Due For A Win

On episode 182 of the Atlantic City and Casino Biz Podcast, Kyle and Craig look back at the city’s first streetlight and its second pier, then discuss Bruce Springsteen’s “Atlantic City.”

In trip planning news, we’re almost certainly going to Maryland Live! the night of September 10th, but we’re much less certain about our next Atlantic City trip.

In news that isn’t that new:

• Hash House A Go Go, Ossu Japanese Tavern, and Wild Honey Smokehouse and Tavern have all opened at Tropicana. More new stuff still to come.
• The reservation system for Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars went live on September 2nd.
• Bally’s Corp. is close to completing its $308 million purchase of Tropicana Las Vegas.
• Atlantic City casinos have posted their Q2 profit reports.

Like the podcast? Think there’s something we should discuss? Let us know in the comments, reach out to us on Twitter, post it in our Facebook group, or email us at [email protected].

Episode info: [ 0:34:57 | 16.8 MB | download here ]

On episode 181 of the Atlantic City and Casino Biz Podcast, Kyle and Craig look back at the creation of Lucy the Elephant in 1881, then another three casino openings in 1981, including the short-lived Playboy Hotel & Casino (read about it at TravelZork.com). Then we talk about some news before wrapping up our Boardwalk Empire watchthrough.

The news:

• AC’s ocean water hit a record high temperature.
• Gratuity is being automatically added at certain casino restaurants — even for takeout.
• The July gambling revenue data is out.

Like the podcast? Think there’s something we should discuss? Let us know in the comments, reach out to us on Twitter, post it in our Facebook group, or email us at [email protected].

Episode info: [ 0:36:25 | 17.5 MB | download here ]

On episode 180 of the Atlantic City and Casino Biz Podcast, Kyle and Craig look back at the city’s first pier, the openings of three more casinos, and a movie we’ve never watched. Then we get into the news before answering your questions about where to find a good AC events calendar, the differences between the various hotel towers at Tropicana, whether we agree with a Forbes article claiming Hard Rock is AC’s best resort, and more.

News:

• The Atlantic City Air Show is August 24th.
• Tony’s Baltimore Grill got its stolen furniture back.
• Chicken Guy! opens at Harrah’s on August 30th.
• You can register now for the Atlantic City Pickleball Open.
• Hard Rock AC President Joe Lupo will run the Mirage (future Hard Rock Las Vegas) once Hard Rock takes it over.

Like the podcast? Think there’s something we should discuss? Let us know in the comments, reach out to us on Twitter, post it in our Facebook group, or email us at [email protected].

Episode info: [ 0:35:34 | 17.1 MB | download here ]

On episode 179 of the Atlantic City and Casino Biz Podcast, Kyle and Craig look back at a famous old hotel that got a drastic makeover, then talk about how Atlantic City’s second and third casinos did some hotel makeovers of their own. Then we reminisce some more about our last trip before getting into the news:

• Seven Out’s Vinny Chenz was on the latest episode of The Bettor Life.
• All nine AC casinos have reached agreements with the casino workers union.
• The renovated pool at Resorts is open.
• The Laurel Lounge at Caesars is closed.
• Nero’s at Caesars is closing sometime in September.
• Casino revenue lagged a bit in June. (PDF)

Like the podcast? Think there’s something we should discuss? Let us know in the comments, reach out to us on Twitter, post it in our Facebook group, or email us at [email protected].

Episode info: [ 0:38:31 | 18.5 MB | download here ]

On Episode 178 of the Atlantic City and Casino Biz Podcast, Kyle and Craig look back at expanding rail service in 1878 and the city’s first casino in 1978, then give a full trip report!

Reviews include:

• Hard Rock South Tower room
• Resorts Rendezvous Tower room
• Hard Rock vs. Resorts casinos
• Greyhound vs. the train
• Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall
• Biergarten
• The Yard at Bally’s
• Coral Lounge at Resorts
• Steel Pier Pizza … twice!
• The Wheel at Steel Pier
• Hard Rock Center Bar
• Alexia’s at Hard Rock
• Perry’s Cafe
• Lucky Snake … again.

Like the podcast? Think there’s something we should discuss? Let us know in the comments, reach out to us on Twitter, post in our Facebook group, or email us at [email protected].

Episode info: [ 0:43:53 | 21.1 MB | download here ]

On episode 177 of the Atlantic City and Casino Biz Podcast, Kyle and Craig read a 145-year-old AC trip report and look back at the closing of an iconic Boardwalk hotel. Then, Craig gives his trip report after an hour and 45 minutes at Lucky Snake with kids. And we finish up with some news:

• Bar One at Resorts has been transformed into the Coral Lounge for the summer.
• The Waterfront Buffet at Harrah’s will be replaced by a food court.
• The new sports book at Ocean opened on July 1st.
• An AC art gallery has an exhibit where all the works incorporate pizza boxes from Tony’s Baltimore Grill.
• And Tony’s Baltimore Grill is offering a $1,500 reward for information about stolen outdoor furniture.
• Also, we didn’t talk about it, but the casinos and workers struck a deal to avoid a strike.

Like the podcast? Think there’s something we should discuss? Let us know in the comments, reach out to us on Twitter, post in our Facebook group, or email us at [email protected].

Episode info: [ 0:32:58 | 15.8 MB | download here ]

On episode 176 of the Atlantic City and Casino Biz Podcast, Kyle and Craig look back at a bygone tradition and a momentous election. Then we do some housekeeping on our trip report episode, answer listener questions about walking around town and advantage play, and discuss the news:

• Hard Rock has opened a new VIP players lounge called The Terrace.
• Casino workers have voted to authorize a strike against five casinos.
• The May gambling revenue data is out.

Like the podcast? Think there’s something we should discuss? Let us know in the comments, reach out to us on Twitter, post in our Facebook group, or email us at [email protected].

Episode info: [ 0:31:14 | 15.0 MB | download here ]

On episode 175 of the Atlantic City and Casino Biz Podcast, Kyle and Craig look back at the Commodore’s move to AC and the 1975 U.S. Women’s Open, then give a full trip report! Reviews include:

• Ocean rooms
• Caesars renovated Centurion Tower rooms
• Back Bay Ale House
• Dougherty’s Happy Hour
• Pic-a-Lilli (but no wings)
• Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall
• Nola’s at Ocean
• Serendipity3
• Gilchrist (but no coffee)
• Lucky Snake (including Raceway)
• Atlantic City Eatery
• Biergarten
• KWI
• Water Dog

There’s just one news link, which is an article about all the renovations and updates planned for Caesars.

Like the podcast? Think there’s something we should discuss? Let us know in the comments, reach out to us on Twitter, post it in our Facebook group, or email us at [email protected].

Episode info: [ 1:04:52 | 31.1 MB | download here ]

On episode 174 of the Atlantic City and Casino Biz Podcast, Kyle and Craig look back at 1874 and 1974, then try to plan our trip with Kyle’s status totally up in the air. We also discuss some openings, development plans, and other news.

• The AC casino workers’ contract expired and workers have begun picketing (but no strike yet).
• Rum Point has re-opened at Harrah’s.
• Serendipity3 has opened at Ocean.
• B Prime Steakhouse is opening in the old Bobby Flay Steak location at Borgata.
• Ocean is adding 460 rooms and suites.
• Bart Blatstein has secured private funding to build the water park at Showboat.

Like the podcast? Think there’s something we should discuss? Let us know in the comments, reach out to us on Twitter, post it in our Facebook group, or email us at [email protected].

Episode info: [ 0:36:51 | 17.7 MB | download here ]

On episode 173 of the Atlantic City and Casino Biz Podcast, Kyle and Craig look back at “one of the fanciest hotels in Atlantic City’s heyday,” as well as the demise of the famous 500 Club. We look forward to our trip, then get into some news:

• The Go-Kart track at Lucky Snake is open.
• There’s a new mini golf course on the Boardwalk.
• The Carousel Bar at Bally’s is in a soft opening phase.
• The head of the casino workers’ union said a strike is possible.
• Hard Rock is rebranding its loyalty program.
• April casino revenue data is out.

Like the podcast? Think there’s something we should discuss? Let us know in the comments, reach out to us on Twitter, post it in our Facebook group, or email us at [email protected].

Episode info: [ 0:36:26 | 17.5 MB | download here ]