Better late than never in A.C.

Under the leadership of the Atlantic City Alliance, the Boardwalk is finally getting its act together. (Makes you feel like a proud papa, doesn’t it?) Now through 2016, the ACA will offer $1 million in annual subsidies to conventions. The convos have to be first-timers in Atlantic City and must put at least 1,000 bodies in hotel beds. It’s a big step in the right direction for a city that used to prize gamblers over conventioneers. Considering the capacity of properties like Borgata and Revel Resort, it’s high time A.C. capitalized upon it. Kudos also to the Casino Reinvestment Development Agency for earmarking 300 thousand clams to support relocation of the Garden State Film Festival. Associated for a decade with Asbury Park, the fest found itself homeless. Enter the CRDA. It also extended a small subsidy to the Downbeach Film Festival. Feeling generous, the CRDA also allocated $130K to bring back the Atlantic City Ballet, which hasn’t been based in A.C. in 15 years. Good moves all around, guys. Bravo.

Who won and who lost in 2Q13? Rick Velotta has the answers in an excellent wrap-up. He covers every major player on the field and provides a handy layman’s guide of the importance of Macao to the health of Las Vegas. This is highly recommended reading. To the southeast, Florida punters are making Hiahleah Park Casino a speedy hit.