Atlantic City February 2021
New Jersey governor lifts some dining restrictions
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has signed an Executive Order expanding indoor dining capacity to 35 percent. His order also lifts the statewide 10 p.m. service limit, though local restrictions may remain in place. The order takes effect Friday, February 5th.
SuperDraft
Caesars Entertainment Inc. has entered into a strategic investment in the daily fantasy sports platform SuperDraft Inc. According to a news release, “The investment complements Caesars strong mobile sports and gaming network by adding an innovative Fantasy Sports platform, further strengthening its pipeline to customer acquisition and retention for both online and brick-and-mortar.”
With the investment, Caesars takes an initial minority equity position with an option to increase its stake over time up to 100 percent at predetermined levels. “The addition of daily fantasy sports fits seamlessly with our strategic vision for mobile and online sports,” said Caesars CEO Tom Reeg.
“SuperDraft’s innovative multiplier game mode is unique in the marketplace, and we believe it offers a tremendous opportunity to strengthen our position in the sports gaming landscape.”
Operating across seven professional sports in more than 35 states, SuperDraft features a unique game mode that attracts casual fans and experienced players alike. Multiplier Mode replaces the traditional fantasy team salary cap with a multiplier applied to each player allowing maximum flexibility in team building while creating more opportunities for everyone to win.
As part of a full slate of mobile and online gaming channels, SuperDraft will join Caesars online brands, World Series of Poker, Caesars Online Casino and, upon the acquisition’s close, William Hill. For more information, visit Caesars SuperDraft.
To kick-off the partnership, SuperDraft will launch its first $1 million tournament on Sunday, Feb. 7 – the SuperMillion Big Game contest.
Opportunities will be offered daily across paid and free entry contests to give anyone the chance to win a ticket and compete for the $300,000 first place prize. In addition, two $100,000 contests with $20,000 first place prizes will occur on Big Game Day to offer something for daily fantasy players of all pocketbooks.
New management at Caesars, Harrah’s Resort
Joseph Lodise is the new senior vice president and general manager of Caesars Atlantic City and Gregg Klein will hold the same title at Harrah’s Resort. Each replaces Ron Baumann who previously had overseen both properties. Lodise returns to Caesars Atlantic City Hotel and Casino after most recently serving as general manager of Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino. Klein previously worked at Tropicana Atlantic City following an assignment at Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo in Iowa. He joined Eldorado Resorts in 2018 as vice president of operations. Caesars Entertainment Inc. did not give a reason for the changes.
Press the Button!
Trump Plaza auction raises nearly $200,000
Ten packages of two tickets each to a VIP party to watch the 9 a.m. Wednesday, February 17th, implosion of the former Trump Plaza brought in a combined total of $6,375.
Large Donations
In addition, Hard Rock Casino Hotel donated $10,000 and Plaza owner Carl Icahn contributed $175,000 to match the highest bid received on a previously scheduled – but canceled – auction for the right to push the implosion button. The VIP party will be held at Ocean One Pier, but the public viewing site will be at Bader Field. The live auction, Wednesday, Feb. 3, also at Ocean One Pier, included overnight hotel stays and dinners.
Most packages went for between $550 and $600, with the final package at Hard Rock going for $1,100. Auctioneer Joseph Bodnar said most packages went to different people. There was only one bidder who won two packages. Proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City.
Jade Card
Match game
Visit the Live! Rewards Desk at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia through Monday, May 31, to match your current tier status at any casino in the Atlantic City/Philadelphia region. For example, a Caesars Rewards Seven Stars card will garner a Jade card. The upgraded tier status is good for 90 days after signing up. For details, click here.
Put yourself in Jeopardy!
Based on the popular television game show, the new Jeopardy! slot machine has landed across from the Society Club at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. The base game of this large-format machine is Wheel of Fortune’s Triple Double Diamond. Players are eligible for a Jeopardy! bonus with a 6-, 10- or 20-credit bet.
Wagering 10 credits gives players four more paylines and increases their Daily Double chances in the bonus. Wagering 20 credits gives players even more Daily Doubles, and increases their chances at a progressive jackpot. The bonus is triggered with three “Bonus” symbols on a paid payline.
Another popular television game also has spawned a new slot machine. Wheel of Fortune Gold Spin Triple Gold features triple symbols across three reels to multiply payouts by 3X, 9X or 27X. Wager seven or more credits for a chance to be awarded 3X, 7X or 15X multipliers in the Gold Spin wheel bonus.
Earn, redeem, repeat
Note that, before you pick-up a gift or e-gift card this month at Caesars or Harrah’s, you’ll have to earn five-tier credits that same day. Harrah’s Philadelphia has been doing this since Jan. 1, as has Harrah’s New Orleans (and probably some other Caesars Rewards casinos). In my opinion, gift cards/gifts should be based on past play; otherwise, don’t send the offer.
Nero’s on limited schedule
Nero’s Italian Steakhouse at Caesars is now open only on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 8:30 p.m. – supposedly a temporary “winter schedule.”
Now that’s Italian!
Grotto Italian Ristorante at Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina will reopen Friday, Feb. 5, at 25 percent capacity. New menu items include calamaretti fritti and pappardelle Bolognese. Grotto opens at 5 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Market of Love
The second annual Market of Love sidewalk sale will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13. The street will be lined with more than 20 local artisans and vendors selling one-of-a-kind Valentine-inspired gifts. Expect to shop for gifts like candles, soaps, jewelry, hats, cakes and much more.
Confirmed vendors include HomegrownAC, KLM Creations, Liv Smith Designs, Sunray Scrunchies, Atlantic Leather Works, New Spin Designs, Emily Saige, Theorem, 31 Handbags, Holographic Hippie and The Looping Fool. Most vendors will accept credit cards and Venmo, but bring some cash, just in case. In addition, the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, 133 S. Tennessee Ave., will have lots of food and drink specials. The event is family-friendly.
The Beer Hall also hosts local musicians from 9 p.m. to midnight every Friday and Saturday in the Beer Yard, which features a heated bar, firepit and heated tent open until at least 1 a.m. on weekends.
Cruise news
Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises are extending their global suspension through Friday, April 30. Celebrity will be including the Saturday, May 1, transatlantic cruise on Celebrity Apex in this round of cancellations, as well as the May through October European and transatlantic cruises on Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Constellation.
Carnival Cruise Line also has extended its suspension of U.S. departures until the end of April and canceled its Australian operations until mid-May. In addition, responding to increasing COVID-19 cases around the world, Carnival has canceled European cruises on its Carnival Legend ship, which had been due to run from May until October. The cruise line also has delayed the launch of its Carnival Mardi Gras ship from Port Canaveral, Fla., to May 29. Carnival said customers and travel agents were being notified directly about the cancellations and would be offered credits toward a future cruise or a full refund.
For up-to-date information on Atlantic City players lounges and valet parking policies, visit MrACCasino.com.
Looking ahead (schedules subject to change):
March 5: Freestyle Free For All, Hard Rock
March 6: Disco Ball Presents: The Jacksons, Hard Rock
March 9: 2021 MAAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship, Boardwalk Hall
March 14: Michael Bublé, Boardwalk Hall
March 20: Lit in AC with Lil Kim, Fat Joe, Ja Rule and State Property, Boardwalk Hall
March 20: Nick Swardson, Borgata
March 20: Carmen, Atlantic City Ballet, Caesars
March 26 to 28: New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival, Showboat
Here are other “insider” tips about what’s happening in Atlantic City during February:
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Promotions
Earn 5X slot dollars from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4. Must earn a minimum of four slot dollars.
Earn 10X slot dollars from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5. Must earn a minimum of four slot dollars.
Earn 15X slot dollars from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. Must earn a minimum of four slot dollars.
Win a portion of $35,000 in Bonus Slot Play from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. To enter, insert your M life Rewards card into any slot machine or open a table games rating from 3 to 8:30 p.m. Winners will be posted on plasma screens throughout the casino floor. Awarded slot dollars will be automatically loaded to winners’ M life Rewards account and are valid until 5:59 a.m. the following day. Any slot dollars not activated by 5:59 a.m. will be forfeited and voided. Activated slot dollars must be played within 30 days.
Borgata is giving away $200 to $700 Bonus Slot Dollars to five winners (one from each M life Rewards card tier) every hour from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7. Insert your M life Rewards card into any slot machine or open a table games rating from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for a chance to win.
Borgata is giving away 1,414 Bonus Slot Dollars to one winner every 14 minutes from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 13 and 14. Insert your M life 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. Must be 21 or older. Valid ID required. Non-transferable. No play required for activation.
From 2 to 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 22 and 23, play slots with your M life Rewards card and when Slot Dollar Celebration hits, you win 10 Bonus Slot Dollars. Your M life Rewards card must be inserted into a slot machine and active at the time of each drawing to be eligible. A card inserted into a slot machine for five minutes with no play will be considered inactive. Drawing times are random every hour.
Details on all promotions are available at the M life Rewards Center.
Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina
Promotions
Free self-parking continues.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Promotions
Hard Rock is giving away a 2021 Lincoln Aviator at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15. Wild Card Rewards cardholders can earn entries from 12:01 a.m. through 5:59 p.m. by playing their favorite slots or table games. Activate entries between noon and 5:59 p.m. Promotion details are available at the Wild Card Services desk.
X and Rock Royalty cardholders can enjoy complimentary drinks at Hard Rock’s 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.
Entertainment and Events
The Lobby Bar offers free live entertainment plus drink specials every Saturday and Sunday.
Cakebread Wine Dinner (Feb. 11), Pastry Class: Sweetheart Chocolate Boxes with Truffles (Feb. 12). For more information and tickets, visit the Hard Rock Atlantic City Event Calendar.
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. Details here.
Black and Chairman cardholders will receive a 15X free play multiplier on Saturday, Feb. 13. Visit a promotional kiosk from noon to 11:59 p.m. to activate your multiplier. Participants will receive 15X their earned same day free play and be able to redeem 1X as same day free play on Feb. 13 and then the remaining 14X will be available on Sunday, Feb. 14, and be valid for 90 days. 15X free play is valid on slot play only. Amount multiplied is based on same day free play earnings from 6 a.m. on Feb. 13 to 5:59a.m. on Feb. 14. Daily free play offer is not the amount multiplied. Same day free play will expire after 90 days of inactivity.
Every 30 minutes from 2 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14, Ocean will give away $500 in free play. At 10 p.m. one name will be drawn to win a 2021 Mercedes-Benz. Limited to one entry per person. Activate your free entry and deposit into the virtual drum at any promotional kiosk from noon to 9:45 p.m.
Free self-parking continues for all Ocean Rewards Club cardholders.
Visit the Ocean Rewards Club for details.
Resorts Casino Hotel
Promotions
New 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. Click here or visit the Promotions Booth for details.
Earn two tier points, from Monday, Feb. 1, to Sunday, Feb. 7, and visit the Promotions Booth to receive a Resorts football mask.
Earn two tier points, from Monday, Feb. 8, to Sunday, Feb. 14, and visit the Promotions Booth to receive a Valentine’s Day mask.
One mask per customer during the length of the promotion. While supplies last.
Sundays from 6 a.m. to 5:59 a.m. the next day, play slots and earn 2X tier points.
Tuesdays from 6 a.m. to 5:59 a.m. the next day, Premiere Star cardholders will earn 2X comps. Epic cardholders will earn 3X comps, Paramount cardholders will earn 4X, Paramount plus cardholders will earn5X, and Red Carpet cardholders will earn 6X.
Wednesdays from 6 a.m. to 5:59 a.m. the next day, play slots and earn 2X cashback. Earnings will be available on your next trip.
Activate multipliers at any kiosk prior to playing.
From 7 to 10 p.m. on Fridays, Feb. 5, 12 and 19, earn one tier point and register at the Promotions Booth to participate in a free slot tournament. Prizes range from $200 slot cash to $1,000. Winners have until midnight to claim their prizes.
From 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, earn five tier points and register at the Promotions Booth to participate in a free slot tournament. Prizes range from $50 slot cash to $2,500. Winners have until midnight to claim their prizes.
Register at the Promotions Booth, then spin the wheel and score at DraftKings sportsbook from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7. All Star cardholders can spin the wheel once for free. Prizes include DraftKings Bose bluetooth speakers, t-shirts, tumblers or slot cash.
Through Feb. 7, guess the number of footballs in the container on the casino floor to win up to $500 in slot cash or match play. Enter your guess one time per day at any kiosk. At 6 p.m. on Feb. 7 the 10 people who guess the closest to the actual number without going over will win $500 slot cash or match play. Guess the number exactly and win $1,000. Must be present to win.
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
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.
Everything AC Casinos (Atlantic City)
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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.
