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Sharon Harris talks policy – as does Steve Wynn
It was an eerie feeling all along the East Coast in late August. Hurricane Irene barreled up the coastline, hitting the Mid-Atlantic region on a very busy tourist weekend. The end of summer is a very popular vacation time.
In Atlantic City, the tension was palpable. For only the third time in 33 years, all 11 casinos ceased operations and closed their doors in advance of what was expected to be a destructive situation.
Governor Chris Christie ordered all gaming properties to close on Friday, August 26. At a news conference, he told people to “get the hell off the beach” because by 4 pm that afternoon, they had “maximized their tan”. You’ve gotta love this guy who takes charge in a crisis.
After living at the Jersey Shore for 11 years, I have never seen the weather so bad and potentially dangerous that the state and local leaders would mandate everyone get out. But, they did, and about a million people evacuated. I live beyond the required evacuation zone, so my house became an overnight refuge for “fleeing friends”.
We never lost power, but it did get scary at times. The television news showed the quiet streets and deserted casino buildings along the Boardwalk. Normally buzzing with activity on a Saturday night, silence and darkness replaced the noise and bright neon lights.
Luckily, the damage was minimal in Atlantic City. The casinos reopened on Monday, August 29 at noon. Being out of business for a weekend was the last thing Atlantic City needed. Estimates of losses for the three days run from $45 million-$50 million among the properties and the surrounding businesses.
The good news is that the following Labor Day weekend, the traditional end of summer, was gorgeous and busy. All in all, the summer’s total results were encouraging to the region.
Ironically, I had only recently returned from a terrific three-day trip to Biloxi, Mississippi. You can read the full story in this issue. The efforts and commitment of the entire business and governmental communities to rebuilding the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina were amazing.
I remember saying how I could not imagine having to evacuate and be fearful about what I would find upon my return. And then here it was, three weeks later, that my own home region faced the possibility of something not quite as bad, but certainly destructive enough.
Many of our nation’s gaming communities have faced extreme challenges, whether from tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding, hurricanes or just bad economies. However, everyone always steps up by pitching in and working hard to rebuild what our industry has to offer.
Want a good laugh on a serious topic? If you see veteran casino guy, former police officer, running sprinter and new Resorts Atlantic City owner Dennis Gomes at the G2E, compliment him on his physical prowess. He more than proved his commitment to Resorts’ security in early September.
During dinner with his wife and friends on site, he noticed a man walk into the restaurant’s bar, bend down and steal a case from a female customer. Gomes immediately leapt from his chair to chase this character, pursuing him to the escalator. The man tossed the case while fleeing.
A quick apprehension was not to be on a busy Friday night. The crowds hindered his quick escape, so the guy ran down the up escalator. In hot pursuit, Gomes was yelling to customers to move away. As the suspect ran through the casino floor, Gomes followed and enlisted a nearby security guard.
They secured the suspect by grabbing both arms. During his transport to a holding tank, the 37-year-old somehow got a black eye. This idiot had just been released from prison, and now will again face criminal charges. What was in the case? It was filled only with CDs and baby powder.
As he returned to dinner, the crowd cheered Gomes. Word spread among the staff, and Gomes was nominated as the security department’s employee of the month. Customers will feel safer when Dennis Gomes is on the premises, and it just proves how important safety and security are at any casino.
Finally, as you’re reading this, you may be strolling along the exhibit floor at this year’s G2E show in Las Vegas. Not only have the dates changed, but so has the location to the Sands Expo convention center. It promises to be full of new life and vitality, as everything is now on display in one giant room.
I will be crisscrossing the show floor for the three days. So, if you see me wearing my badge before I get to see you, please stop me, say hello and tell me what is new in your world. I would love to hear from you.
Safe travels from wherever you live and work, and enjoy the show.
