Atlantic City December 2020
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order last month extending the public health emergency, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order originally was declared on March 9.
Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed. “Despite the hope that is on the horizon, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over,” said Murphy. “We continue to utilize all resources available and will need the ability to do so as we battle this virus through the second wave that has enveloped our nation and our state.”
In addition, Murphy has ordered bars, restaurants and nightclubs to halt indoor dining from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. “We need to change our mindset, we have to shake off the pandemic fatigue that we all feel,” Murphy said. Takeout and outdoor dining may continue past 10 p.m., Murphy said, but no bar-side seating is allowed. Another change allows restaurants to seat tables closer than six feet apart if they erect a barrier.
He also said that all indoor interstate athletic events will be prohibited. “This is not forever and always,” he said. “We basically have a six-month window to beat the virus into the ground.” During the hours they are allowed to be open, bars and restaurants will still be subject to indoor dining restrictions limiting capacity to 25 percent.
For more information and details about COVID-19 in Atlantic City casinos, click here.
Bally’s is sold to Bally’s
Bally’s Corp. officially completed its $25 million purchase of Bally’s Atlantic City on Wednesday, Nov. 18. The company acquired the 1,251-room hotel-casino from Caesars Entertainment Inc. and VICI Properties, with Caesars collecting 25 percent of the proceeds, and the real estate investment trust earning 75 percent. In October, the then-Twin River Worldwide Holdings Inc. paid Caesars $20 million for control of the Bally’s name, brand and intellectual property.
The corporate name change took effect on Nov. 9. Eventually, the company will operate 14 casinos in 10 states, with many of the casinos rebranded as Bally’s properties. As for Bally’s Atlantic City, the company has an agreement with FanDuel to host a sportsbook inside the property. The deal also includes three sports betting and five iGaming skins in New Jersey. Bally’s has entered into partnerships with Esports Entertainment Group and Sporttrade Inc. for sports betting skins, and PointsBet and theScore for iGaming skins. Bally’s also will reserve skins for its own use.
Caesars Rewards Loyalty Program cardholders still can use their Reward Credits and Celebration Dinners, and take advantage of free play and gift offers, as well as other benefits at Bally’s. According to a Bally’s Corp. spokesperson, “Bally’s Atlantic City will continue to be a part of Caesars Rewards for the foreseeable future and Bally’s customers will continue to earn and redeem Reward Credits and tier credits. At this time, we do not have an official timeline to share, but expect the property’s transition out of Caesars Rewards to be completed sometime in Q1 of 2021.
More information on the transition will be communicated to Bally’s customers over the coming months.” The only restrictions are that you no longer can sign charges from purchases at Bally’s, e.g., dinner at Guy Fieri’s Chophouse, to your room if you’re staying at Caesars Atlantic City or Harrah’s Resort. Conversely, if you’re staying at Bally’s, you cannot sign charges from Caesars or Harrah’s. In addition, keep in mind that the Wild Wild West Casino is now part of Caesars, not Bally’s. Consequently, if you download free play at a Promotional Kiosk at Bally’s, you can play it only at Bally’s, not the Wild Wild West.
Good sports
Now that the sale is finalized, FanDuel and Bally’s Corp. will open an in-person sportsbook at Bally’s. Once that occurs, all nine Atlantic City casinos will have on-location sportsbooks. FanDuel told The Associated Press that it plans to have a temporary sports betting facility in the casino before the end of the year, and will build a permanent sportsbook in the center of the casino floor next spring.
Toy story
Through Monday, Dec. 7, bring a new unwrapped toy to the Caesars Rewards Center at Tropicana or make a $5 donation for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card. Receive one entry for every toy or $5 donation. Drawing will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Winners will be contacted directly and have until Wednesday, Dec. 30, to claim their prizes.
I’ll drink to that!
Master of Whisky Kevin Loser will host a five-course dinner at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10. He will taste through the unique flavors and traditions of Japanese whisky. Tickets cost $125 per person.
Class act
Hard Rock is conducting a “Coming Home For the Holidays” pastry class at noon on Saturday, Dec. 12. Learn how to make Christmas Peppermint Flan, Christmas Fudge, Pecan Butterball Cookies and Yule Logs. Tickets cost $35 per person.
Something fishy
Hard Rock’s Sushi School is back by popular demand at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 27. Taught by Kuro’s Executive Sushi Chef Shingo Inoue, this class will teach guests the proper skills to make their own sushi. Small bites from Kuro will complement the lesson. Tickets cost $55 per person.
For more information and to purchase tickets for the dinner and the classes click here.
High-Limit Slot Experience
Ocean Casino Resort began construction last month on a new High-Limit Slot Experience with a combination of more than 140 classic games and new video reel products such as “Lightning Cash,” “Dragon Cash,” “Dollar Storm” and “Cash Link.” Adjacent to the Box Office, the area will feature dedicated cocktail service with enhanced beverage selections, private restrooms, and a cage exclusively for guests playing in this section. Look for an opening early next month.
Ocean Casino Resort debuts six new slots
Ocean Casino Resort is the first in the Northeast to debut six new “All Aboard” slot machines, featuring the base games “Dynamite Dash” and “Piggy Pennies.” Within hours of launching its new slots, Ocean had its first jackpot winner of $22,127. The winning did not end there. Two more jackpot winners hit for $15,463 and $15,237, respectively. According to materials provided to the media, “Players ride the rails for a symbol-driven linked progressive jackpot plus a boxcar full of credit prizes with ‘Stay & Spin’ credit-collect bonus action.”
Smoothie operator
For guests looking for a healthy beverage, Ocean has opened Juice Bar, a new smoothie and juice bar, on the lobby level.
Play and you will receive
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.
Jersey lawmakers want to allow college sports betting
Removing a current restriction, New Jersey lawmakers want to amend the state constitution to allow sports betting on all major collegiate games. A bill calling for a public referendum in 2021 was amended Nov. 9 to significantly expand collegiate sports betting in the state.
Current law prohibits betting on college games played anywhere in New Jersey, and it also bans betting on games played in other states involving New Jersey teams. The measure was approved by the Senate Budget Committee, the first of several steps required before it can be placed on next year’s general election ballot.
New Jersey man charged with $1.7M theft outside Bally’s
A former guard and two others stole more than $1.7 million from an armored car parked outside Bally’s Nov. 5. Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner said that Dante McCluney of Newark has been charged with burglary, theft and conspiracy. Two others who participated in the theft have been identified, but are not yet in custody.
The vehicle was owned by Rapid Armored Corp. of Brooklyn, N.Y. Video surveillance footage from the casino revealed three men entering the vehicle and removing what appeared to be bags of cash. The suspects then got into a gray Hyundai sedan and drove away.
McCluney was previously employed by Rapid Armored as an armed guard where he worked the run that serviced Bally’s and became familiar with its timing and procedures, the prosecutor said. An investigation is continuing, and authorities are searching for the two other suspects.
CDC issues new warnings about cruise ship travel
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) raised its warning for cruise ship travel to “Level 4: Very High Level of Covid-19” Nov. 22. “The CDC recommends that all people avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises, worldwide, because the risk of COVID-19 on cruise ships is very high,” the warning states. Although not a total ban on cruising, the Level 4 warning states:
- > Cruise passengers are at increased risk of person-to-person spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, and outbreaks of COVID-19 have been reported on cruise ships.
- > Passengers who decide to go on a cruise should get tested 3 to 5 days after their trip AND stay home for seven days after travel. Even if they test negative, stay home for the full seven days.
- > If they don’t get tested, it’s safest to stay home for 14 days after travel.
The CDC’s warning is for U.S. citizens only; in the United Kingdom the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office has a warning against ocean cruising only. Meanwhile, cruise lines continue to cancel further and further out into next year in an attempt to put in place the 74 measures demanded by the CDC for a safe return to cruising from U.S. ports. It looks unlikely that cruising will restart from the states in earnest anytime soon.
Resorts to welcome new dining concept
This spring Resorts Casino Hotel will enter into a partnership with the Dougherty family, owners and operators of Dock’s Oyster House and The Knife & Fork Inn.
The Doughertys have been a staple in Atlantic City’s restaurant industry for more than 120 years. The new dining concept will feature a classic steakhouse menu, raw bar and live entertainment, and will replace Gallagher’s Steak House.
For up-to-date information on Atlantic City players lounges and valet parking policies, visit MrACCasino.com.
Looking ahead (schedules subject to change):
- Jan. 8 to 10: Jam On’s Atlantic City International Motorcycle Show, Showboat
- Jan. 9: Charlie Wilson, Borgata
- Jan. 29: Sinbad, Borgata
- Jan. 30: Dracula, Atlantic City Ballet, Caesars
Here are other “insider” tips about what’s happening in Atlantic City during December:
Bally’s Atlantic City
Promotions
Caesars Rewards cardholders can make weekly picks by choosing which team they think will win in the eligible NFL football games and activate those picks for their chance to win a share of $60,000 in prizes each week. First place winner each week walks away with $20,000 cash. For further details click here.
Boardwalk Hall
Entertainment and Events
“Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood – Stream Of Consciousness” (Dec. 5, 13 and 19). Click here for tickets.
“A (Virtual) Christmas Vacation With the Griswalds: An Evening With Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo” (Dec. 19). Click here for tickets.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Promotions
Borgata is giving away 777 Bonus Slot Dollars to one winner every seven minutes from noon to 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14. Insert your Mlife Rewards card into a slot machine or open a table games rating from 10 a.m.to 6:30 p.m. for a chance to win. Winners will have 30 minutes to claim their prize at the Mlife Rewards Desk. Winners’ names will be announced overhead and displayed on television screens throughout the casino. Each customer can only win once per event. Must be 21 or older. Valid ID required. Non-transferable. No play required for activation.
Borgata is giving away Bonus Slot Dollars to five players (one from each card tier) every 15 minutes from noon to 7 p,m. on Sunday, Dec. 20. Insert your Mlife Rewards card into any slot machine from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for a chance to win.
Borgata is giving away 1,500 Bonus Slot Dollars to one winner every 15 minutes from noon to 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 21 and 22. Insert your Mlife Rewards card into a slot machine or open a table games rating from 10 a.m.to 6:30 p.m. for a chance to win. Winners will have 30 minutes to claim their prize at the M life Rewards Desk. Winners’ names will be announced overhead and displayed on television screens throughout the casino. Each customer can only win once per event. No play required for activation.
Earn 2X Slot Dollars on Thursday, Dec. 24, and 5X Slot Dollars on Friday, Dec. 25. And, from 7 p.m. to midnight, earn 10X Slot Dollars on Saturday, Dec. 26. Must earn a minimum of $4 Slot Dollars.
Borgata is giving away 2,020 Bonus Slot Dollars to one winner every 20 minutes from noon to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31, and 2,121 Bonus Slot Dollars every 21 minutes from noon to 7 p.m. n Friday, Jan. 1. Insert your Mlife Rewards card into a slot machine or open a table games rating from 10 a.m.to 6:30 p.m. for a chance to win. Winners will have 30 minutes to claim their prize at the Mlife Rewards Desk. Winners’ names will be announced overhead and displayed on television screens throughout the casino. Each customer can only win once per event. No play required for activation.
Gold, Platinum and NOIR Mlife Rewards cardholders receive complimentary valet parking every day.
Pick more winning teams than the Borgata Book and win $20 Bonus Slot Dollars. Entries – starting at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays – can be placed at select Sports Betting kiosks, but are limited to one free entry per week. Entries for each week must be placed by 11 a.m. on Sundays. Details at The Borgata.
Caesars Atlantic City
Promotions
Caesars Rewards Loyalty Program cardholders can make weekly picks by choosing which team they think will win in the eligible NFL football games and activate those picks for their chance to win a share of $60,000 in prizes each week. First place winner each week walks away with $20,000 cash. For further details click here.
Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina
Entertainment and Events
Orin Swift Virtual Wine Dinner (Dec. 11), $250 (plus tax) per person. For more information or to make a reservation visit Chart House.
Promotions
Earn entries Tuesday, Dec. 1, to Friday, Jan. 1, to win a 2021 BMW 430 Coupe — one entry for every 25 base tier credits (5X bonus entries every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in December). Grand Finale is at 9 p.m. Jan. 1. Must be present to win.
Earn entries Friday, Dec. 25, to Thursday, Dec. 31, for Golden Nugget’s $200,000 Free Play Sweepstakes — one entry for every 25 base tier credits. From 5 to 10 p.m. Dec. 31, 10 players will be selected every 30 minutes to win their share of free play based on their tier level. Must be present to win.
Every Sunday in December (plus Friday and Saturday, Dec. 18 and 19) 24K and Premier 24K Select cardholders receive 2X tier credits, Chairman cardholders get 3X and Elite cardholders get 4X.
Every Monday in December 24K Select cardholders receive 2X comp dollars.
Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in December 24K Select cardholders receive 2X tier credits and 2X slot dollars.
Free self-parking continues.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Promotions
X and Rock Royalty cardholders can enjoy complimentary drinks at Hard Rock’s new outdoor Balcony Bar.
Hard Rock continues its Wild Card tier match program until further notice. Details here.
Rock Royalty and X cardholders can convert up to 1,000 comp dollars into free play once per day, every day, as long as they maintain a minimum $25 balance.
Free self-parking for Wild Card Rewards cardholders.
Entertainment and Events
Whisky Dinner (Dec. 10), “Motor City Live: A Motown Christmas” [Dec. 11 to 30 (select days and times)]. “Coming Home For the Holidays” pastry class (Dec. 12), Sushi School (Dec. 27). For tickets to the dinner and the classes, click here; for tickets to “A Motown Christmas” visit Ticketmaster.com.
Harrah’s Resort
Promotions
Caesars Rewards cardholders can make weekly picks by choosing which team they think will win in the eligible NFL football games and activate those picks for their chance to win a share of $60,000 in prizes each week. First place winner each week walks away with $20,000 cash. For further details click here.
Ocean Casino Resort
Promotions
Every Friday and Saturday through Dec. 2 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., two names will be announced every 30 minutes to win $500 free play each.
Free self-parking continues for Ocean Rewards Club Premier cardholders through Thursday, Dec. 31.
Visit the Ocean Rewards Club for details.
Resorts Casino Hotel
Promotions
Play your favorite slots or table games while using your Star Card through 3:55 p.m. Friday, Jan. 1, to earn entries into the 2021 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe drawing at 4 p.m. Jan. 1. For every tier point you earn, you will receive one entry.
Play your favorite slots or table games while using your Star Card through Sunday, Jan. 31, to earn entries into the $35,000 Jackpot Drawings on Saturday, Feb. 27. Earn one entry for every hand-paid taxable jackpot. At the Finale Event from 6 to 10 p.m., one winner of $1,000 in slot cash will be drawn every 10 minutes beginning at 6 p.m. At 10:15 the grand prize of $10,000 will be drawn.
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 City
Entertainment and Events
The holiday season is in full swing at Tropicana with the Holiday Musical Light Show in The Quarter.
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 ACJokes.com.
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Recreational gambler Darryl D. McEwen is the 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. and Caesars Rewards under “Latest News” on the Home page. In addition, be sure to follow @7StarsInsider on Twitter. Darryl also writes a bi-weekly column, Mr. AC Casino, for the Atlantic City Weekly. The companion website is MrACCasino.com and the matching Twitter account is @MrACCasino. A former professional journalist, based in Wilmington, Delaware, 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.
