The action at the dice, blackjack and roulette tables remained heavy throughout the night. Last night, the lines outside the Casino had disappeared, but there still were long lines of people inside waiting to get change for the slot machines. However, as of Friday evening traffic was light, but virtually all 12,000 hotel, motel and boarding house rooms should be booked by today, the local Chamber of Commerce said. Over the Memorial Day weekend Atlantic City is expecting upwards of 400,000 visitors, double the normal holiday crowd. In all, there are 20 announced casino projects, with a total price tag exceeding $1 billion, and that is expected to transform this aging and decaying resort into a Las Vegas by the sea. Next year, two more casinos are expected to open on the boardwalk, ending the Resorts International monopoly on gambling here. And that doesn’t include profits from its 900-room hotel, which is booked solid through Labor Day. Resorts International told the New Jersey Casino Control Commission that it projects winnings of up to $60 million during the first year. However, after two $25 bets, the house came out the winner.Īnd the house expects to come out a big winner over the year.
“I feel very lucky,” said Lawrence, flanked by Byrne and executives of Resorts International.
