that article.
Bally’s Player Portal is now live on their website. Check available offers, tier score, reward points and more. Create your account at https://bit.ly/2OcgYhK.
Puck has left the buildingWolfgang Puck American Grille at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa has closed.
Flay flees alsoBobby Flay Steak at Borgata also will close, effective Wednesday, June 30. Borgata and Flay’s hospitality group, Bold Food, made the mutual decision to close the restaurant as part of the companies’ evolving business strategies. Following the closure, the venue will reopen the next day as a new temporary restaurant owned and operated by Borgata and MGM Resorts International. The concept for the temporary restaurant has not yet determined. Additional details on the permanent future concept will be available in the coming months.
Il Verdi to reopen at Tropicana
Specializing in Northern Italian cuisine, Il Verdi, the 3,600 sq. ft. gourmet restaurant in the North Tower at Tropicana Atlantic City will reopen Friday, April 23. Initially, hours will be 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 5 to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Reservations are recommended.
Sportsbook opens at Bally's
Located by the northern Boardwalk casino entrance, the FanDuel Sportsbook’s permanent location at Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino is now open. As customers enter they are greeted by two large video walls and multiple betting kiosks. Inside the sportsbook is a central 25 ft.-wide state-of-the-art LED video wall, flanked by two 10 ft.-wide LED video walls on either side and 10 video displays. Fans can place sports wagers at five betting windows or use one of 20 IGT PlaySports self-serve betting kiosks. FanDuel offers bets on all major U.S. sports, including professional football, basketball, baseball, tennis, MMA, soccer, golf, motorsports racing and more. The Sportsbook Lounge features a curated food and beverage menu, with modern, pub-style fare ranging from Truffle Tots and Smash Burgers to Spicy Edamame and a Curveball Club sandwich, smothered with Basil Aioli, all accompanied by a selection of craft and local beers at the iPourIt® self-pour beverage dispenser beer wall, along with specialty cocktails.
Play for free
SuperDraft Inc., the daily fantasy platform of Caesars Entertainment Inc., has launched its SuperDraft Free SportsBook app, a free-to-play sports betting mobile app with cash prizes and Caesars Rewards. The app complements the company’s Daily Fantasy Sports offering, creating new ways for casual fans to engage with their favorite games and cash in on their sports knowledge. Using the app, fans can access a social gaming experience allowing them to make bets on their favorite sports without financial risk. Fans can compete against friends and other sports fans for cash, gift cards, prizes like consumer electronics, sports and concert tickets, and exclusive VIP experiences from Caesars Rewards. The SuperDraft Free SportsBook utilizes a social gaming currency called SuperCoin, which is used as token currency to place free bets. When players win enough SuperCoin, they can redeem it in the in-app store for gift cards, consumer electronics, merchandise and apparel, as well as trips and vacation packages. Players also can compete to win Reward Credits.
New bus service between New York, Atlantic CityBeginning Thursday, April 29, OurBus, a new intercity bus service, will offer departures four times a day connecting New York City with Galloway, N.J., and three casinos – Resorts Casino Hotel, Caesars Atlantic City and Tropicana Atlantic City. A fourth casino will be announced shortly. Part of a new regional transportation network, OurBus brings together many of the existing independently owned and operated bus lines into a cohesive network. Founded in 2016, OurBus has developed a network of intercity and commuter bus services that connect more than 100 cities and towns across the United States.
■ Travelers can search schedules and buy tickets at OurBus.com or use the OurBus app. ■ OurBus service will drop off and pick up passengers directly at the casinos (with casino bonuses). ■ Customers can change or cancel their tickets up to 30 minutes prior to departure with no fee. ■ Seats are reserved, guaranteeing that no one will be left at the gate due to overcrowding. ■ Pricing is based on demand – if you book earlier, you’ll get a lower fare.
Take 10 percent off your first round-trip ticket to/from Atlantic City using this discount code: MISTERAC10. Book and travel by Wednesday, June 30.
OurBus also offers service for South Jersey residents going to New York with a stop at the Atlantic Rest Area outside of Atlantic City in Galloway. For more information, click here.
Numbers game
How many baseballs do you think are in the container? Enter your guess daily at any Resorts Casino Hotel kiosk through Sunday, July 4, for your chance to win. The 10 guests with the closest guesses will win $500 Slot Cash or Match Play. Guess exactly and win $1,000.
Golden Dynasty ‘to go’Golden Dynasty Express at Tropicana offers food to go from 6 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Order online for pick-up or room delivery: https://tac.playbytr.com.
Check out my conversation about casino hosts with URComped CEO Craig Shacklett. Click here.
Fore!
North Beach Mini Golf Club LLC has submitted plans to New Jersey’s Casino Reinvestment Development Authority to construct an 18-hole miniature golf course on top of a deck that connects to the Boardwalk via a pedestrian bridge. The proposal has been drawn up by Miniature Golf Solutions, a Florida-based company that has been designing courses for more than 25 years. The site is currently a vacant stretch of land, fronting the Atlantic Ocean, and situated next to the Altman Playground a few blocks from the Absecon Lighthouse. The 8,500-sq. ft. property sits along the northern area of the Boardwalk that was recently reconstructed to the south inlet. The design of the course seeks to help maintain light, air and open space in the neighborhood, and will offer views of the Absecon Inlet along Atlantic City’s northern end. The club will sport a natural motif that includes greenery, streams and a pond, plus a small clubhouse structure to accommodate ticket sales. The course is slated to feature historical decorations and references within the holes’ obstacles. The facility, slated to open later this year, plans to offer seasonal bicycle rentals and anticipates being open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Ocean Casino to invest $15 million in renovations, staff
Ocean Casino Resort is spending $15 million, mostly on renovations. The work will include upgrades to the casino floor, with new pathways to be installed throughout the casino so guests can more easily navigate between games. The property also will introduce a new Asian gambling area, add 250 new slot machines, and open two new lounges for holders of its loyalty card. In addition, the casino said it is earmarking more than $1 million for raises and bonuses for employees this year.
PFL quarantines at Ocean Casino The Professional Fighters League (PFL) will hold its six-week 2021 regular season in a bubble at Ocean Casino Resort beginning Friday, April 23. Fighters will arrive 17 days before their scheduled fights. There will be daily testing, mask requirements and fighters will be kept separated until the fights, the PFL said. Fighters also will have access to training facilities, the PFL cage and a variety of meal options. The season will be a made-for-TV production with no fans expected to attend. Ocean was previously a stop in the PFL’s 2018 and 2019 seasons. Headlining opening night will be Anthony Pettis and Clay Collard. Also included on the card are Natan “Russo” Schulte, Lance Palmer, Marcin Held and Bubba Jenkins. The other events of the season will be held April 29, May 6, June 10 and June 17 – all Thursdays, as well as Friday, June 25.
Stardust gets in your eyesStardust, a fixture on the Las Vegas Strip from the late 1950s through 2006, will be “resurrected” as Boyd Gaming Corp. and FanDuel Group plans to launch Stardust-branded online casinos in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. “While the resort has been gone for more than a decade, the Stardust brand is still as well-known and popular as ever,” said Keith Smith, president and CEO of Boyd Gaming, owner of the Stardust brand. In New Jersey, FanDuel plans to rebrand its existing Betfair Casino under the Stardust brand; in Pennsylvania, Stardust will be a new entry into the market. Pending final regulatory approval in each state, the Stardust casinos are expected to be ready for players this month, with apps available for iOS and Android. Goodbye, Steve! After more than 43 years in the casino business, Caesars Entertainment Inc. Eastern Regional President and Casino Association of New Jersey President Steve Callender retired Wednesday, March 31.
PFL quarantines at Ocean Casino The Professional Fighters League (PFL) will hold its six-week 2021 regular season in a bubble at Ocean Casino Resort beginning Friday, April 23. Fighters will arrive 17 days before their scheduled fights. There will be daily testing, mask requirements and fighters will be kept separated until the fights, the PFL said. Fighters also will have access to training facilities, the PFL cage and a variety of meal options. The season will be a made-for-TV production with no fans expected to attend. Ocean was previously a stop in the PFL’s 2018 and 2019 seasons. Headlining opening night will be Anthony Pettis and Clay Collard. Also included on the card are Natan “Russo” Schulte, Lance Palmer, Marcin Held and Bubba Jenkins. The other events of the season will be held April 29, May 6, June 10 and June 17 – all Thursdays, as well as Friday, June 25.
Stardust gets in your eyesStardust, a fixture on the Las Vegas Strip from the late 1950s through 2006, will be “resurrected” as Boyd Gaming Corp. and FanDuel Group plans to launch Stardust-branded online casinos in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. “While the resort has been gone for more than a decade, the Stardust brand is still as well-known and popular as ever,” said Keith Smith, president and CEO of Boyd Gaming, owner of the Stardust brand. In New Jersey, FanDuel plans to rebrand its existing Betfair Casino under the Stardust brand; in Pennsylvania, Stardust will be a new entry into the market. Pending final regulatory approval in each state, the Stardust casinos are expected to be ready for players this month, with apps available for iOS and Android. Goodbye, Steve! After more than 43 years in the casino business, Caesars Entertainment Inc. Eastern Regional President and Casino Association of New Jersey President Steve Callender retired Wednesday, March 31.
‘Insider’ tips on what’s happening in April
Here are other “insider” tips about what’s happening in Atlantic City during April:
Caesars Atlantic City
Promotions
Free parking - Earn 10 tier credits and swipe at any rewards kiosk to print a voucher for free parking.
Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina
Promotions
Free self-parking continues.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Promotions
Players who earned $10 in comps last month automatically qualify for a progressive drawing on Sunday, April 25.
Every 30 minutes from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, nine Wild Card Rewards cardholders will win $500 in Bonus Free Play or Promo Chips and one contestant will get a chance at $100,000. At 6 p.m., two contestants have a chance to win $100,000.
Hard Rock continues its Wild Card Rewards tier match program until further notice. Details here.
Entertainment and Events
The Lobby Bar offers free live entertainment plus drink specials every Saturday and Sunday.
The Bourbon Trail (April 23), Vic DiBitetto (April 23 and 24), Motor City Live (April 24 and 25).
Ocean Casino Resort
Promotions
New and inactive Ocean Rewards cardholders can show their players card from an Atlantic City competitor and Ocean will match that card.
Every 30 minutes from 2 to 10 p.m. on Thursdays in April, two Ocean Rewards cardholders get a chance to win $500 in free play. Activate your free entry at any Rewards Kiosk from noon to 9:45 p.m.
Ocean Rewards cardholders will receive a 10X free play multiplier on Sunday, April 25. Visit a promotional kiosk from noon to 11:59 p.m. to activate your multiplier. Participants will receive 10X their earned same day free play and be able to redeem 1X as same day free play on April 25 and then the remaining 9X will be available on Monday, April 26, and be valid for 90 days. 10X free play is valid on slot play only. Amount multiplied is based on same day free play earnings from 6 a.m. on April 25 to 5:59 a.m. on April 26. Daily free play offer is not the amount multiplied. Same day free play will expire after 90 days of inactivity.
Free self-parking continues for all Ocean Rewards Club cardholders.
Visit the Ocean Rewards Club for details.
Entertainment and EventsOcean now offers live entertainment at 6:15 p.m. every Friday and Saturday at Villain & Saint and SkyCafe. Resorts Casino HotelPromotionsNew and inactive Star cardholders can show their players card from an Atlantic City competitor and Resorts Casino Hotel will match that card. Plus, for a limited time, new Star cardholders will receive a complimentary room when Resorts matches your card. Visit the Promotions Booth for details. Premiere Star cardholders who earn two tier points during a gaming day park free in the self-park garage at Resorts. Check any promotional kiosk to confirm the points and present a valid Star card at the exit. Visit the Promotions Booth for details on all promotions. Tropicana Atlantic CityEntertainment and EventsLive music has returned every Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Tango’s Lounge.
AC Jokes comedy club performs live at Kiss Kiss Nightclub nightly at 8 p.m., except Saturdays when showtime is 7 and 9 p.m. Shows last about 90 minutes. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.ACJokes.com.
Visit the Ocean Rewards Club for details.
Entertainment and EventsOcean now offers live entertainment at 6:15 p.m. every Friday and Saturday at Villain & Saint and SkyCafe. Resorts Casino HotelPromotionsNew and inactive Star cardholders can show their players card from an Atlantic City competitor and Resorts Casino Hotel will match that card. Plus, for a limited time, new Star cardholders will receive a complimentary room when Resorts matches your card. Visit the Promotions Booth for details. Premiere Star cardholders who earn two tier points during a gaming day park free in the self-park garage at Resorts. Check any promotional kiosk to confirm the points and present a valid Star card at the exit. Visit the Promotions Booth for details on all promotions. Tropicana Atlantic CityEntertainment and EventsLive music has returned every Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Tango’s Lounge.
AC Jokes comedy club performs live at Kiss Kiss Nightclub nightly at 8 p.m., except Saturdays when showtime is 7 and 9 p.m. Shows last about 90 minutes. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.ACJokes.com.
What’s ahead next month. . .
May 30: Comedian Andrew Santino, Hard Rock
Leave the parking to them
Valet parking has returned to several Atlantic City casinos.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa - Gold, Platinum and NOIR M life Rewards cardholders receive complimentary valet parking every day.
Caesars Atlantic City - Valet parking for Seven Stars cardholders is now available from 4 p.m. Fridays to 8 p.m. Sundays. After hours, your car can be retrieved at the front entrance of the hotel/porte-cochère.
Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina - Valet currently is open only on weekends. Chairman and Elite cardholders will continue to receive complimentary parking. Upon arrival all vehicle occupants must have a face covering and valet team members also will be wearing face coverings, as well as protective gloves at all times. Guests will be asked
to lower their windows, and turn off air conditioning or heating in the vehicle. Keys are to be left in the center console cup holder. Through departure disposable steering wheel covers will be applied. Upon request, all high touch areas such as the gear shift, handles and window switches will be wiped down with a disinfectant. For more details, click here.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City - Valet parking is complimentary for Wild Card Rewards Rock Royalty and X cardholders. For all others, it’s $25 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and $20 during the week.
Ocean Casino Resort - Chairman, Black and Platinum Ocean Rewards Club cardholders receive free valet parking every day. All others pay $15 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and $10 Monday to Thursday.
Tropicana Atlantic City - Available only to Caesars Rewards Seven Stars cardholders, parking is complimentary from noon Fridays through 4 p.m. Sundays.
Ocean Casino Resort - Chairman, Black and Platinum Ocean Rewards Club cardholders receive free valet parking every day. All others pay $15 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and $10 Monday to Thursday.
Tropicana Atlantic City - Available only to Caesars Rewards Seven Stars cardholders, parking is complimentary from noon Fridays through 4 p.m. Sundays.
Lounging around: Your guide to Atlantic City players lounges
Bally’s - The VIP Lounge is located on the sixth floor restaurant level and is open to Red and Black cardholders.
Borgata – The Amphora Lounge is located in the former Borgata Buffet. The Society Club is located just off the casino floor. Turn left as you enter the casino from the self-park garage. Borgata is giving the public a chance to preview the food and atmosphere of the Amphora Lounge Mondays to Thursdays through the end of March. For $29.99 (plus tax, gratuity and alcoholic beverages) you can sample all-you-can eat delicacies created by Borgata’s all-star culinary team. Doors open at 3 p.m. and last seating is at 8:30. Regular admission policies apply for Gold, Platinum and NOIR M life Rewards cardholders, who also have access to the lounge Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Caesars - The Seven Stars Lounge is located next to Nero’s on the dining level above the second floor casino. Take the circular elevator or the steps near the Laurel Lounge. The Laurel Lounge is located on the second floor of the casino near the Circus Maximus showroom.
Borgata – The Amphora Lounge is located in the former Borgata Buffet. The Society Club is located just off the casino floor. Turn left as you enter the casino from the self-park garage. Borgata is giving the public a chance to preview the food and atmosphere of the Amphora Lounge Mondays to Thursdays through the end of March. For $29.99 (plus tax, gratuity and alcoholic beverages) you can sample all-you-can eat delicacies created by Borgata’s all-star culinary team. Doors open at 3 p.m. and last seating is at 8:30. Regular admission policies apply for Gold, Platinum and NOIR M life Rewards cardholders, who also have access to the lounge Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Caesars - The Seven Stars Lounge is located next to Nero’s on the dining level above the second floor casino. Take the circular elevator or the steps near the Laurel Lounge. The Laurel Lounge is located on the second floor of the casino near the Circus Maximus showroom.
It will be interesting to see how Caesars enforces this. Plus, how can you spend more than 90 minutes there? (And, by the way, it’s Seven Stars, not Seven Star.) And, is Harrah’s Resort next? What about the Laurel Lounges? Will there be limits placed on those? Tropicana already imposes a 60-minute limit.
Golden Nugget – The Chairmans Club on the fourth floor of Golden Nugget is now closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. However, in place of that benefit, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Elite and Chairman 24K Select Club cardholders can order off a special menu at Michael Patrick’s Brasserie under the same rules that apply for Chairman Club admission.
Hard Rock – The Plum Lounge is located off the main casino floor. Admission is complimentary for X Cardholders and one guest. Legends Lounge is located in the Seminole Ballroom. Admission is complimentary for X Cardholders; 10 comp dollars each for Rock Royalty cardholders and one guest. On days when the Legends Lounge is closed, Hard Rock honors a 10 comp dollar per person price at the Fresh Harvest Buffet for Rock Royalty cardholders plus one guest. Harrah’s – The Laurel Lounge and Seven Stars Lounges are now located in the former Waterfront Buffet. Seven Stars cardholders should use the line to the far left.
Ocean Casino Resort – While the Chairman and VIP Lounges are temporarily closed, the VIP Lounge, open to all Black, Chairman and Platinum Ocean Rewards Club cardholders, is located in the area outside Ovation Hall. The lounge offers cocktails and other beverages, as well as full-service dining. Chairman cardholders are permitted up to three guests and Black cardholders are permitted one guest at no charge. For Platinum cardholders and up to one guest it’s 10 comp dollars per person.
Resorts – The VIP Lounge is located on the second level of the Premium Slot area (“Hollywood Hills”) and is limited to Red Carpet, Paramount Plus and Paramount cardholders. Admission for Epic cardholders is limited to Thursdays (1 to 8 p.m.) and Sundays (noon to 8 p.m.). The charge is 12 comp dollars per person for the cardholder and up to one guest.
Tropicana – The Laurel Lounge (the former TROP Advantage VIP Lounge) is located on the left just as you enter the casino from The Quarter. Visits are limited to 60 minutes and restricted to Caesars Rewards Seven Stars, Diamond Elite, Diamond Plus and Diamond cardholders, and TROP Advantage Black and Platinum cardholders.
Hard Rock – The Plum Lounge is located off the main casino floor. Admission is complimentary for X Cardholders and one guest. Legends Lounge is located in the Seminole Ballroom. Admission is complimentary for X Cardholders; 10 comp dollars each for Rock Royalty cardholders and one guest. On days when the Legends Lounge is closed, Hard Rock honors a 10 comp dollar per person price at the Fresh Harvest Buffet for Rock Royalty cardholders plus one guest. Harrah’s – The Laurel Lounge and Seven Stars Lounges are now located in the former Waterfront Buffet. Seven Stars cardholders should use the line to the far left.
Ocean Casino Resort – While the Chairman and VIP Lounges are temporarily closed, the VIP Lounge, open to all Black, Chairman and Platinum Ocean Rewards Club cardholders, is located in the area outside Ovation Hall. The lounge offers cocktails and other beverages, as well as full-service dining. Chairman cardholders are permitted up to three guests and Black cardholders are permitted one guest at no charge. For Platinum cardholders and up to one guest it’s 10 comp dollars per person.
Resorts – The VIP Lounge is located on the second level of the Premium Slot area (“Hollywood Hills”) and is limited to Red Carpet, Paramount Plus and Paramount cardholders. Admission for Epic cardholders is limited to Thursdays (1 to 8 p.m.) and Sundays (noon to 8 p.m.). The charge is 12 comp dollars per person for the cardholder and up to one guest.
Tropicana – The Laurel Lounge (the former TROP Advantage VIP Lounge) is located on the left just as you enter the casino from The Quarter. Visits are limited to 60 minutes and restricted to Caesars Rewards Seven Stars, Diamond Elite, Diamond Plus and Diamond cardholders, and TROP Advantage Black and Platinum cardholders.
Casinos extend 2020 tier level benefits, comp expirations
Caesars Rewards - Instead of expiring Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, Caesars Rewards 2020 tier status will be extended through Monday, Jan. 31, 2022.
M life Rewards (Borgata) - MGM Resorts International has announced more updates to its M life® Rewards program in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is a participant in M life. M life Rewards tier status – whether NOIR, Platinum, Gold or Pearl – earned in 2019 or in 2020, will be extended through Monday, Jan. 31, 2022. With this extension, MGM also is changing its earning year to Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 from what's historically been Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, extending benefits an additional three months and moving to an easier to understand and track calendar earning year. Required credits to earn or maintain these levels will return to their normal levels of 25,000 for Pearl, 75,000 for Gold and 200,000 for Platinum for the earning year beginning Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Borgata also is extending the expiration dates for M life Rewards Points and Express Comps until March 31. In addition, MGM will continue to evaluate this policy over the coming months. According to an email from CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle, “We recognize that current events make it difficult, if not impossible, for so many to travel and we don’t want you to have ongoing concerns around your ability to enjoy rewards you have earned over time.”
Wild Card Rewards - Hard Rock has changed its earning period to a calendar year – Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. While players begin earning toward their 2022 status on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, they will keep their current status through Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021. Tier benefits for status earned through Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020, will become available Monday, March 1, 2021. Beginning Jan. 1, 2021, there will be changes to tier earning thresholds allowing players to accumulate tier points 20 times faster. To earn Rock Royalty and Elite status, players must earn 4,000 and 15,000 tier points, respectively – up from 750 and 250 points. “Rest assured that we have made it easier for you to advance through our tiers, even though the tier point requirements have increased,” according to an email players received. Also, beginning on March 1, Hard Rock will be partnering with its Seminole Hard Rock properties in Florida to offer new benefits for X Card and Rock Royalty cardholders.
Resort fees for all hotel stays will be waived for Rock Royalty and X Card Wild Card Rewards cardholders.
Ocean Rewards - Ocean is changing its earning periods to Jan. 1 to June 30 and July 1 to Dec. 31 from what historically has been Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. Account information is available to view via the Player Portal located at https://www.theoceanac.com/rewardslogin/.
Star Card (Resorts Casino Hotel) - Resorts Casino Hotel’s Epic Star cardholders now need to earn only three tier points to receive cashback. Previously they had to earn 10. Cashback is available 72 hours after a trip and can be used in $5 increments.
Cruise news you can use
CDC issues additional guidance
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued the next phase of guidance that eventually will allow cruises to resume from U.S. homeports. The agency’s guidance doesn’t replace the Framework for Conditional Sailing that went into effect Oct. 30; rather, it signals a number of changes that will be necessary in order to begin test voyages from U.S. ports of call. The CDC’s new guidance comes days after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged the cruise industry be allowed to restart, with the state’s attorney general even threatening legal action against the government agency. The Cruise Lines International Association, which represents the majority of the world’s cruise fleet, also had called on the CDC to rescind its long-standing orders against cruising. As part of the next phase of the Framework for Conditional Sailing, the new guidance requires cruise lines to establish agreements at ports where they intend to operate. This requires that cruise lines demonstrate they have the necessary infrastructure in place to manage an outbreak onboard, and have healthcare capacity and housing for quarantining known and suspected cases of COVID-19. Lines also must commit to the routine testing of crews and develop plans to incorporate vaccination strategies for crew and port workers to reduce the risk of infection and spread of COVID-19 throughout the vessel. The CDC’s technical instructions also direct that cruise operators be required to shift from weekly to daily reporting of COVID-19 cases and illness onboard vessels. Many cruise operators already have committed to requiring passengers and crew to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and that number increases exponentially as operators flesh out their plans for restart outside the United States. “[The] CDC is committed to working with the cruise industry and seaport partners to resume cruising when it is safe to do so, following the phased approach outlined in the CSO.”
CDC extends no-sail orderDespite a request from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to lift the order several months early, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has extended its no-sail order until Monday, Nov. 1. CLIA said it believes cruise lines are ready to sail again from U.S. ports and asked the CDC to allow for a phased resumption by the beginning of July. The CLIA also called on the CDC to update its most recent no-sail order, which has been in effect since October 2020. “The outdated CSO, which was issued almost five months ago, does not reflect the industry’s proven advancements and success operating in other parts of the world, nor the advent of vaccines, and unfairly treats cruises differently. Cruise lines should be treated the same as other travel, tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors,” CLIA’s President and CEO Kelly Craighead said. The CDC said it is working on updating its no-sail order.
Carnival launches new Fun Match program
Casino players are now eligible to receive offers directly from Carnival Cruise Line based on their tier status with any land-based or cruise line casino loyalty program. By signing up, you could be eligible for free and discounted rooms, free drinks, upgrades, free casino play and other benefits. Eligible guests even may be eligible for free suites and balcony cabins. To qualify, complete a short registration form and upload an image of your players card from any casino or cruise line. Once you sign up, wait three to five days to see if you are eligible for one of Carnival’s offers, which then can be redeemed on a wide variety of sailings. Click here.
CDC mandates masksThe U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have made face masks mandatory on all forms of transportation within the United States, including aboard cruise ships and inside cruise terminals across the country. The new guidance, which took effect Tuesday, Feb. 2, also mandates the use of face masks by all travelers within, to or out of the United States onboard all airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber. In addition, because they are classified as transportation hubs, all bus stations, subway stations, airports and cruise terminals must require all travelers to use face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Masks also will be required upon embarkation and disembarkation to/from cruise ships, along with other forms of transportation, within the United States. Most of the world’s cruise lines already have introduced guidance requiring the use of face masks when passengers are in the vessel’s public areas, except while eating or drinking.
Canada extends cruise ship ban
The Canadian government has extended its ban on cruise operations through February 2022. The extended ban complicates cruise operators’ efforts to restart sailings in North America this year, prolonging their hiatus since voyages came to a halt in March 2020 due to coronavirus outbreaks on ships. The ban had been scheduled to expire later this month. The Canadian measure applies to cruise vessels carrying 100 or more people, Canadian Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said. “Temporary prohibitions to cruise vessels and pleasure craft are essential to continue to protect the most vulnerable among our communities and avoid overwhelming our health-care systems,” Alghabra added. “This is the right and responsible thing to do.”
Latest podcasts and interviews are now available online.
April 1 ZorkCast podcast with Dave Grossman from Miles Talk, hosted by Michael Trager of TravelZork and Marc Meltz of EDGeVegas.com is available online. Click on image above or here.
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Sample Spreadsheet
Keep track of your slot dollars (cashback), comp dollars and tier credits using this simple spreadsheet. Click on the graphic to download an Excel spreadsheet which you can personalize.
Current casino ATM fees
Bally’s - $5.99Borgata - $5.99*Caesars - $5.99Golden Nugget - $6.99Hard Rock - $5.99Harrah’s - $5.99 Ocean Casino - $6.95Resorts - $5.99Tropicana - $5.99
*no charge for Wells Fargo customers
*no charge for Wells Fargo customers
Darryl D. McEwen
Mr. AC Casino
In addition to writing the bi-wwekly column, Mr. AC Casino, for the Atlantic City Weekly, recreational gambler Darryl D. McEwen is publisher of the Seven Stars Insider – both the website (SevenStarsInsider.com) and the monthly newsletter. For a free subscription to the newsletter, email him at SevenStarsInsider@gmail.com and tell him how you heard about it. You also can download the newsletter from the website where he frequently updates news about Caesars Entertainment Corp., Eldorado Resorts Inc. and Caesars Rewards under “Latest News” on the Home page. In addition, be sure to follow @7StarsInsider on Twitter.
A former professional journalist, based in Wilmington, Del., Darryl is president of his own consulting firm that manages several small national and international trade associations, and provides public relations and fundraising services for a number of charitable organizations.
Have a comment or a question specifically related to an Atlantic City casino, players club or other promotion? Email Darryl at MrACCasino@gmail.com and he’ll try to respond to you personally. Your question – without your name – may appear in a future column. Follow him on Twitter @MrACCasino.
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