Hard Rock makes sweeping pledge; Wynn dodges a bullet

Having expanded the old Trump Taj Mahal concert venue by over 25%, Hard Rock International is promising the Boardwalk “more live music than Atlantic City has ever seen.” We’re talking 200 live events in Year One. “When’s the first time someone has done 200 shows in Atlantic City? When’s the last time you saw entertainment on a night other than Saturday in Atlantic City? We’re going to make that commitment,” said CEO James Allen (above left). “You’re looking at the person who just signed Jay-Z and Beyoncé to play Hard Rock Stadium.” His announcement played to rave reviews. Dr. David G. Schwartz, director of the Institute of Gaming Research at UNLV (and an ex-Atlantic Citizen) said “If people get into the habit of visiting Atlantic City for live music, they may continue to do so.”

Schwartz’s view was echoed by Rummy Pandit, head of the Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality & Tourism at Stockton University, who remarked, “Bringing entertainment into the city mid-week at off-peak times will be a particularly persuasive reason for visitors to consider extending their stay.” As much as one doesn’t want to get seduced by the Hard Rock hype (remember Revel), the Hard Rock Atlantic City looks like the biggest game-changer since Borgata and maybe almost as significant a one.

* Wynn Resorts has one less thing to worry about in Massachusetts. It had donated $2 million to the Republican Governors Association the same year that it won its license. Splitting a fine hair, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission determined that Wynn was a licensee — in other words, legit — at the time of the donation, not a mere applicant, for whom political contributions are verboten.

* Our peeps at the American Gaming Association are right on the ball in the #MeToo era. Today they’re disseminating a 60-minute course on preventing sexual harassment. Bully for them. The only way to improve upon this speedy action would be to make it mandatory viewing for casino executives. Congrats to the AGA for realizing it’s a new day in America and for being part of the change.

* Speaking of getting ahead of the curve, casino companies that prioritize sustainability should make it a criteria if and when they develop in Japan. It seems that Japanese builders have a very bad habit of demolishing swaths of rainforest in pursuit of construction materials. Oh, don’t worry: They’re not destroying Japanese rainforests. Instead, they’re exploiting the economically vulnerable people of Malayasia and Indonesia. It would speak well of American companies if they promoted environmental responsibility as part of their Japanese push.

* MGM Resorts International scored a culinary coup when MGM Grand opened the first Ching Tang restaurant in the Western hemisphere. “It is a privilege to welcome the great culinary minds of China Tang to MGM Grand. We are excited and proud to introduce guests to this renowned concept that’s been exclusive to the other side of the world –- until now,” said MGM Grand prexy Scott Sibella, taking a well-deserved victory lap. For those with a historical bent, “China Tang features a cocktail menu inspired by Pre-Opium War Era China and Colonial Era China, along with drawing inspiration from popular destinations and iconic characters in Chinese culture.” Consider it a way to get in touch with your inner colonialist.

* Speaking of China, it will cost considerably more to visit Macao following a sixfold increase in transit visas for motorists, which will now set you back $50. One expert points out that’s a drop in the bucket for gamblers who routinely leave $4,000 behind them on the green felt. Or, as analysts DS Kim and Sean Zhuang said, it was “smaller than a single hand at the baccarat table.” The new policy applies to 49 cities that are eligible for the Individual Visa Scheme. The burden of the price increase is expect to fall more heavily on casino workers who have to commute to Macao than on gamblers. That sounds like a change being mistaken for progress. If you take the ferry from Hong Kong or fly into Macao, rest easy. The price hike doesn’t apply to you.