Atlantic City March 2021
Atlantic City Revenue Increase
Atlantic City’s nine casinos saw 9.3 percent more revenue in January 2021 than they did a year earlier, largely because of online gambling and from sports betting. Without that extra revenue, the casinos’ performance with in-person gamblers fell 16.7 percent from the previous year’s totals.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City was up nearly 40 percent in all forms of gambling to $33.8 million. Its in-person casino revenue was up almost 24 percent. Ocean Casino Resort was up 31.7 percent to $26 million and Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa was up 10.5 percent to $75.4 million. Casino declines were led by Harrah’s Resort, down by nearly 37 percent to $14.9 million, Tropicana Atlantic City, down 8.7 percent to $22.7 million, and Caesars Atlantic City, down 5.5 percent to $16 million. Bally’s Atlantic City, formerly owned by Caesars, but now owned by Bally’s Corp. – the former Twin River Worldwide Holdings Inc. – was down 23.3 percent to $8.7 million, Resorts Casino Hotel was down 15.3 percent to $10.5 million.
A change in reporting methods by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement knocked Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina out of one of the top revenue spot – a spot it had long occupied due to strong internet gambling winnings. However, the company spun off its online gambling operations in November, and starting in 2021, Golden Nugget’s online division has its results listed separately. That division was up 45 percent from a year ago, to $31.3 million. But the in-person Golden Nugget casino and sports-betting winnings were down 33.2 percent to $10.1 million. Among other internet-only entities, Caesars Interactive-NJ was up 74.3 percent to $7.3 million, and Resorts Digital was up 38.7 percent to $38.5 million.
Behind closed doors
Ever wanted to know what goes on behind the doors of those “high roller” lounges in Atlantic City? Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is giving the public a chance to preview the food and atmosphere of its Amphora Lounge Mondays through Thursdays through the end of March.
The lounge is located in the former Borgata Buffet. 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.
St. Patrick brings plenty to celebrate
Visitors to Atlantic City this month soon will be seeing a lot of green, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic and citing public safety issues with large gatherings, for the second year in a row, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been canceled.
However, Resorts Casino Hotel will be offering a variety of food and drink specials valid Saturday, March 13, and Wednesday, March 17. Among the participating outlets are Breadsticks Café & Grill, Wet Willies, Cielo Wine Bar, DraftKings Sportsbook and Bar One.
In addition, the Shamrock Prize Patrol will be roaming the gaming floor from 2 to 10 p.m. March 13, and again from noon to 6 p.m. March 17. They’ll be handing out a variety of prizes, from green beads to gift cards. To enhance the experience, Kilted Rogues, a group of authentic bagpipers, will stroll through Resorts between 4 and 7 p.m. on March 13 and 17.
For players who earn two tier points, Resorts will hold a special St. Patrick’s Day mask giveaway at the Promotions Booth from Monday, March 8, through Wednesday, March 17 – one mask per guest while supplies last.
Guests who earn one tier point can participate in a St. Patrick’s Day Slot Tournament from noon to 7 p.m. Grand prize is $1,000 in slot cash, second place is $500 slot cash, with five additional prizes of $300 slot cash each. Winners will have until 8 p.m. to claim their prizes. For registration and additional information, as well as free St. Patrick’s Day beads and leis, visit the Promotions Booth.
Enter to win cash or Bonus Slot Dollars in Borgata’s $200,000 Shamrock Sweepstakes on Friday, March 12, or Saturday, March 13. Either day insert your M life Rewards card into a slot machine or open a table games rating from 4 to 10:30 p.m. for a chance to win.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City with a limited-edition Lucky Leprechaun Insane Milkshake at the Sugar Factory, March 8 to 31. Enjoy a combination of vanilla and coffee kicked up a notch with a shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey, completely covered in chocolate, and topped off with sprinkles and a rainbow whirly pop.
Courts in session
Fans can reserve a socially-distant seat at Borgata for the opening games of the 2021 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament Friday, March 19, to Tuesday, March 22. BetMGM Sportsbook & Bar and Level One Cocktail Bar & Lounge will be open daily starting at 9 a.m. A game day food and beverage menu will be available. Additional reserved seating is available in the Event Center, along with three betting windows and two full-service bars. Seating is limited and advance reservations are suggested. Call 609-317-8006.
First come-first served viewing of the rest of the 2021 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament – Saturday, March 27, through Monday, April 5 – is available at Borgata’s B Bar, Lobby Bar and Long Bar.
In addition, enter Borgata’s $35,000 MetMGM Basketball Sweepstakes by inserting your M life Rewards card into any slot machine or open a table games rating from 3 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 20, for a chance to win Bonus Slot Dollars and a BetMGM Sports Bonus. Winners will be posted on plasma screens throughout the casino floor.
At Resorts fans can watch the tournament throughout the casino, place bets at the DraftKings Sportsbook, enjoy drink specials, and, from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 19, play Spin the Wheel & Score to win DraftKings swag, slot cash and comps. Visit the Promotions Booth to register.
Full Sports Fan Experience – March Madness
Those looking for the full sports fan experience can book the March Mania Room Package for $129. The package includes an overnight stay, a $40 dining credit, $25 table game free bet, a free DraftKings t-shirt and a 2 p.m. late check-out. The package is available for stays booked between March 15 and 18.
Over at Hard Rock catch every game at the iGaming Lounge in Hard Rock Live at the Etess Arena tunnel. This pop-up space will capture all the action with big screen televisions and iGaming activations. In total the resort will show games on 140 screens throughout the property.
Tiers of joy
Don’t forget to register for the 5X tier credit multiplier April 2 to 4 at any Caesars Rewards casino. For details, click here.
Up and at ’em!
If you have 20 minutes or so to spare, check out my interview with Frank Morano (click here). Frank’s show airs on WABC Radio – and he conducts his interviews – at (gulp!) 3:30 a.m. Yes! 3:30 in the morning.
Caesars Rewards drops two partnerships
Caesars Rewards no longer partners with Rocketmiles or NRG Home® Energy Supply.
Talk about too little too late! Caesars Rewards customers received this email Feb. 23. Shouldn’t it have been sent prior to Feb. 17? And, did no one proofread it? There are incomplete sentences, missing or incorrect punctuation, sentences that make no sense, and the phone number is for Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Delaware. And, four times it says, “excluding Bally’s Atlantic City.” I got it the first time. Compounding the problem, Bally’s has yet to release information on its new player rewards program, though it was supposed to begin Thursday, Feb. 18.
2021 Millionaire Maker tournament canceled?
It would appear that the 2021 Millionaire Maker tournament finale has been canceled. It was scheduled for May 13 to 15 at Harrah’s Resort. The website shows only dates for 2020 and 2022.
Boat show canceled
The Progressive Atlantic City Boat Show, scheduled next month for the Atlantic City Convention Center, has been canceled.
Cruise on land
Cruise: An Artistic Drive Thru Experience opens Friday, March 19, at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University in Atlantic City. Featuring Broadway singers, musicians, art installations and many more surprises, the “experience” runs through Monday, April 5. This drive thru is a safe and unique way to enjoy a professional art installation, Broadway singers and musicians performing live, school children’s art, a chance to drive through thousands of bubbles, and dance in your seats to this musically entertaining event. A portion of the ticket sales goes to schools, arts programs, artists, Broadway performers, and community organizations that support the arts. The drive thru is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $27.50 per car until 6:59 p.m. and $47.50 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Bingo!
Resorts is the only place in town where you can play the new Cashman Bingo slot machine. Located near the Quick Bites Food Court, the five-reel, 50-line penny machine has a minimum bet of 75¢, with a maximum bet of $7.50, as well as four bet multipliers in between.
Progressive jackpots at the minimum bet range from $8 to $8,000, and jackpots increase by the amount of the bet multiplier. Three or more “Free Games” symbols trigger free games with “Wild” multipliers ranging from 2X to 10X. The game also features a Bingo Wheel that awards credits or jackpots.
Striking gold
Resorts also is home to another new slot machine, Wheel of Fortune Gold Spin Triple Gold. The game 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.
Lounge and parking updates
For up-to-date information on Atlantic City players lounges and valet parking policies, visit MrACCasino.com.
Looking ahead (schedules subject to change):
April 1: Mt. Gay Rum Blending, Hard Rock
April 2: The Beach Boys, Ocean Casino Resort
April 10: An Evening With Gladys Knight, Hard Rock
April 16: John Fogerty, Hard Rock
April 23: Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Hard Rock
April 23: Monsta X: 2021 World Tour, Borgata
April 23: The Bourbon Trail, Hard Rock
April 24: Rob Lowe: Stories I Only Tell My Friends: LIVE!, Caesars
Here are other “insider” tips about what’s happening in Atlantic City during March:
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Promotions
Visit the M life Rewards Desk through Wednesday, March 31, and Borgata will match your status. Details here.
Borgata is giving away 777 Bonus Slot Dollars to one player every seven minutes from noon to 7 p.m. Mondays in March. Insert your M life Rewards card into any slot machine or table games rating from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on March 1, 8, 15. 22 or 29 for a chance to win.
Enter for a chance to win a BMW 530xi on Saturday, March 6. To enter, insert your M life Rewards card into a slot machine or open a table games rating from noon to 5:30 p.m. One player will be selected at 3, 6 and 9 p.m.
Borgata is giving away 1,500 Bonus Slot Dollars to one player every 15 minutes from noon to 7 p.m. Sundays in March. Insert your M life Rewards card into any slot machine or table games rating from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on March 7, 14, 21 or 28 for a chance to win.
Details on all promotions are available at the M life Rewards Desk.
Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina
Promotions
Every Sunday in March 24 Karat and Premier cardholders will earn 2X tier credits; Chairman cardholders will earn 3X tier credits and Elite cardholders will earn 4X tier credits.
All 24K Select Club cardholders will earn 2X comp dollars every Monday in March.
Every Tuesday and Thursday in March all 24K Select Club cardholders will earn 2X slot dollars and 2X tier credits.
All 24K Select Club cardholders get free entry into $2,500 Slot Tournaments on Mondays, March 8 and 22. Sessions take place in the Slot Tournament Area at 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 p.m.
Free self-parking continues.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Promotions
Premier and Elite Wild Card cardholders can convert comp dollars to free play at a 2:1 ratio, Monday through Thursday. Rock Royalty and X cardholders can convert comp dollars to free play at a 2:1 ratio, once per day, seven days per week.
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.
Entertainment and Events
The Lobby Bar hosts live music featuring local favorites every Thursday through Sunday. Council Oak Steaks & Seafood hosts music Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Motor City Live (March 6 and 7, 13, 14 and 15, and 27 and 28). Tickets available at Ticketmaster and Hard Rock Atlantic City or by calling 800-745-3000.
Pastry Class: Easter Egg Demo (March 20), Woodford Reserve Tasting (March 26), Kuro’s Sushi School (March 27). For more information and tickets, visit Hard Rock AC 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.
Enter for a chance to be one of two winners called every 30 minutes during Ocean’s Free Play Sweepstakes from 2 to 10 p.m. on Thursdays, March 4 and 18. Two names will be drawn every 30 minutes to win $500 in free play. All Ocean Rewards cardholders will receive one free entry each day and, to qualify for that day’s drawings, must activate their entries between noon and 9:45 p.m. at any Rewards Kiosk.
Free self-parking continues for all Ocean Rewards Club cardholders.
Visit the Ocean Rewards Club for details.
Resorts Casino Hotel
Promotions
Sundays from 6 a.m. to 5:59 a.m. the next day, Star cardholders will 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 earn 5X, 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.
Fridays, March 5, 12, 19 and 26, from 7 to 10 p.m., earn one tier point and register at the Promotions Booth to participate in a free slot tournament. Prizes range from $300 slot cash to $1,000. Winners have until midnight to claim their prizes.
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.
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 for details.
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 www.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.
