Striving to improve the resort’s prospects – especially after multiple casino closings, five specific areas of improvement became the focus of gambling operators, government officials and regulators of Atlantic City. Conventions, better self-promotion, diversification, internet gambling and deregulation promise a better Atlantic City.
Meet AC, the Atlantic City based marketing group is focused on recruiting businesses for conventions and meetings. Caesars Entertainment is building a $126 million convention center next to Harrah’s to complement the existing Atlantic City Convention Center. The city also is focusing on free public events, all unrelated to gambling, such as beach concerts with Country music stars Blake Shelton and Lady Antebellum, a daredevil aerial show, sand sculpting contest, beach volleyball tournament and the Miss America “show us your shoes” parade.
Supported by Gov. Chris Christie and the state’s five-year turnaround plan, the seaside resort also plans to benefit from the positive press created by the Atlantic City Alliance. The Alliance plans to repurpose casino funds for the “Do AC” campaign, which showcases everything the city has to offer outside of gambling.
With new restaurants, nightclubs and amenities, visitors of AC will find more diverse options, including more noncasino properties. Resorts Casino Hotel, The Quarter at Tropicana and The Pool at Harrah’s, The Walk shopping outlet and The Miss America pageant are all examples.
Finally, revenue is still planned through casinos, based on internet gambling and reducing casino regulations. Internet gambling strives to entice people to the brick-and-mortar casinos through special deals and marketing offers. The reduced regulations will save money for casinos, plans that were approved by state officials.
