By Chuck Darrow
For decades, certain Las Vegas gaming halls—including those that operate under the Station Casinos brand– have existed not on the business provided by visitors on vacation or attending trade shows and conventions, but on that of those who live in the area.
In Atlantic City, the “locals’ casino” concept has never really taken root, even though it seems like a no-brainer—especially during the non-summer parts of the year. If memory serves, the last property to attempt such a marketing strategy was the Atlantic Club (previously the Atlantic City Hilton), which shut down in January 2014.
But the folks at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City is diving into the “locals” waters with a program aimed at those customers who live in the ‘hood.
The offerings include:
*”Fuego Fridays” featuring dinner at the Mexican-leaning Coastal Craft Kitchen & Bar and movin’ and groovin’ to Latin dance music nights at The Pool After Dark on Aug. 30, Oct. 18, Nov. 15 and Dec. 13.
*Happy Hours at various outlets including Eden Lounge ($7 drink specials from 7-9 p.m. seven days a week); Gordon Ramsay Steak (specials on Sangria and featured wines at Social Hour from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Available at the bar and lounge only); La Strada At the Shore (Italian favorites like antipasto and ravioli, paired with featured wines at the bar only from 4-6 p.m. Friday through Tuesday); Pool After Dark (drink specials every Friday from 10 p.m. to midnight, including $5 Trulys, Corona, PBR & Suncruisers, and $9 Titos & Patron cocktails, plus, half-priced select bottles all night long).
*Dining specials including 10 percent discounts at Ramsay Steak and La Strada (with a purchase of one entrée per person). Offer available Monday-Thursday through November 30; excludes holidays).
Both eateries are also offering three-course, fixed price meals Sunday through Thursday ($79.99 at Ramsay Steak and $69.99 at La Strada. Free parking is included in the deal.
*10 percent off on Sunday through Thursday hotel stays (two-night minimum) through Dec. 27.
“We are excited to underscore our gratitude and appreciation for our local community through these specially curated promotions,” said Gregg Klein, the bayside pleasure dome’s senior vice-president and general manager. “Whether it is our unrivaled room deals or our diverse selection of happy hours, we aim to make every moment at Harrah’s Resort a celebration.”
For more info, go to caesars.com/harrahs-ac.
Borgata poker tourney set
Staying on the bay side of town, be advised that the Borgata Poker Open begins a 15-day run Sept. 3 at Borgata Hotel & Spa.
In all, 63 different events are scheduled, including four “anchor” contests. A total $4 million worth of prize money is guaranteed to be paid out to those who “cash” in the individual tourneys.
As has been the case since the beginning of August, would-be Phil Helmuths and Maria Hos can, into September, enter weekly online satellites (for as little as $2) to compete for seats at the Championship main event, which takes place Sept. 13-17 (entry fee is $3,500).
BetMGM Poker is also offering nightly seat-only qualifiers and online pre-registration to most events.
Another notable competition is the $10,000 High-Roller Experience Event (Sept. 16 and 17). Held in what is described as an “exclusive and elevated” space, the tourney’s $10,000 buy-in includes a three-night stay at the tony MGM Tower, an exclusive welcome party and table-side massages among other perks.
Also featured is the Almighty Million throwdown (Sept. 9-13) in which a reasonable $500 fee gets you into a competition with a guaranteed $1 million prize pool.
And in case you just like to watch, be advised that five final tables will be live-streamed.
For more info and a complete BPO schedule, go to theborgata.com.
Tip of the week
It’s not every day (or week, or year) that the “greatest country music artist of all time” (at least according to a 2019 article in the Chicago Tribune) visits AyCee. But that will be the case when superstar songbird Miranda Lambert hits the Mark G. Etess Arena at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
The 40-year-old Longview, Tex. native, who has won more Academy of Country Music Awards than any other artist, is on the road promoting her next album, “Postcards From Texas,” whose official release date is Sept. 13 (pre-orders are now being accepted at mirandalambert.com.
For tickets, go to ticketmaster.com.
A marriage made in Boogie Nights
Sending congratulations and lotsa love to AyCee nightlife titan David Pena and his lovely new bride, Barbara, who tied the knot last weekend at Dave’s Boogie Nights danceteria inside Tropicana Atlantic City.
The ceremony and reception/dance party were held inside the retro-themed nitery—which recently started offering a “popup” wedding experience. And yes, it’s a pretty cool place from which to set sail on the sea of matrimony.
