Atlantic City is mounting a comeback. This time there is a strategic plan
behind the scenes The DO AC marketing plan is the start. This is a concept
that highlights all things in Atlantic City and New Jersey other than gaming.
This has resulted to an increase in the spend at restaurants,bars and retail outlets.The Atlantic City Alliance is headed by Liza Cartmell.
The next part of the plan is to promote online gaming in New Jersey. I
sought out Dr. Israel Posner,Executive Director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism.
He is also a professor at Stockton College. Dr. Posner does a newsletter
and conducts surveys and opinion polls that gauge the trends for Atlantic City. He was kind
enough to sit down for a series of questions about I Gaming.
How much revenue do you think I Gaming will generate? IP - "I think that
approximately 250 million dollars can be made in the first year. Most of that is money currently being spent in Pennsylvania. The residents of North Jersey that go to the casinos in PA will have a reason to play in New Jersey."
Do you think this alone can save Atlantic City? IP - "No. I see the non -gaming amenities as being the keys to revitalization. Festivals, conventions and entertainment events. These things
promote the region and bring masses of people."
The Sports Betting Initiative for New Jersey has made it's way to the court
system. What do you think of the chances of the ban being removed?
IP - "This will be a heavy lift. I don't see Sports Betting in the future. The
Professional Leagues are oppose to allowing it. It would change the
gaming landscape. It would give Atlantic City two events that ocurred during our slow season.The Super Bowl and the NCAA tournament.We had a chance in 1992 that we should have taken to enact it."
Will the smaller boutique hotels become the new norm for Atlantic City?
IP - "Yes. Although no one has offered to develop a new project that would fit this mode, I see that as the way to go. An investor could look at an existing property and renovate it."
Will Online Gaming hurt the current brick and mortar properties?
IP - "No. The I Gaming concept will grow the market and bring a younger
demographic to Atlantic City."
I want to thank Dr. Posner for his time and candor. Please check out his
LIGHT Newsletter and the 2013 Tourism Promotion Survey. This month features an article on the aforementioned Liza Cartmell and the Atlantic City Alliance.
It should be noted that the current campaign does address the gaming in Atlantic City.This concept is in anticipation of the summer season.
Dr. Posner's book, "Casino Gaming in Atlantic City: A Thirty Year Retrospective" is available at www.comteqpublishing.com
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