Atlantic City: It’s not just for daytrippers anymore

In an in-depth feature, the New York Times comes to the Boardwalk not to scorn but to celebrate Atlantic City and what it truly has to offer. How so? Consider that of twelve principal stops, only one (Ocean Casino Resort) is a gambling house. Instead, the Gray Lady tells you were to find the best oysters in town, guides you to antiquarian books and the Noyes Arts Garage or the African-American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey. That will work up an appetite for White House Subs (“Takeout lines are often longer than those for a table”) or a thirst for Little Water Distillery, which dates back to Prohibition. If you don’t mind its dodgy surroundings, the Iron Room offers “hundreds of whiskies, an excellent wine list, plenty of craft beers, and ambitious cocktails” to slake your thirst. Ocean’s brand-new sports book got it on the short list, in virtually the only concession to gambling.

One thing I’ve learned from my readers is that they like Las Vegas but love Atlantic City. The NYT guide gives you a good idea why.

* Always wanted to sleep in a hotel shaped like a guitar? Your chance has finally come. Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is taking bookings starting today. But don’t pack your bags just yet: The hotel won’t open for another three months.

* Elsewhere in Indian Country, the Seneca Nation has stated its intent to make sports betting part of its casino offerings in upstate New York. Of course, mobile wagering remains off the table until the Empire State Lege gets its act together on that issue. In the meantime, the Nation is “making preparations to offer sports wagering at our casino properties,” particularly in Niagara Falls. Judging from the Senecas’ rhetoric, they’re quite a ways from being ready. “We will offer more specific details regarding our plans once we are ready to do so,” they said defensively. Assemblyman Joseph Giglio (R) cast doubt on whether the Seneca could offer sports betting at all, given that they stopped making revenue-sharing payments to New York two years back. Also, it’s not clear what percentage of sports-book revenue would have to be earmarked for the state. An arbitration panel has deemed the tribe to be $255 million in arrears to Albany and the state could well hold sports betting in ransom for those smackers.

* In Greece, the oft-stymied Hellenikon megaresort project might be finally getting off the dime. The government’s stated desire is to get the $9 billion project going by year’s end, even if that means simplifying the regulatory process. Caesars Entertainment was one of the bidders for the casino license but that may be off the burner now that Eldorado Resorts is boss.