Yesterday was World Suicide Prevention Day (and of the innumerable politicians who try to shake me down for money, only Rep. Ilhan Omar [D] had the stones to raise the taboo topic.) As 
though to underline the issue, this week was marred by a tragic incident at Graton Resort & Casino. A suicidal, 24-year-old man tore himself away from sheriff’s deputies after a half-hour of negotiations and plunged five floors to his death. Geoffrey Wise Bertagnolli and his wife had apparently been living out of their car, although whether that was the cause of Mr. Bertagnolli’s desperation remains unknown. We hope the coming days throw more light upon this tragic story, including why Bertagnolli chose Graton Resort to make his last stand.
* NBA star Kawhi Leonard‘s sister, Kimesha Monae Williams, is one of two people being held on a murder beef at Pechanga Casino Resort. Williams and Candace Tai Townsel are accused of following 84-year-old patron Afaf Anis Assad to the ladies’ room, where they allegedly dealt a fatal fracture to her skull and stole $1,200 (the money is missing). The assault occurred on Aug. 31 and Assad lingered until Sept. 4 before succumbing to her injuries. The accused are being held without bail. Leonard has had no comment.
* Borgata has been the top casino in Atlantic City ever since it opened in 2003 (so long ago?) but it didn’t get there by resting on its laurels. Ergo, MGM Resorts International is investing $14 million in capex improvements. One of the lobbies and 312 guest 
suites are earmarked for reworking. The upgrades, which include a new bar and VIP check-in are meant so Borgata can keep up with the Joneses when it comes to catering to high-end clientele. The move comes on the heels of the debut of the sports book and Level One cocktail bar. “By enriching our hotel product, we are ensuring each guest enjoys an optimal Borgata experience that begins as soon as they walk through the door,” said President Marcus Glover and Borgata customers can vouch for the truth of what he says.
MGM’s Borgata: Last month, on the night before the Atlantic City air show, my wife, who is a MGM Platinum Card holder, was offered Billy Ray Cyrus tickets and pre-show light food & beverage at their night club. She was staying over and I drove an hour just to see the night club. After we stood in line, we and about 2 dozen others were turned away, saying our invitation was a mistake. Platinum tier is equal to 3 Gold tier members (or 3X Caesar’s Diamond) , about 200K-225K points for Platinum. Some people drove from NY, no matter, just go away. I was polite and asked for a card from the employee, who then quietly took us into the night club, if we promised not to stay! There was plenty of room for 2 dozen more people, The Borgata would have been ashamed, MGM Borgata not.
The Big B remains supreme in AC! Still can not figure out why BYD divested of it. Love the place!
Borgata still hasn’t really integrated its Players Club with MLife. It restricts any synergy with Vegas or Maryland. I think they will face competition from Ocean.