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AC Casinos Close for the First Time in 28-Year History
July 5 witnessed the first time that casinos close their doors in the 28-year history of Atlantic City's legalized gambling trade. All 12 casinos in the city were ordered by the state to cease operations.
The closure was due to the impasse that the state of New Jersey is facing over its budget. Because of the prolonged impasse, Gov Jon Corzine has no authority to spend state budget, therefore having to withdraw unnecessary government services, including state-appointed gaming inspectors that monitor the casino operations.
AC casinos has a $1.1 billion payroll, with 8 percent of that going to the state or approximately $1.3 million a day. State parks, beaches, lotteries and even motor-vehicle departments were likewise closed.
"It's like last call at a bar. It's a little bit eerie," said Michael Trager, 36, of Cincinnati. He was playing at a video poker machine at 10 minutes to 8 a.m. when an attendant told him to wrap up. "They said, 'That's it, you gotta cash out. We're closing."'
At Caesar's janitors locked up the doors to the Boardwalk side. Similarly, doors that lead to the Trump Plaza Hotel Casino were also locked. Other locations were less obvious, with the games only roped off with guards standing nearby.
"I can't understand how they can't find a solution to the budget," said Frank Cannatella, 65, of Staten Island, N.Y., an overnight guest at Trump Plaza. A lot of guests are confused about why casinos would be shut down since the state earns so much money from the establishments.
"It is deplorable that the people of this state are left in such a painful position," Gov. Jon Corzine said on his second speech to the full Legislature. "The people of New Jersey have every right to be angry."
Assembly Democrats struggled to meet the deadline and worked through the night on a new budget proposal that could be introduced Wednesday.
However, the governor indicated dismay, saying that the new proposal would only constitute "a patchwork quilt of unknown, untested and unvetted ideas that we hope will once again simply get us to the finish line."
Police authorities have reported no untoward incidents relating to the closure. AC police spokesman Lt. Michael Tullio reported that the day was going about like usual.
Many are worried because the closure threats to lay off 15, 000 casino workers, with the possibility of that number doubling if the casinos should remain closed through the weekend, according to Robert McDevitt, president of Local 54 of UNITE HERE, a labor union that represents rank-and-file casino hotel workers.
Gamblers have their varying opinions on the matter.
"They're going to lose a lot of money," said Jerome Harper, 42, of Philadelphia, a guest at Resorts Atlantic City. "It's bad. Why close it down when you could just do your job and put the budget together? That's what they're paid for."
Ruth Dodies, 77, of Philadelphia, stood simply staring at the entrance of the Trump Plaza Casino.
"I never thought this would happen," she said. Dodies had planned to stay in Atlantic City until Thursday, but is now thinking of cutting the trip short.