A.C. casinos take back horse money for ads

    Trying to win back customers who have left for casinos closer to home.

    As more casinos have opened in neighboring states, Atlantic City casinos are fighting back with an advertising blitz. They aren’t the only ones on the air.

    “Ok who likes slots? Who likes winning? Who likes driving two hours out of their way?”

    That ad from New York’s Empire City casino emphasizes what gaming analysts say is a big factor in attracting customers. Proximity is a major driver of casino revenue.

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    Atlantic City casinos are committing $30 million to help create a new master plan for the resort area and fund a new marketing effort.
    Corey Morowitz, the chairman of Morowitz Gaming Advisors, says increasing awareness of the amenities not available at other casinos will have an impact.

    “Atlantic City has to sell itself as a full service destination. The beach, the boardwalk, the restaurants, the entertainment offerings, all that and gaming make this a more full experience than the typical convenience gaming alternative.”

    The money to boost Atlantic City marketing was previously earmarked to subsidize New Jersey’s horse racing industry.

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