Revel AC: A Casino for Gamblers Who Don't Smoke
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 | 1 vote (2.63%) | ||
| | 2 votes (5.26%) | ||
| | 8 votes (21.05%) | ||
| | 27 votes (71.05%) |
38 members have voted
March 18th, 2012 at 6:58:16 PM
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March 18, 2012, 10:00 AM
A Casino for Gamblers Who Don’t Smoke
By ELAINE GLUSAC
In efforts to rejuvenate Atlantic City, casinos and resorts have leaned on celebrity chef-run restaurants, sprawling spas and mega-nightclubs. The latest opening adds a new dimension: a smoke-free environment. Casinos are exempt from New Jersey’s nonsmoking law, but when the 1,800-room Revel opens in stages starting April 2, it will be Atlantic City’s only nonsmoking casino resort, intended to appeal to the 81 percent of American adults who do not smoke.
The 47-story boardwalk newcomer will house a 150,000-square-foot casino plus three pools, a rooftop garden, a burlesque stage, a 31,000-square-foot spa and restaurants run by the chefs Marc Forgione, Jose Garces and Michel Richard.
Smoking is prohibited in most outdoor spaces on the property with one exception: a small outdoor area strategically located behind the 45,000-square-foot nightclub.
“You have to go through the club to reach it,” said Kevin DeSanctis, Revel’s chief executive. “We didn’t want people walking through a lot of smokers to get in the door.”
A Casino for Gamblers Who Don’t Smoke
By ELAINE GLUSAC
In efforts to rejuvenate Atlantic City, casinos and resorts have leaned on celebrity chef-run restaurants, sprawling spas and mega-nightclubs. The latest opening adds a new dimension: a smoke-free environment. Casinos are exempt from New Jersey’s nonsmoking law, but when the 1,800-room Revel opens in stages starting April 2, it will be Atlantic City’s only nonsmoking casino resort, intended to appeal to the 81 percent of American adults who do not smoke.
The 47-story boardwalk newcomer will house a 150,000-square-foot casino plus three pools, a rooftop garden, a burlesque stage, a 31,000-square-foot spa and restaurants run by the chefs Marc Forgione, Jose Garces and Michel Richard.
Smoking is prohibited in most outdoor spaces on the property with one exception: a small outdoor area strategically located behind the 45,000-square-foot nightclub.
“You have to go through the club to reach it,” said Kevin DeSanctis, Revel’s chief executive. “We didn’t want people walking through a lot of smokers to get in the door.”
In a bet, there is a fool and a thief.
- Proverb.
March 19th, 2012 at 4:34:53 AM
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You left out an important choice.
"I don't smoke and seek out non-smoking venues but believe that the individual businesses should decide for themselves."
"I don't smoke and seek out non-smoking venues but believe that the individual businesses should decide for themselves."
March 19th, 2012 at 5:32:04 AM
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Love the Palace in Biloxi. Smoke free and doing well!!
When a rock is thrown into a pack of dogs, the one that yells the loudest is the one who got hit.
March 19th, 2012 at 6:47:24 AM
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So many things going on with this casino other than the smoking issue that will have it in bankrupcy court quickly. It sounds like the Cosmo all over again. They may get club people willing to pay for overpriced drinks on the weekend, but it seems like they are not focusing on gamblers. Only one level of players card and everything including rooms must be paid for out of comp dollars. Hosts cannot offer free rooms, but you can use your comps to pay for them. They are saying their comps will be easier to earn, but larger players love the idea of walking to the front of a restaurant line by flashing their card.
Debt is high already and if they do make it, other AC casinos like ACH (old Hilton), Resorts & even Borgata will feel the heat of lost customers. AC has too much other competition from PA & NY to gain many new customers. Therefore it is either steal another casinos customer, or suffer.
Debt is high already and if they do make it, other AC casinos like ACH (old Hilton), Resorts & even Borgata will feel the heat of lost customers. AC has too much other competition from PA & NY to gain many new customers. Therefore it is either steal another casinos customer, or suffer.
March 19th, 2012 at 9:58:54 AM
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Quote: timberjimYou left out an important choice.
"I don't smoke and seek out non-smoking venues but believe that the individual businesses should decide for themselves."
Amen
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March 19th, 2012 at 10:13:21 AM
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Sure, Revel will only cannibalize. And people who go to AC will either make Revel a choice over a rival, or not. There will be an initial bump from those who are fascincated with the resort. I think Borgata will be hurt. And I think a few gamblers from New York, Pennsylvania, and Northern NJ will come over for a while. Will it cannabalize enough gamblers to make another AC resort close? Probably. Is that a bad thing? No.
AC needs to reinvent itself as a beachside resort town, revitalize its boardwalk, decriminalize the areas near the boardwalk and open up the beachfront to residential living, such as condos by tearing down a few mid-strip casinos.
AC needs to reinvent itself as a beachside resort town, revitalize its boardwalk, decriminalize the areas near the boardwalk and open up the beachfront to residential living, such as condos by tearing down a few mid-strip casinos.
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March 19th, 2012 at 11:01:20 AM
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Boz seems to have the right idea. This place will be utilizing bankruptcy tools in the not too distant future. Perhaps they will retain Donald Trump for their efforts in fucking investors... all within the fucked up laws that is... That guy is a piece of work.. criminal but knows how to spin with pr.
I do agree that in order for a casino to work in AC, it must be entertainment and hospitality driven these days. Who wants to drive down there anymore when people can go into a casino right in their back yards in any state now. I go strickly to a casino strictly to make money.. period. I dont need to drive to AC anymore. Before, they had no competition, people had to go there to play. Its a new day. Figure it out boys! Their only saving grace is going to be sports betting.. it will come.
Politicians are so frikin corrupt and hypocritical... when the states need money, everything eventually becomes legal whereas before it would be a criminal act.
I do agree that in order for a casino to work in AC, it must be entertainment and hospitality driven these days. Who wants to drive down there anymore when people can go into a casino right in their back yards in any state now. I go strickly to a casino strictly to make money.. period. I dont need to drive to AC anymore. Before, they had no competition, people had to go there to play. Its a new day. Figure it out boys! Their only saving grace is going to be sports betting.. it will come.
Politicians are so frikin corrupt and hypocritical... when the states need money, everything eventually becomes legal whereas before it would be a criminal act.
'Winners hit n run... Losers stick around'
March 19th, 2012 at 11:32:03 AM
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True. The mantra for gambling now is that everyone who is going to gamble is gambling, so we might as well open casinos in our own state. All that is going to lead to is a few more new customers (those who cannot travel easily, aka, seniors) who can't really afford to lose money but at least the revenue will be close to home.
AC can offer a better gambling experience to its patrons than Pennsylvania, simply because Pennyslvania takes 55% of slot revenue as its own, while New Jersey takes 8%. That difference between tax rates can and should be used as a competitive advantage.
So, for a slot machine in AC to be equally as profitable as a slot in PA, the slot in PA would need to take in 2,222 while the same slot in AC would need to take in 1,087. That's significant. So, I would start offering massive slot promotions to its bussed in or out of state players effectively giving people 5x points or something (on weekdays) to that effect, so rather than a 0.5% slot return to the player, offer 2.5% cash back. That would be significant enough I think to bring players over. Although the player experience on that slot might be the same, the perception of value (getting $1 on every $40) in play would be a great value.
When the feds figure out how to make gambling onshore and completely taxable, it will become legal.
AC can offer a better gambling experience to its patrons than Pennsylvania, simply because Pennyslvania takes 55% of slot revenue as its own, while New Jersey takes 8%. That difference between tax rates can and should be used as a competitive advantage.
So, for a slot machine in AC to be equally as profitable as a slot in PA, the slot in PA would need to take in 2,222 while the same slot in AC would need to take in 1,087. That's significant. So, I would start offering massive slot promotions to its bussed in or out of state players effectively giving people 5x points or something (on weekdays) to that effect, so rather than a 0.5% slot return to the player, offer 2.5% cash back. That would be significant enough I think to bring players over. Although the player experience on that slot might be the same, the perception of value (getting $1 on every $40) in play would be a great value.
When the feds figure out how to make gambling onshore and completely taxable, it will become legal.
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March 19th, 2012 at 12:05:35 PM
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Quote: DeMangoLove the Palace in Biloxi. Smoke free and doing well!!
Ditto!!! My first visit to this casino was two weeks ago. Low table minimums ($5) on everything. I felt like a whale playing $25 a hand at Pai Gow Poker!
March 19th, 2012 at 12:34:11 PM
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Right on Boymimbo... and even the slots in AC are not paying out nearly what they used to. They are competing with each other so the payout % is substantially lower... slots are not my cup of tea. Ill take a craps table anywhere and still have the same winning outcome... same goes with poker.
'Winners hit n run... Losers stick around'
March 19th, 2012 at 12:51:23 PM
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Quote: WatchMeWinRight on Boymimbo... and even the slots in AC are not paying out nearly what they used to. They are competing with each other so the payout % is substantially lower... slots are not my cup of tea. Ill take a craps table anywhere and still have the same winning outcome... same goes with poker.[/q
You've stated many times that you consistently win. Do you consistently win at craps, poker and sports or is it a combination of the three?Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
March 19th, 2012 at 3:59:35 PM
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Doesn't the state of New Jersey have a significant investment stake in Revel as a result of the original developer's default?
I think that AC can and should reinvent itself with an emphasis on shuttering a few underperforming properties and reorienting the entire shoreline. It IS a beautiful setting in so many ways.
I think that AC can and should reinvent itself with an emphasis on shuttering a few underperforming properties and reorienting the entire shoreline. It IS a beautiful setting in so many ways.
March 19th, 2012 at 4:20:40 PM
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I hope it succeeds. Here in western New York we have our Indian casino which allows smoking, but right across the border are 2 smoke free casinos. So the Indian casino gets a DISPROPORTIONATELY high percentage of smokers, as they self select Seneca Niagara. The stench is remarkable. But not having to cross a border, with the possible customs delays....
And for those worrying about investors in a new AC casino being screwed.... you'd have to have a screw loose to be one of those investors...
And for those worrying about investors in a new AC casino being screwed.... you'd have to have a screw loose to be one of those investors...
March 19th, 2012 at 4:26:11 PM
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To the Revel I say BRAVO! If anybody in Vegas would do the same they would definitely earn my business.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
March 19th, 2012 at 4:44:26 PM
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Quote: WizardTo the Revel I say BRAVO! If anybody in Vegas would do the same they would definitely earn my business.
I think it will work. Even smokers admit that the place can stink after a while. They may patronize the Revel, and sneak out periodically to a place where they can smoke. At any rate, it is easier to add smoking at a later time then it is to take it away.
March 19th, 2012 at 4:47:56 PM
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Even smokers will choose to go without smoking for a while, so that they can gamble at the Revel. Nobody wants to gamble in a toilet when there's some place that's cleaner and that smells better.
March 19th, 2012 at 5:18:20 PM
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As much as I applaud the Revel, I am not predicting success. If a group of people go to a casino together it takes just one smoker to insist they all stay at a smoking property. Back when restaurants had smoking and non-smoking areas my smoking friends would always insist on the smoking section, and if I didn't like it then we could just sit separately.
This is just based on personal observation, but I submit for the consideration of anyone who cares that smokers are probably more profitable gamblers (to the casino) than non-smokers. They seem to have a more carefree attitude, leading to betting more and less reliant on memorizing strategy. Maybe I'm making too big of a generalization, but based on smokers I've known they tend to live more for the pleasure of the moment than out of a long-term greater good.
This is just based on personal observation, but I submit for the consideration of anyone who cares that smokers are probably more profitable gamblers (to the casino) than non-smokers. They seem to have a more carefree attitude, leading to betting more and less reliant on memorizing strategy. Maybe I'm making too big of a generalization, but based on smokers I've known they tend to live more for the pleasure of the moment than out of a long-term greater good.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
March 19th, 2012 at 5:42:22 PM
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DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
March 19th, 2012 at 7:03:38 PM
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Quote: IbeatyouracesWhen the Detroit casinos opened, Casino (Caesars) Windsors business declined and then they banned smoking in the place and business dropped even more. The 3 Detroit casinos spent millions to keep allowing smokers when the work place smoking ban went into effect a couple years ago.
Be careful not to blame the smoking ban too much on the drop in business. Around the same time, the government made it much more difficult to get across the border by requiring a passport. That's the reason I haven't been back to Caesars, even though it's not too much farther than my other options.
"One out of every four people are [morons]"- Kyle, South Park
March 19th, 2012 at 7:16:07 PM
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DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
March 19th, 2012 at 8:11:01 PM
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IMO smokers gravitate to gambling for the very reason that casinos provide them a roomy and indoor environment to smoke. Most anywhere else in this country, anymore, they lack similar opportunities.
Regarding the Revel, I salute them as well. It was terribly disappointing to me recently that the state of Kansas, when deciding to open its three casinos over the past year, broke with their own state law against indoor smoking.
Regarding the Revel, I salute them as well. It was terribly disappointing to me recently that the state of Kansas, when deciding to open its three casinos over the past year, broke with their own state law against indoor smoking.
March 19th, 2012 at 8:15:06 PM
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Quote: midwestgbRegarding the Revel, I salute them as well. It was terribly disappointing to me recently that the state of Kansas, when deciding to open its three casinos over the past year, broke with their own state law against indoor smoking.
Kansas City already is flooded with casinos, and Hollywood will have a tough time competing in the long-run without allowing smoking. Remember that Missouri is the state that managed to avoid raising taxes on cigarettes with a clever ad campaign. It's not an excuse, but I can understand why they did.
"One out of every four people are [morons]"- Kyle, South Park
March 19th, 2012 at 9:32:41 PM
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Yeah... I know that is WHY they did it, but I still HATE the decision. Kansas had a chance to set a precedent - like Colorado has with their casinos - and blew it...pun intended.
I am not a huge Christie fan, but something tells me that he played a role in defining that the Revel should go smokeless. Kudos to them, and I intend to support them with a visit or two. Hope they flourish, but I realize they face some stark challenges in that market.
I am not a huge Christie fan, but something tells me that he played a role in defining that the Revel should go smokeless. Kudos to them, and I intend to support them with a visit or two. Hope they flourish, but I realize they face some stark challenges in that market.
March 19th, 2012 at 10:07:00 PM
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SOOPOO,
You can walk the Rainbow bridge from the American side and be at Casino Niagara in 8 minutes, and get a great (free) vantage of the Falls. My kid visits her mom in the states, and when the border wait's horrendous (either way), I just walk her across, rather than drive. And I save $2.25 on tolls.
And yeah, when the smoking ban went into effect at Niagara and Fallsview, they were hit with another double whammy: the passport restriction and the high dollar. Those two things are mostly to blame for the decrease of business at the border casinos.
You can walk the Rainbow bridge from the American side and be at Casino Niagara in 8 minutes, and get a great (free) vantage of the Falls. My kid visits her mom in the states, and when the border wait's horrendous (either way), I just walk her across, rather than drive. And I save $2.25 on tolls.
And yeah, when the smoking ban went into effect at Niagara and Fallsview, they were hit with another double whammy: the passport restriction and the high dollar. Those two things are mostly to blame for the decrease of business at the border casinos.
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You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
March 20th, 2012 at 5:16:30 AM
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I smoked cigarettes off and on for almost twenty years, and never once did I smoke one indoors!
I just always considered it disgusting and inconsiderate. I always hated secondhand smoke and I still do.
I am looking forward to being able to breathe clean air at a craps table for once.
I, too, doubt Revel will make much of a profit in the long run.
They spent $2.4Billion and are entering a declining market.
I just always considered it disgusting and inconsiderate. I always hated secondhand smoke and I still do.
I am looking forward to being able to breathe clean air at a craps table for once.
I, too, doubt Revel will make much of a profit in the long run.
They spent $2.4Billion and are entering a declining market.
In a bet, there is a fool and a thief.
- Proverb.
March 20th, 2012 at 6:55:39 AM
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I agree that they had to do it in order to compete with MO casinos. I have always thought it would be interesting if someone would open the old Sam's Town casino in KC as a smoke-free joint. It would even work out if one of the other property owners (Caesars/Harrahs's or Ameristar) opened it as a smoke-free extension since they are close together. I don't know how that would work with casino licenses and such, but an interesting thought.
I am heading down to the Gulf Coast (Biloxi) soon and I found out that the Palace Casino is smoke free. I will more than likely be doing most of my gaming there. I don't know how well financially they are doing in comparison to the other casinos, but I'm glad they have given that option.
I am heading down to the Gulf Coast (Biloxi) soon and I found out that the Palace Casino is smoke free. I will more than likely be doing most of my gaming there. I don't know how well financially they are doing in comparison to the other casinos, but I'm glad they have given that option.
March 20th, 2012 at 7:03:18 AM
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Quote: joeinkcI agree that they had to do it in order to compete with MO casinos. I have always thought it would be interesting if someone would open the old Sam's Town casino in KC as a smoke-free joint. It would even work out if one of the other property owners (Caesars/Harrahs's or Ameristar) opened it as a smoke-free extension since they are close together. I don't know how that would work with casino licenses and such, but an interesting thought.
Not to hijack this thread into the smoke-free nature of Missouri casinos, but both casinos could EASILY have non-smoking sections for their casinos. Ameristar could make the front part of the boat non-smoking, while Harrah's could make the second floor entirely non-smoking. Harrah's St Louis has one half of the old Island casino as non-smoking. This seems like a more than reasonable compromise.
Back to Revel, I hope the gamble pays off. There's a lot going for the place, but if you try to become too exclusive, you may go after such a small piece of the pie that it will tough to be profitable. It's HIGHLY unlikely that grandma and grandpa will make it their location of choice (and they don't want that customer). Unfortunately, that's where the money is at, even on the Jersey Shore.
"One out of every four people are [morons]"- Kyle, South Park
March 20th, 2012 at 10:31:02 AM
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I don't have a problem with smoking, I have a problem with the smokers who are complete dicks about it. Everyone knows the ones I am talking about. I can be sitting at the table and someone can have a cigarette and I may not even notice. Then the one dink comes over, slaps his money down, elbows the shit out of everyone and blows smoke all over the damn place as his way of claiming the table. I really feel bad for the smokers who go through the effort to be considerate of others because it doesn't take too many jerks to sour to opinion of the crowds.
March 20th, 2012 at 10:50:56 AM
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If the giant Las Vegas market has not had one casino make it smoke free it shows that the demand just isn't there. Unless people in AC are significantly different than people in Vegas, then the Revel would be wise to allow smoking.
Edit: D'oh put this in the wrong thread.
Edit: D'oh put this in the wrong thread.
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