[ 1:26:13 | 39.5 MB | download here ]

In episode 8 of the Atlantic City and Casino Biz Podcast, Kyle and Craig discuss:

• The “intervention” bill (state takeover) progresses…
  • And Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian is not pleased;
• Bart Blatstein named developer of the Garden Pier;
• New Jersey sets rules for skill-based gaming;
• Tropicana’s getting a weird new Ivan Kane nightclub, with “dispassionate” dancers;
• Trip Report!
  • Gambled a lot at Caesars and Bally’s even though we said we weren’t going to;
  • Tried the Bally’s Boardwalk Bar so you don’t have to;
  • Didn’t love Tropicana;
  • Did love Resorts (and Royal Hunt video poker);
  • Roulette is terrible;
  • Royal flushes are not;

In the news:

• Newark Star-Ledger’s editorial board has some hot takery for Don Guardian;
• NPR Fresh Air episode: “Going For Broke: Atlantic City Falls On Hard Times”;
• The New York Times: ‘A Crisis Every Day’ for the Mayor Trying to Rescue Atlantic City;
• Read the whole intervention bill here, if you must.
• Revel and Showboat: still closed.

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

P.S. the cocktail in question is the Trifecta at The Continental.

P.P.S. I’m just gonna leave this here…

[ 1:03:31 | 29.1 MB | download here ]

In episode 7 of the Atlantic City and Casino Biz Podcast, Kyle and Craig discuss:

• AC could run out of money on Feb. 24th;
• State financial oversight bill will likely be introduced Feb. 16th;
• Wild Wild West at Bally’s has added Boardwalk Saloon, will be adding Guy Fieri BBQ joint;
• Listener trip report: Golden Nugget with a host;
• More about what we want and get in comps;
• Plans for our Feb. 19th-20th trip!
  • (Here’s Barnyard Poker, in case you’re wondering.)
• Revel and Showboat: still closed.

In the news:

• State Senate President Steve Sweeney thinks Atlantic County should use its high bond rating to issue bonds that would pay for Atlantic City’s debt…
• And why not have the County buy AC’s water utility while we’re at it?

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

[ 1:15:56 | 34.8 MB | download here ]

In episode 6 of the Atlantic City and Casino Biz Podcast, Kyle and Craig discuss:

• NJ Governor Chris Christie “pocket vetoes” the PILOT bill;
• State wants more involvement in AC finances, but don’t call it a takeover;
• State-appointed Emergency Manager Kevin Lavin moves on;
• Glenn Straub says he’ll open Revel space as water park, smaller casino;
• Borgata and Tropicana spending on renovations;
• Shaquille O’Neal is backing a $75 million urban redevelopment project;
• We discuss the pros and cons of Total Rewards;
• And talk about hosts and comps, thanks to our first listener email!
• Revel and Showboat: still closed.

In the news:

• Don Guardian’s “open letter” in the Philadelphia Business Journal;
• Borgata’s press release about renovations, with dizzying 3D video!
• Press of Atlantic City’s article on Christie not signing the PILOT bill.

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

(1:17:23, 35.4 MB, download here)

In episode 5 of the Atlantic City and Casino Biz Podcast, Kyle and Craig discuss:

• North Jersey casinos will be on the ballot;
• PILOT bill has passed state Assembly and Senate;
• State is threatening a takeover of Atlantic City;
  • Head of the AC casino workers’ union backs the state takeover;
• Bart Blatstein’s purchase of Showboat has gone through;
• Appeals court upholds ruling allowing Trump Taj Mahal to strip benefits and pensions;
• Planned water park at former Atlantic Club falls through;
• Revel and Showboat: still closed.

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

In episode 4 of the Atlantic City and Casino Biz Podcast, Kyle and Craig discuss:

• Atlantic City owes Borgata all the money, could go bankrupt;
• Steel Pier owes its creditors money, could lose half its rides;
• North Jersey casinos might be on the ballot, could cost AC more casinos;
• The Playground breaks a Guinness World Record, no one talks about it;
• But hey, Borgata is getting a new club!
• And the CRDA has approved plans for the “Polercoaster”!
• Revel and Showboat: still closed.

In the news:

• A bit about the North Jersey casino referendum proposals;
• But it might not be on the ballot after all;
• State Assembly’s proposal will have public hearing on Jan. 7th.

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

In episode 3 of the Atlantic City and Casino Biz Podcast, Kyle and Craig discuss:

• New Jersey moving to lift the deed restriction on Showboat;
• Are North Jersey casinos going to kill Atlantic City?
• Caesars lobbies to get beneficial bankruptcy language into unrelated government spending bill;
• Bally’s renovates rooms, names them after Vegas show that is about to close;
• Borgata gets a new celebrity chef restaurant;
• The issues with the Total Rewards website;
• Revel and Showboat: still closed.

In the news:

• Competing plans for a statewide referendum on North Jersey casinos;
• But 56 percent of NJ residents oppose it.

Like the podcast? Hate it? Think there’s some way we can make it better or something we should discuss? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter.