New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy decided to provide Atlantic City with a $20 million grant. The funding is part of a $100 million initiative that will allow local municipalities to restore their boardwalks.

The money is a leftover from the American Rescue Plan and will see New Jersey take care of its signature boardwalks. Originally designed to prevent sand from getting inside nearby hotels, these boardwalks are now beloved tourist attractions.

The Atlantic City Boardwalk in particular is a historic promenade that is believed to be the oldest one in America. Spanning some 5.5 miles, it is also one of the largest boardwalks in the world. The repairs are expected to improve tourism and also bolster local casinos’ business.

The $20 million grant will allow Atlantic City to take care of deteriorating parts of the boardwalk. The repairs will see old decking and pilings replaced with better materials that will allow the structure to last longer.

Governor Murphy added that many locals have cherished memories at the boardwalks of the Jersey shore, which is why they’ve become a prized destination. He hopes to keep them that way by allowing communities to repair and maintain these wooden main streets.

The grant awards announced today are a meaningful step in preserving the health and dynamism of these special places.

Governor Phil Murphy

The AC Boardwalk Is a Lifeline for Local Casinos

The boardwalk is not only an important cultural asset but also an important economic driver, according to Jacquelyn Suárez, the acting commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

The boardwalks are also very important to six of Atlantic City’s nine casinos since guests usually use the pathway to access nearby resorts. As a result, keeping these wooden streets in good condition is important to the city’s flourishing gambling industry.

For reference, the casinos dependent on the boardwalks include Bally’s, Caesars, Hard Rock, Ocean Casino, Resorts Casino Hotel and Tropicana.  

Speaking of AC’s casinos, the state continues to discuss whether the loophole that allows them to dedicate a part of their indoor space as a smoking area should be patched. While casino companies are concerned about potential losses, casino workers fear that the unhealthy environment is jeopardizing their lives.

The post New Jersey Provides Municipalities with $100M for Boardwalk Repairs appeared first on Keno Wizard.

On November 15, a fierce fire erupted under the historic Atlantic City Boardwalk, threatening the entrance to the Resorts Casino Hotel. Despite the dramatic scene, no injuries were reported, and Resorts Casino Hotel successfully continued its operations, utilizing alternative entrances.

Resorts Casino Hotel President Thanks Firefighters for Swift Action

The fire, which ignited around 4 p.m., forced the temporary closure of two adjacent restaurants, with hopes of reopening later in the day, according to Fire Chief Scott Evans and Resorts President Mark Giannantonio. Black smoke billowed into the sky, accompanied by vivid orange flames beneath the Resorts Casino Hotel sign, creating a spectacle that drew onlookers, reported the Associated Press.

Aris Matos and his wife Michelle, diners from Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania, witnessed the unfolding drama from inside the casino. Matos recounted the unfolding situation, explaining that they had continued dining, and he observed the smoke intensifying. He mentioned seeing a restaurant worker rushing outside with a fire extinguisher in an attempt to suppress the flames. However, the worker returned to the restaurant, instructing everyone to evacuate due to the flames being too substantial.

Despite the severity of the two-alarm fire, involving 30 firefighters, it was brought under control within about 40 minutes. Fire Chief Evans deemed it a very serious situation, acknowledging the challenges faced by the firefighting team. 

Resorts Casino Hotel president Giannantonio expressed gratitude for the swift response of the fire department, preventing further damage to the iconic casino.

Atlantic City Casino Fire Sparks Ongoing Probe into Unknown Cause

The fire damaged the casino’s facade, including a melted canopy, with remnants dripping down near where firefighters cut away a section of the Boardwalk to access and extinguish the blaze. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, with investigations exploring possibilities such as electrical malfunctions or accidental ignition by individuals seeking shelter beneath the Boardwalk, a not-uncommon occurrence in Atlantic City.

While the cause of the fire remains a mystery, the city’s fire department confirmed that the casino floor remained open, assuring the public that business operations were uninterrupted. The incident prompted brief evacuations of nearby businesses, but no injuries were reported. Investigations into the origins of the blaze are ongoing.

In other news, New Jersey online casinos, including Resorts Casino Hotel, are seeking a ten-year license extension, but current legislation only permits a two-year extension. Despite concerns among license holders about the short duration and the challenges it poses in a competitive market, an Assembly committee voted for the two-year extension, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the industry. 

The post Resorts Casino Hotel Defies Flames in Dramatic Atlantic City Boardwalk Fire appeared first on Keno Wizard.