AC Gambler

TRUMP MARINA SOLD, WILL BE RENAMED MARGARITAVILLE

Trump Marina Hotel Casino is being sold to Coastal Marina LLC, an affiliate of Coastal Development LLC, in a deal valued at $316 million. The New York City-based company plans to rename the resort Margaritaville.

The deal, which leaves Trump Entertainment with two casino resorts in Atlantic City -- Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort and Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino -- is expected to close in the next six-to-nine months.

"They are buying a wonderful building in a great location," Donald Trump said, in a statement released Thursday (May 29). "It has been an important part of our company with a loyal customer base and a dedicated team."

Coastal Marina chairman Richard T. Fields said,

Together with Jimmy Buffett’s team at Margaritaville, our plans are to create an exciting new property that we believe will tap its full potential and make it one of the most successful destination gaming resorts in Atlantic City.

Fields is the co-developer of Florida’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and also owns Jackson Land and Cattle, a ranching company, in Jackson Hole Wyoming.

The sale of Trump Marina has been expected for a long time since it was the worst-performing of Trump Entertainment’s three Atlantic City properties.

Sources tell AC Gambler that the new ownership plans to construct a new hotel tower and expand the property’s casino floor space. The same sources indicate that the property will remain open after the sale and any renovation will not interfere with normal operations.

THIS WEEK'S ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY JANUARY 4
Tropicana: Yesterday: A Tribute to the Beatles
Comedy Stop at the Trop (Tropicana): Mike Eagan, Dave Russo, and Louis Ramey

SATURDAY JANUARY 5
Bally's Atlantic City: Boxing: Paulie Malignaggi vs. Herman Ngoudjo
Event Center (Borgata): Kid Rock
House of Blues (Showboat): Flown
Tropicana: Yesterday: A Tribute to the Beatles
Comedy Stop at the Trop (Tropicana): Mike Eagan, Dave Russo, and Louis Ramey

SUNDAY JANUARY 6
Atlantic City Hilton: Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge
Superstar Theater (Resorts): The Duprees
Tropicana: Yesterday: A Tribute to the Beatles
Tropicana: How Sweet It Is (featuring Human Nature)
Comedy Stop at the Trop (Tropicana): Mike Eagan, Dave Russo, and Louis Ramey

POLAR BEARS TO BRRRRING IN THE NEW YEAR

The members of the Polar Bear Club will continue their annual tradition of diving into the icy Atlantic Ocean at 12 noon, Tuesday (January 1),

The members will enter the water at Brighton Avenue, in front of the Tropicana.

Event registration will begin at 11:00 am, and proceeds from the event will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

FIRE DAMAGES BORGATA WATER CLUB TOWER

A three-alarm fire broke out at approximately 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning (September 23) at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa’s still-under-construction, 43-story Water Club tower, causing "superficial damage" to the South side of the structure.

No injuries were reported in the fire, which was brought under control within approximately 20 minutes. The fire remained under investigation, but Atlantic City Fire Captain Michael Mooney said that it appeared that the blaze began in the breeze way that connects The Water Club to the rest of the complex.

The tower was scheduled to be completed in February 2008, but according to representatives for the casino, it is not clear whether that date will be met.

Guests staying in the hotel were required to remain in the hotel until 10:00 a.m. and streets surrounding the complex were closed temporarily while fire crews battled the blaze, preventing guests arriving at the hotel from parking.

THIS WEEK'S ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY JULY 27
Event Center (Borgata): Goo Goo Dolls, Colbie Caillat, Earl Greyhound, Lifehouse
Music Box (Borgata): Chris Cornell
Circus Maximus Theater (Caesars): Donna Summer
House of Blues (Showboat): Paul Rodriguez
Showroom (Tropicana): Boz Scaggs
Mark G. Etess Arena (Trump Taj Mahal): Poison, Ratt, Vains of Jenna

SATURDAY JULY 28
Event Center (Borgata): Mary J. Blige,
Music Box (Borgata): Lisa Lampinelli
Circus Maximus Theater (Caesars): Donna Summer
Superstar Theatre (Resorts): George Carlin, Vance Gilbert
Circus Maximus Theater (Caesars): Donna Summer
House of Blues (Showboat): Gallagher
Grand Cayman Ballroom (Trump Marina): Stephen Marley

TUESDAY JULY 31
Event Center (Borgata): 311, Matisyahu

THURSDAY AUGUST 2
Event Center (Borgata): Beastie Boys
House of Blues (Showboat): Chris Isaak
Superstar Theatre (Resorts): Tom Jones

Technorati Tags: Borgata, Caesars’ Atlantic City, Circus Maximus Theatre (Caesars’), Comedy, Concerts, Event Center (Borgata), Grand Cayman Ballroom, House of Blues (Showboat), Mark G. Etess Arena (Trump Taj Mahal), Music, Music Box (Borgata), Resorts Atlantic City (Resorts International), Superstar Theatre (Resorts), Trump Marina

ROLLING THE DICE: AEROSMITH, JOAN JETT

Aerosmith will hit Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa’s Event Center September 22, at 8:00 p.m. The legendary group will be supported by Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. Also performing at the Event Center is Joe Walsh & The Bruce Willis Blues Band (featuring Bruce Willis) August 4. Macy Gray will perform with The Brand New Heavies at the Music Box, September 15...

Comedian Carrot Top will return to Trump Marina’s Grand Cayman Ballroom August 11, at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are priced at $40 and $30 plus tax and charity fee...

The Atlantic City Airshow, Thunder Over the Boardwalk, presented by Borgata, will take place August 15 from 10:30 a.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m. Practice runs will take place August 14 at the same times. In addition, members of the U.S. Army Golden Knights will parachute onto Borgata’s surface parking lot, August 13, at 3:00 p.m...

The Atlantic City In-Water Power Boat Show returns to the Farley State Marina, adjacent to Trump Marina, September 6 through September 9. The show runs Thursday and Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults and $5 for children under 12, and includes a one-year subscription to Yachting, Motor Boating, or SaltWater Sportsman magazines...

Freefall returns to Trump Marina August 25 and 26. Twenty players will be selected every two hours from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. each day. To qualify, Trump One card members must activate entries each day of the promotion, between 6:01 a.m. and 7:50 p.m...

Technorati Tags: Borgata, Comedy, Concerts, Event Center (Borgata), Farley State Marina, Grand Cayman Ballroom, Marina District, Music, Music Box (Borgata), Rolling the Dice, Trump Marina, Trump One

THIS WEEK'S ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY JULY 20
Event Center (Borgata): Interpol
House of Blues (Showboat): The Machine
Showroom (Tropicana): Musiq Soulchild

SATURDAY JULY 21
Boardwalk Hall: Josh Groban
Music Box (Borgata): Craig Ferguson
Grand Cayman Ballroom (Trump Marina): Kenny G
Superstar Theatre (Resorts): Little Anthony and the Imperials

SUNDAY JULY 22
Event Center (Borgata): John Mayer
Music Box (Borgata): Yonder Mountain String Band

MONDAY JULY 23
Event Center (Borgata): ZZ Top, the Pretenders, Stray Cats

TUESDAY JULY 24
Event Center (Borgata): Morrissey

Technorati Tags: Boardwalk Hall, Borgata, Comedy, Concerts, Event Center (Borgata), Grand Cayman Ballroom, House of Blues (Showboat), Music, Music Box (Borgata), Showroom (Tropicana), Tropicana, Trump Marina

ATLANTIC CITY APPROVES TESTING OF ELECTRONIC TABLE GAMES

The New Jersey Casino Control Commission regulators approved the testing a new type of electronic gaming, Wednesday (July 18), allowing for live gamblers to test electronic versions of roulette and poker. This is a significant step that needs to occur before the CCC would consider approving such games citywide.

Electronic games are already prevalent at slot parlors in Delaware and Pennsylvania, and many see the approval of these games in Atlantic City as a way to stem the flow of gaming money that is moving out of state.

I think it adds a new element to the Atlantic City market and is particularly important because Pennsylvania and Delaware have them," Casino Control Commission Chair Linda M. Kassekert said of the growing popularity of electronic games.

Live table gaming is not permitted currently in Delaware or Pennsylvania.

Electronic roulette players sit at a real roulette table with human dealers and place their wagers using video screens. Electronic poker players sit at a poker table but cards appear on a video screen embedded in the table.

Technorati Tags: Business, Casino Control Commission, Casinos, Gaming Floor, Poker, Table Games

ROLLING THE DICE: ZZ TOP, THE PRODUCERS

ZZ Top will perform at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa’s Event Center July 23, at the top of a bill that includes The Pretenders and the Stray Cats. Comedian (and television show host) Craig Ferguson will appear at the Music Box July 21. John Mayer will perform at the Event Center July 22 and the Yonder Mountain String Band will appear at the Music Box, July 22...

The Producers will come to Atlantic City, when it kicks off a six-week run at Harrah’s Atlantic City from August 29 through October 14. Prices for the show range from $40 to $70. Show times will be Tuesday through Thursday at 8:00 p.m., Friday at 9:00 p.m., Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. The performance is the 90-minute long trimmed version of the show, just like the one being performed in Las Vegas...

Trump Marina will give away $2,000 every 15 minutes, August 11 and 12, from 12 noon to 10:00 p.m. each day. The giveaway is open to all Trump One Card members. In other Trump Marina promotions news, Free Slot Day returns to the resort August 18...

Technorati Tags: Borgata, Comedy, Concerts, Event Center (Borgata), Harrah’s Atlantic City, Harrah’s Concert Venue (Harrah’s), Music, Music Box (Borgata), Players Clubs, Promotions, Rolling the Dice, Shows, Trump Marina, Trump One

THIS WEEK'S ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY JULY 13
Event Center(Borgata): Artie Lange
Music Box (Borgata): Wayne Brady
Grand Cayman Ballroom (Trump Marina): Classic Rock Cares
Superstar Theatre (Resorts): KC & The Sunshine Band

SATURDAY JULY 14
Music Box (Borgata): Dom Irrera
Superstar Theatre (Resorts): Joe Piscopo
Showroom (Tropicana): Joan Rivers

WEDNESDAY JULY 18
House of Blues (Showboat): Cartel, New Atlantic, Self Against City, Valencia

Technorati Tags: Borgata, Concerts, Event Center (Borgata), Grand Cayman Ballroom, Harrah’s Atlantic City, Harrah’s Concert Venue (Harrah’s), Hotels, House of Blues (Showboat), Music, Music Box (Borgata), Resorts Atlantic City (Resorts International), Showroom (Tropicana), Shows, Superstar Theatre (Resorts), The Shell (Trump Marina), The Water Club (Borgata), Tropicana, Trump Marina