listen to this articleAtlantic City will once again play host to the 27th East Coast Gaming Congress (ECGC) this week, bringing together the industry’s top leaders and stakeholders.
The two-day event kicked off on April 17th at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino AC. It will feature exhibit halls, networking opportunities, panel discussions, talks from gaming leaders, and more.
ECGC co-founders Lloyd Levenson and Michael Pollock said in a welcome statement that “the fundamental concept of ‘leaders speaking to leaders’ will be on full display at this event.” “Our speaker roster begins with 11 CEOs and the New Jersey Attorney General, and includes many experts in legal, regulatory, operational, investment, and all related gaming areas.”
At the luncheon, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin will deliver remarks and recently retired Director of Gaming Enforcement David Reback will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
James Prusis, Chairman of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, began by discussing the current state of the gaming industry in Atlantic City and the Garden State.
“There’s no question that Atlantic City has some challenges, but we’re stable and heading in the right direction,” Prusis said, adding that gaming, internet gaming and sports betting He pointed out important statistics such as revenue and occupancy rates.
Prusis also noted the efforts casino operators are taking to improve and reinvest their assets.
“Everyone is reinvesting: new restaurants, room and suite upgrades, new convention areas, arcade areas for kids,” Prusis said. “So we’re seriously investing in Atlantic City. And really, what we’re aiming for is to have nine destinations. Nine unique properties that we want people to see. there is.”
Dealing with suspicions
Mr. Prusis was followed by Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., who welcomed the conference to Atlantic City. Mr. Small’s court appearance comes amid legal firestorms following accusations announced earlier this week that Mr. Small and his wife La Quetta, the city’s public schools superintendent, physically and emotionally abused their teenage daughter. It was carried out in the face of
The couple maintains their innocence.
Small briefly addressed the situation in his remarks.
“I just want to say this, everyone: We’ve all seen the news accounts about what’s going on, personally. It’s just personal,” Small said. “But I make a promise to each of you: That does not change my commitment, first and foremost to my family. And it does not change my commitment here in the great city of Atlantic City. ”
Mr. Small continued that there are people who often write obituaries for ACs.
“And I always tell you, the rumors about the demise of the great Atlantic City and its casino industry continue to be greatly exaggerated,” Small said. “Again, my responsibility is to the people of Atlantic City, our businesses, and our partners. And as I said on this stage in February 2024, there is no stopping us now. I can’t. Can I say it’s a great day again?”
After his speech, Small spoke briefly to reporters who asked him about the situation, but could not comment directly because of the ongoing legal matter.
“Greater Atlantic City is at an all-time high and that’s where the focus should be,” Small told reporters. “As the attorney stated, it has nothing to do with my job. I do a great job as mayor. It’s your daily focus. Things can get distracting, but it’s important not to get distracted.”
NJBIZ will have more coverage from ECGC.
