In the publishing world, we work at least a month ahead, so I had late June and part of July to relax and enjoy some time off – and I savored my leisure time.

My husband Norman and I traveled to France for several days and checked out the casinos in Nice and Monte Carlo. Wow, just thinking about all the money and “beautiful people” that frequent these French Riviera venues leaves me starry-eyed.

Back in the USA, I live in southern New Jersey – 15 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean near Atlantic City – and also spent time on the beach, getting together with friends while enjoying the famed Boardwalk and other wonderful amenities of the Atlantic City region.

However, while many of us benefit from time off, the casino industry continues to roll on. That may be a key reason we all love this business. We can go away for a short time and be sure that something new is on the horizon, or a major event has occurred.

So, while I was sitting poolside or beachside, sipping a cool drink, here are some noteworthy happenings on the American gaming scene:

Donald Trump was out, then he was in, then he was out again. What does that mean? First, the flamboyant gaming and real estate mogul aimed to sell the three Trump casinos in Atlantic City. Negotiations and pricing fell apart with two prospective buyers in early July. Two key executives were released, but soon hired elsewhere.

Trump’s “reign” was short-lived; Atlantic City favorite Mark Juliano has been named the new chief executive at the Trump organization. The company is in the midst of new construction – which include an 800-room hotel tower at the Trump Taj Mahal, despite facing huge debts of more than $1 billion – and renovating their venues.

However, don’t fret for the big guy from New York. His Las Vegas tower projects are soaring to new heights and the Trump name will rise among the bright lights. The 1,282 condominium buildings, which have thousands of buyers, range from $700,000 to $7million per unit.

Pinnacle Entertainment has offered a vague look at their $1.5 billion Atlantic City casino project for the future. Their proposed casino remains nameless and will be located on the former Sands parcel. They have promised a spectacular event when Pinnacle implodes the Sands this fall. All the Pinnacle ads promise a gaming venue well worth the wait until 2011.

Competition begets innovation, and we are already seeing some changes in various jurisdictions that aim to keep their customers while attracting new ones. Pennsylvania’s new racinos and future stand-alone slots parlors have motivated neighboring Delaware, New Jersey and West Virginia to up the ante on their products and services.

Atlantic City continues its renaissance with several construction projects. Borgata has topped off the roof on its Water Tower boutique hotel and spa project. Harrah’s opened its spa, domed pool area and is close to completing its new hotel tower for early 2008.

In Delaware, the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino has developed a showpiece resort from its racing origins. By mid September, 268 rooms and suites will open for a total of 500 – the most in Delaware. Also, they are introducing a luxury spa, and have a casino expansion project in the works that will increase the slot count by 500. Dover Downs will also debut multiple restaurant and shopping outlets and a nightclub/lounge.

Southwest of Pennsylvania, West Virginia’s four racinos are gearing up to introduce table games. In three separate public referendums, table games received approval from two counties. The fourth county voted in mid-August. Of approximately 45,000 votes cast, approval for table games won by a mere 33 votes. It clearly proved the importance of every vote.

Gaming offerings may also change in Atlantic City. Electronic games have been approved, but so far the 11 casino properties have remained quiet about testing them. They may have to do that soon because the gaming revenues have dipped for a few consecutive months. For the first time, annual gaming revenues may decline slightly as a consequence of Pennsylvania’s entry into the gaming market.

Wow, think of all that, only a fraction of what has happened this summer. Mississippi’s Gulf Coast is not only recovering, but surpassing the gaming revenues prior to Hurricane Katrina two years ago.

Don’t you just love it?

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