Happy anniversary Atlantic City! The seaside resort celebrated 30 years of legalized gaming in late May. There were lots of festivities to commemorate the milestone event, particularly at Resorts Atlantic City, where it all began.

Sharon Harris thinks the more things change, the more they stay the same – in politics, at least.

What would my father think if he was here today? That question comes to mind when I read about America’s current economic struggles. The money doldrums seem to even be reaching the amusement and gaming industries.

As media representatives, we have an awesome responsibility. Media coverage frequently makes or breaks reputations. Lives and careers may soar to greatness from good press, or crash and burn from bad press. Our job as journalists is to tell the story and avoid steering the discussion to promote an agenda.

Chicken Little, Chicken Little, the sky is falling. Remember that childhood fable of a chicken that overreacts and exaggerates disaster? It reminds me of the doom and gloom attitude of some following the year-end financial reporting on Atlantic City’s casinos.

Have you ever noticed that despite the best advice and counsel, only experiencing a situation makes it real. We can only hope that the consequences are minimal.  Close to home, for example, Datateam Publishing Ltd, the parent company of Casino International and its sister leisure publications, EuroSlot and Park World, purchased the magazine group from the former World’s Fair publishing house in June 2001.

The 2007 G2E was a whirlwind of activity, education and networking. AGA President and CEO Frank Fahrenkopf Jr. reported the show covered approximately 330,000 square feet, up from 300,000 square feet in 2006. He projected an exhibitor increase from 2006 to more than 750. Impressive numbers. 

Too much of something is usually not good. We typically think of that in terms of extravagances, but what about too much negativity? Regular readers will know that I often quote my late father Stan; He was a master of poignant and meaningful stories, and this tale was framed in his office.

2007 is a milestone year for me – 15 gaming shows and 25 years in the amusement industry. Amusements and gaming have the same premise… motivate customers to pay to play. I have fascinating tales and memories, so here is free advice for what consultants charge big bucks:

Like many others of my generation, I grew up in a fairly homogenous neighborhood in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Basically, we all came from the same socio-economic and religious backgrounds. Most of us went to the same summer camps, had the same educational plans and expected to achieve pretty much the same goals in our adult lives. In many ways, it was an insulated way to live.

Welcome back to Casino International. Like many of you, we took a break from publishing an August issue. We refreshed, regrouped and set in motion what should prove to be a dynamite year of intriguing, informative and insightful international editorial for you.