Casino File: Rivers Philly, Tropicana celebrate July 4th; Kevin Bacon at Bally’s AC; Bally’s, Caesars upgrades
It may seem almost sacrilegious for a casino to make a big deal about Independence Day. At the very least, it could be perceived as a crass exploitation of what is the seminal event—the issuance of the Declaration of Independence—of our nation’s history.
But, according to a Daily Beast article, there may be no more appropriate setting for a July 4 celebration than a gaming hall: Apparently, the Founding Fathers were inveterate (if not degenerate) gamblers!
As such, it makes perfect sense for casinos to mark the occasion of America’s 246th birthday. And two regional gambling dens are doing just that.
On July 3, Rivers Casino Philadelphia is staging a bash dubbed Party On the Pier. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. with a “let’s get this party started” set by DJ Gary. At 7:30, the acclaimed Elton John tribute act, Elton Rohn, will perform a 90-minute set that will be followed by a fireworks display over the Delaware River.
Throughout the evening, there will be family-friendly activities including face-painting and balloon artists, as well as food vendors.
Free parking is also part of the party package.
On July 4, Tropicana Atlantic City will stage a fireworks display at 10 p.m. And if you can’t make it then, be advised the Trop fills the sky with bombs bursting in air every Saturday night through Labor Day weekend.
Bally’s brings the Bacons
The Bacon Brothers--superstar character actor Kevin and his brother, Michael—headline the June 26 benefit for the Sound Mind Network at Bally’s Atlantic City.
The brothers, who on July 8 will drop their new EP, Erato, will be joined at the over-21 show by Philly cheesesteak mogul Tony Luke Jr., a co-founder of the Network who also happens to be an exceptionally talented singer and composer, Electraqueens and Johnny Showcase.
The Sound Mind Network is a non-profit organization that promotes the use of the creative arts to help people struggling with addiction, mental health and trauma issues.
For tickets, click here.
Room boom
Room renovation projects are pretty much complete at two midtown-Atlantic City properties.
At Bally’s Atlantic City, 750 Tower rooms have been given a makeover, bringing the 33-year-old hotel into the 21st century. The work restores to the complex the atmosphere of luxury it exuded when it opened in 1989. All rooms have been updated with sleek, modern décor; bathrooms have been retrofitted with updated amenities like illuminated mirrors and brand-new showers.
For those looking to splurge a little, there are 112 corner Deluxe King rooms that expand on the standard billets with window-fronting seating areas and a soaking tub.
Next door at Caesars Atlantic City, the sky-scraping Centurion Tower has likewise received a thorough revamping. Standard rooms offer a number of must-have amenities including a surprising number of electric outlets/USB ports, a large HD television and closet safe.
The bathrooms are unexpectedly roomy (the national industry seems to be heading in the opposite direction) and contain a large, glass-enclosed shower with a seat and two shower heads.
The top three floors of the Centurion Tower are still undergoing construction work that will transform them into the super-high-end Nobu hotel-within-a-hotel. A late-2022 opening is planned.