Though gambling is a 12-month affair, here in New Jersey, when the Summer season starts to heat up, so does the gaming action. With its shore-front location, Atlantic City offers gamblers a chance to pair their gaming fun with some down time at the beach, a shopping trip at the near-by outlets, or a stroll up the boardwalk. However, with the rise in temperatures, visitors are often met with an unwanted summer phenomena, increased prices as far as the eye can see.
Stretching from lodging, to table minimums, and even food, local casinos and businesses take advantage of the increased foot traffic and visitation that the summer season brings in order to increase their revenue. Desirable room comps all but vanish for your average players, with hotel prices soaring higher with the temperatures as casinos try and squeeze every last drop of money out before temperatures and tourism begin to cool off. At the height of the summer, it is almost impossible to find affordable rooms, that will not wipe out your gambling bank roll.
For a last-minute deal at the Borgota for this Saturday, rates start at $458/room. Though the Borgota is considered to be one of the more upscale hotels in Atlantic City, opening in 2003, with 2,000+ guest rooms, at such high prices, your average gambler would need to have an above average night in order to recoup the room costs. When you start in such a big hole, it takes almost all of the fun out of the experience, because, even a small loss at the tables equals a large loss for the trip.
In the past, there were few alternative options to enjoying the Atlantic City gambling experience without reaching deep into your pocket to pay for the rooms at the casinos. With the increase in local chain and independent hotels, paying high prices for a bed and a bathroom at a casino no longer has to be the norm. Online travel websites, such as Priceline and Expedia, offer a reprieve from high prices, providing high quality amenities, at low costs. From personal experience, by using Priceline and the Name Your Own Price option, on a Saturday Night, in the middle of June, I was able to get a $400+ room for a mere $52 plus taxes. Many initially think that in order to get such a good deal, you have to book a place far away from the bright lights and action of the AC boardwalk. Well, those who thought that were all wrong. Though I was not able to see which hotel I was booking until after the process, by doing a little research and finding out the quality, location and price range I was looking for, I was able to book a room right on the boardwalk and next to the Tropicana at the beautiful 3 ½ star Chelsea Hotel. This turned out to be a pretty sweet deal when compared to the $300/night room prices Caesars and Bally’s were looking for, saving me money, with there being no sacrifice for service or quality.
Staying in or close to the casinos allow for late nights and extended gambling, however, remember, there is no longer the need to sacrifice your gambling bank roll to pay for an over-priced room at a casino. When casino comps fall short, do not settle for paying what the casinos are demanding. Using websites such as Priceline and Expedia prove that you don’t have to sacrifice quality and fun to save a few bucks. With a little bit of research, affordable gambling is only a mouse click away. Wouldn’t you rather lose your money at the tables, where at least you have the chance to win it back, then spend it all up front on a room? Smart planning equals fun gambling and though the summer will bring hotter temperatures and ultimately higher prices, summer gambling does not have to empty your bank account.
Thank you to all that have visited Splitting Aces during its first week, I appreciate your support going forward. Please don’t hesitate to offer comments, advice, or topics that you would like to see and hear more about.
Check back in next week for a week of posts dedicated entirely to Roulette. Spin it to Win It will cover the basics from rules and odds, to advanced betting strategies in an effort to improve your knowledge of the game and ultimately your chances at the wheel.
Thanks again and I look forward to hearing from you.
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