The Atlantic City Casinos have reopened, which is probably not surprising given the millions of dollars they collectively miss out on each day they are closed. That’s good for tourism (in an area that will now BADLY need the funds that gambling resorts generate to rebuild), but most importantly it’s good for the WORKERS in that area.

Those of you who’ve read my blog for a while will know that I’ve travelled to a lot of land based casino resorts in my life – yes, I’ve been lucky (and not so lucky), I’ve seen a lot of things. Playing in casinos has given me a great lifestyle and opportunity to visit so many places worldwide – which is why I was deeply saddened to read about Hurricane Sandy and the devastation it’s caused to the Atlantic City area.

I visited Atlantic City 3 years or so ago, and really enjoyed my time there. The boardwalk (on which the famous Monopoly game is based), the Miss America Pageants (sadly not on when I was there), and the stunning casinos right by the beach – it’s a lovely place. It had a New Jersey “attitude” to it – very different to the Las Vegas vibe – but the nightlife came into its own. Great dancing, good drinks – and sunshine. But most importantly, the people who worked in the Atlantic City casinos were just great. Top service, smiles all around, and a really caring and loving attitude towards visitors – or maybe I was just lucky? In any case, it’s these people I’m feeling for right now. My thoughts are with them as they deal with the cleanup from this terrible tragedy of Hurricane Sandy.

The Atlantic City Casinos have reopened, which is probably not surprising given the millions of dollars they collectively miss out on each day they are closed. That’s good for tourism (in an area that will now BADLY need the funds that gambling resorts generate to rebuild), but most importantly it’s good for the WORKERS in that area. Many of the resorts 30,000 inhabitants work in casinos, or have their families fed by someone working in the casinos – so when the casinos are closed, those households don’t get income. I’m not worried about the casinos themselves (they have very deep pockets – put it this way, I found them generous when I played blackjack against them) – but I do feel for those people who work in them. Regardless of their choice of work (and I’m not one to judge), these people are GOOD people, now trapped in a BAD situation. In times of adversity, it’s important for us all to pull together to help those in need – so I’m hoping there will be a charity or fund established before long to help the WORKERS rebuild their lives in that area. Yes, the boardwalk and casinos are lovely, but there is poverty on the outskirts, and no storm will help that.

So, Atlantic City, my heart goes out to you. And I hope it won’t be too long before the area and your lovely people are back to “normal” – well, at least to a sense of normality. I hope to visit you again before too long.