Although a late Thursday budget agreement by the New Jersey legislature promises to reopen Atlantic City's 12 casinos this weekend, most New Yorkers plan to head to Connecticut's two Indian casinos, according to The Newark Star Ledger. As a result of the shutdown, which began Wednesday morning when state gaming commissioners were furloughed by the state's budget crisis, Atlantic City casinos stand to lose more than just their $16 million a day in gaming revenue, but at least 8% of their clientele, who are heading to Connecticut's Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. The Connecticut casinos and Atlantic City's boardwalk and marino are starkly different experiences. Both Connecticut casinos are in bucolic settings where the only hustle-and-bustle is in the casinos. Of course, this means that gamblers can't test their odds or see a show at a rival casino without driving a few miles. On the other hand, Atlantic City's casinos are set along a boardwalk where most casinos are easily accesssible to each other meaning gamblers can see a show at a different venue without a hassle of a car ride. In addition, Atlantic City boasts casinos that more resemble Las Vegas' palatial gambling temples than Connecticut's casinos, which to some extent seem more like shopping malls. Only time will tell which format gamblers who took a chance on Connecticut for the first time may appreciate more. Should gamblers choose Connecticut, then N.J. Governor Jon Corzine's bold political machinations to force the legislature to accept his tax increase will not be remembered fondly by executives not only at Federated Department Stores, Home Depot, and Wal-Mart but also at Aztar, Harrah's or Trump.—Matthew Wurtzel
See story from The Newark Star Ledger
See budget story from The New York Times
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