Gambling executives believe in Atlantic City’s future

The executives gathered on Wednesday and discussed the opportunities that the future may bring to Atlantic City.

Gambling executives met on Wednesday for a Greater Atlantic City Chamber panel at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel and discussed the current situation of the gambling market in the city. They believe that whilst there’s still work to be done, the future looks promising.

As told by President and CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel, Mark Ciannantonio, the city’s future looks promising but resorts’ leaders need to work together to take advantage of opportunities, like sports betting and increased development, in order to make resorts better destinations. “What’s missing in Atlantic City is the spirit of community. Back then, there were so many stakeholders involved. It’s been a missing component for the last 20-25 years,” he added.

Joe Kelly, president of the chamber, said that when there’s competitive entities, such as casinos, talking about and encouraging a spirit of cooperation it’s really important that leadership identifies that as an issue. Matthew Harkness, president of Hard Rock Atlantic City, said that the city has a bright future even if it usually downplays its accomplishments. “What I have seen is that this market is still robust,” he added.

“Things are really pointing up. We want to welcome everyone back to the neighborhood. We are really excited about Hard Rock joining and opening. We think that Hard Rock and the brand is going to be a dramatic uplift for Atlantic City and certainly for the north side of city,” Giannantonio said.