The new Revel casino in Atlantic City is just opening but it already has an interesting history. The $2.2 billion casino was left for dead after the financial collapse in 2008. Construction resumed after getting a state bailout from Gov. Christie. Now Atlantic City hopes the Revel can revive its sagging gambling fortunes.
The Revel’s revival is detailed here in a piece by the Business Insider. Perhaps the most interesting quote is this one from Revel CEO Kevin DeSanctis before the Revel was built: “As far as I’m concerned the last thing this place needs is another casino,” he said. “If we’re just going to build a casino, let’s not waste our time on this. It’s not going to be productive.”
DeSanctis was explaining why the Revel is trying to broaden the gambling market by going after high-end customers who want dining and entertainment as well as a casino. The Revel is also the first casino to try to capitalize on its location at the Jersey Shore. The casino is open and airy and has windows that look out at the Atlantic Ocean.
By comparison, the other Atlantic City casinos are dark and windowless. They don’t want gamblers wasting time on the beach when they could be wasting time and their money in the casino. But it remains to be seen if the Revel’s design will reshape the faltering Atlantic City gambling market. Competition and convenience is killing AC. The Revel may bring in a few new visitors, but it’s hard to see how an ocean view will be a game-changer.