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Experts say Atlantic City should brace
for new competition
August 3
On Monday, experts told a Senate
committee that Atlantic City must prepare for incoming
competition by providing better and more entertainment
and/or non-gambling options. To minimize casino business
losses predicted because of the upcoming arrival of slot
machines in neighboring Pennsylvania, experts warn that
Atlantic City must act soon.
Lawmakers in Pennsylvania
recently approved a measure to implement up to as many as
61,000 slot machines in 14 venues in various parts of the
state. The Senate committee that was held Monday was used to
hear possible ways on how Atlantic City could plan to
counter act the competition.
Many of those who testified in
front of the Senate Wagering, Tourism and Historic
Preservation Committee stated that Pennsylvania's new slots
could take hold of as much cash as 10% of the cash revenue
from Atlantic City. It
is also said that approximately 20% of the customers that
wager at Atlantic City are in fact from Pennsylvania. A
survey that is still being conducted states early results
that say 87% of the visitors from southeastern Pennsylvania
would still go to New Jersey's casinos that same amount of
times once Pennsylvania legalizes the slots.
When Connecticut and Delaware
implemented the use of slots there was a significant impact
on New Jersey as well. It is said that the state will do
what it can to prevent this from happening again. President
and CEO of Resorts Atlantic City, Audrey Oswell, has said
that it is necessary to improve building of a non-gambling
infrastructure for Atlantic City to stay on top. She has
also said that Atlantic City's goal should be to offer much
more in this aspect.
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