2007 has proved to be a challenge for the casinos in the seaside resort. So far this year every month except March has shown a decline in the win totals of the industry compared to the corresponding month in 2006.
In August, the slots won over 323 million dollars while table games netted 142 million dollars for the Atlantic City casino industry.
Borgata had the largest win with 70 million, while Trump Marina had the smallest with 22 million.
Overall, the monthly decline was almost 6 percent compared to 2006.
In an initial report by the Atlantic City Press only three houses showed an increase in win Caesars, Harrah’s and Trump Taj Mahal.
Reasons for the decline include additional competition in the neighboring states
Combined with the 75 to 25 percent restriction on smoking.
Interestingly, there is some question whether or not the casinos are indeed following the percentage restriction. Questioning of personnel at three properties reveals that management is "very loosely" following the percentages that the city council agreed to in a compromise.
On September 15th the casinos are required to submit plans to the casino control commission for plans as to how they are going to enclose the twenty five percent area designated for smoking. The smoking 'rooms' must be separated in an airtight manner with high ventilation for the benefit of the employees working in them.
Once the plans are submitted the casinos must build with haste.
This reporter is betting that at least one of the properties will go completely smoke free rather than bear the expense and disruption of the construction.
Imagine if they captured only half the nonsmoking customers of each of the other properties. Any odds?
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