NJ Casino News: Weekly Roundup

Get the latest casino news and updates in New Jersey for this week (January 29, 2022 – February 4, 2022).

Proposed Casino Smoking Ban Gaining Bipartisan Support

The push to fully ban smoking in Atlantic City casinos is continuing forward, and now state Sen. Michael Testa (R-Cape May) has joined state Sen. Vince Polistina (D-Atlantic County) and others in support. Senate Bill 264 now has the backing of five Democratic and two Republican state lawmakers:

“We thank Senator Testa for co-sponsoring this bipartisan legislation after meeting with us and hearing our concerns about our health,” said [Casino Employees Against Smoke’s Effects] CEASE spokesperson and Borgata table games dealer Nicole Vitola.

“We have support from Republicans and Democrats, as well as legislators across New Jersey because they recognize that it’s wrong to treat us differently than every other worker in our state. Senator Testa understands the urgency of our fight and we are grateful that he is joining us to get this bill across the finish line,” Vitola added.

Resorts Casino Planning New Upgrades

Resorts Casino Hotel has announced a $130 million investment in various upgrades to the casino experience. New slot machines will be installed throughout 2022, and the establishment will add a retractable dome over the rooftop pool, scheduled to be completed in May. Their new high-limit VIP Asian room will include additional baccarat games. Other renovations will include a new Resorts Conference Center, a major room renovation project, and a new Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville restaurant and bar:

Upgrades are important to the property because, [president and CEO Mark] Giannantonio said, “we have a local customer base who have been coming back here since we opened in 1978.”

He continued: “We feel like we are situated in the best neighborhood and we are the first casino in North Beach. This is a beautiful area and our natural resources are unmatched. We have Steel Pier next to us and Tennessee Avenue. We may be small with 942 rooms, but all are beautiful and all are renovated. And we want to always offer the very best product.”

The hotel guest rooms and suites are in two towers, and Resorts also has an 80,000-square-foot casino.

Overall, there are two theaters, 10 restaurants, a food court featuring six eateries, two VIP slots and table player lounges, a casino bar, health club, spa, salon, and retail shops. Its 64,000 square feet of technologically advanced meeting space includes 24meeting and function rooms, most featuring natural light and ocean views, and a 13,000-square-foot ballroom.

Andrea Bocelli Coming to Hard Rock This Summer

As part of Hard Rock Atlantic City’s fourth anniversary celebration, world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will perform at Etess Arena on Saturday, June 25. This marks his only northeastern performance announced to date and his first appearance in Atlantic City in more than 15 years:

As one of the most recognizable voices in the industry, and revered by fans internationally, Bocelli has been entertaining audiences for over 20 years, counting nearly 90 million records sold worldwide. In addition to his sold-out arena-sized concert events and record-breaking live-streams, Bocelli has shared his talents at many major events including the Olympic Games, the World Cup, and Global Citizen. He has earned a Golden Globe, seven Classical BRITs and seven World Music Awards, plus a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His previous album, “Si,” reached No.1 on both the US and UK charts.