History repeats itself, this time as farce

“It’s certainly an older crowd right now than it was this time last year, when you had nightlife, day life and sports betting,” Ocean Casino Resort CMO Mike Donovan told Stockton University academic Jane Bokunewicz, who says the Atlantic City is imperiled by a current lack of what Millennials crave: “trendy restaurants, hot clubs, and concerts.” That’s not bad for gambling revenues per se but definitely worrisome to the financial health of an integrated resort. By contrast Hard Rock Atlantic City President Joe Lupo reported “Considering the restriction of no alcohol, smoking and indoor dining, customer visitation was obviously lower than last year for all age demographics,” (emphasis added).

According to Bokunewicz’s studies, gambling was a very low priority for Millennials in casinos (attracting 20% of those surveyed), with restaurants and happy hours leading the way (80% and 66% respectively). They’re also notoriously averse to wearing PPE masks and practicing social distancing, which will keep them away from casinos. “Millennials do enjoy casinos, too, but they’re more interested in the social aspect of it than counterparts in other generations. It seems like they want to do it in groups, even when it comes to something like playing slot machines.” And you may not see them there, Bokunewicz adds, because of their high amounts of student debt. PlayNJ.com analyst Dustin Gouker sees Millennials turning to online gambling, which has thrived during the current pandemic, especially poker. Gouker thinks reopening casinos will partly break that habit but we’re not so sure.

Elsewhere in Atlantic City, Borgata is bringing up the rear in reopenings, starting with an invitation-only event July 23, followed by a formal resumption of business July 26. The delay was nothing untoward. Borgata executives wanted to rejigger their dining options so as to offer an orderly alternative to Gov. Phil Murphy‘s ban on indoor eateries. Just think: July might be the first month in which Borgata doesn’t lead Atlantic City in gross gaming revenue.

Sen. Mitch McConnell‘s conservative super PAC would be a mini PAC if it weren’t for Sheldon Adelson. In June he donated $25 million, or 83% of its total haul. It’s interesting, to say the least, that gaming has gone from being a right-wing whipping boy to its primary source of sustenance. That’s progress of a sort, even if we don’t agree with Adelson’s goals.

Jottings: After years as general manager of Wynncore, exec Ramesh Sadhwani is calling it a day. He’s retiring on July 31 … Miss the old Stardust logo? Boyd Gaming has revived it to help promote a new mobile, social-casino game. What’s old is new again … Scratch one sports book. Lagasse’s Stadium at Palazzo has closed for good … “We can’t stop the party for a little flu,” rationalized Cat’s Meow Director of Operations Ryan Carlson when his Downtown watering hole was fined for noncompliance with Nevada masking orders. You’ll be laughing out of the other side of your face if you catch that “little flu,” Ryan … Finally: