NJ Casino News: Weekly Roundup

Get the latest casino news and updates in New Jersey for this week (October 23, 2021 – October 29, 2021).

Upcoming Vote Might Pave the Way for NJ Sports Betting

This year’s state ballot will include a question that could open up the possibility for people to bet on New Jersey college sports. Currently, the state bans residents from betting on any college sports competitions held in New Jersey or featuring schools that are based here. If enough voters approve amending the constitution to permit such wagering on Nov. 2, then that opens the door for new legislation to be written:

“The legislation itself, and any subsequent regulations, would determine the specific rules concerning which teams and which events may be wagered on. At this point those details are still unclear,” the resolution reads.

Jane Bokunewicz, head of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism at Stockton University, said there are multiple benefits to amending the Constitution. By allowing all college sports to be wagered on, it will raise overall wagering, keep bettors in state and help lower illegal betting.

Resorts Restaurant Wins Top Award Once Again

Capriccio Italian restaurant, located inside Resorts Casino Hotel, has been voted best U.S. casino restaurant by USA Today’s 10Best.com Readers’ Choice Awards. This is their third win in four years, having taken the number-one spot in 2018, 2020, and now 2021:

“I am extremely proud of our amazing Capriccio team. Their dedication and hard work to deliver an exceptional product and service to our guests has earned them the #1 spot among all casino restaurants in the country.” said Mark Giannantonio, President & CEO for Resorts Casino Hotel.

Capriccio features an elegant old-world inspired dining room with an outdoor veranda overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the world-famous boardwalk.

Gov. Murphy Doesn’t Clarify Positions on Key Matters During Gaming Conference

Gov. Phil Murphy made a virtual appearance at the East Coast Gaming Congress this past week, but his speech mostly highlighted accomplishments and goals rather than address any key issues that casino workers have been waiting to hear about. This includes the possibility of his support for a casino smoking ban or how he would clarify an eSports “cleanup” bill:

Supporters of a variety of hot-button issues hoped for Murphy to make a hard-hitting statement at the event traditionally seen as an opportunity to make news in front of casino CEOs and media.

Hundreds of Atlantic City casino employees and their supporters, for instance, rallied outside Harrah’s Tuesday morning to press for Murphy to go beyond his previously announced willingness to sign a casino smoking ban if such a bill reached his desk. The advocates sought to have Murphy press state Senate President Stephen Sweeney — a fellow Democrat who may be the only obstacle to passage of such a ban — to allow a vote on the issue during the lame-duck session after the Nov. 2 election.

Others thought Murphy, in the wake of a conference panel on Monday that clarified that an eSports “cleanup” bill to make it easier for sportsbook operators to offer wagering on major events in that burgeoning industry is languishing on his desk, might announce his intentions on that matter.

AC Casinos Still Working on Gender Equity in Management

Currently, only two Atlantic City casinos are led by women (Borgata and Tropicana), which contrasts with four of the nine city casinos having women in management just over a year ago. While these issues are not unique to the world of casinos, a panel at the East Coast Gaming Congress examined the role of women in the industry: 

[Regional vice president of finance for Caesars Entertainment in Atlantic City Karen] Worman said she is optimistic about the future of women in the gambling industry, and recommends casinos offer cross-training in as many different aspects of the business as possible to female employees to prepare them for advancement.

Atlantic City now has two casinos led by women: Melonie Johnson at the Borgata, and Jacqueline Grace at the Tropicana.

Grace said the reduction in female leadership in her market is a normal part of the flux that the casino industry undergoes, and noted that the woman who formerly led Bally’s as its general manager, Karie Hall, is now senior vice president and general manager of a Caesars Entertainment casino in Lake Tahoe.

“I don’t view that as a loss of progress,” she said. Caesars Entertainment, she said, “has made a real commitment to diversity and gender equity.”

In 2017 the company announced a commitment to achieve gender equality among its leadership ranks by 2025.

Hard Rock Announces New VP of Sales

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City announced this week that they’ve appointed Donna Ward as the new vice president of sales. Previously, Ward has been the VP of Sales, Catering and Convention Services at Golden Nugget:

“Hard Rock Atlantic City is thrilled to welcome Donna to our team,” said Joe Lupo, Property President. “Her commitment to bringing the best meetings and conventions to Hard Rock will not only be invaluable to our property but will also elevate the Atlantic City market as a whole.”

This is not Hard Rock Atlantic City’s only appointment in 2021. Earlier this year, the venue also welcomed Ray Stefanelli as Vice President of Online Gaming and former Borgata executive Michael Woodside as Vice President of Entertainment and Marketing services, both in July.