Quote:
Originally Posted by midas
I think AC's poker biz is still on a decline and hasn't yet bottomed out yet. There are still the hardcore AC players who havent visited the new casinos. Poker has only been alive in PA for about 13 months. AC needs to rebrand itself as an entertainment destination based on at least one overnight stay. Daytrippers will always stay close to home to gamble. The new Revel and Golden Nugget rooms will probably kill out the older smaller rooms in AC.
BTW, Vegas is not the center of the poker world. Southern California has the most variety of games and the largest poker rooms. Foxwoods has the largest room east of SoCal and also spreads a wide variety of action.
I didn't mean to imply that Vegas was the center of the poker world - just making the point that there is noplace closer with so many poker rooms in such a small area. No matter what one thinks of Parx, Harrah's Chester, Bethlehem Sands, Delaware Park, etc. they are not close to each other. You can't walk from one to another, and even driving takes a good amount of time.
Advantage on this point: Atlantic City - and I think that it's a big one.
As for the continued decline - time will tell. Personally, I think that the biggest competitor to A.C. is going to be Parx. They are planning on a hotel, resort, an even bigger poker room, etc. They will continue to draw big business from A.C. As will the other places as they expand.
Still, the advantages of A.C. are considerable - if used correctly. Happily, those in charge are finally taking the proper steps to achieve long-term financial health. Adding entertainment, adding stores to the Walk. Adding restaurants. All things that make the city attractive from more than just a day-tripping gambling destination.
Which I think we can all agree is the past - not the future.
Revel's opening should be huge for the city as a whole. And, they are going to be starting construction on the second tower as soon as they open, according to what their PR people are saying. More good news!
As is the Hard Rock - although it's location seems far from ideal to me, especially if ACH goes under.
Lee