Harrah’s management in AC (top level at least) governs all Harrahs’ properties. So the Main Gaming GM oversees all properties. It has been pretty much known that their smaller properties poker rooms are on the block. The Trump Marina spent tons of money on their poker room and closed it within 2 months. The plan is to be as efficient as possible.

Sometimes things don’t make sense, but it’s the word I’m getting and I’m getting it from some pretty heavy hitters.

I agree with you Jordan that this is only going to grow the poker population. i would gather that 50% (if not higher) of the people in the PA rooms were were first time casino poker players. At least for any stretch of continuity.

I’m happy as can be about it. It’s only going to offer opportunity to my company. But I think that AC is going to continue to be the premier poker place on the east. And when I say AC I mean Borgata

I spot you a sleeper sofa if you need a place to crash. I’m down in Riggs’ neck of the woods but Bethlehem is doable for me tho Chester is closer. Let me know if and when and maybe I’ll take a run up. Going to check out Harrah’s Chester on Sun.

I live in Union County NJ, and would be happy to drive you out to Sands, especially in the next few weeks while my kids are still both at camp. Let me know by email (I think you can see it, right?).

I promise I’m not (very) weird. I can offer PokerGrump for a reference, and CK and I sort of correspond (although she always leaves LV when I show up). I also met John (lightning36) for a White Sox game with his son in early June.

I also hit AC occasionally, with spousal permission.

I can pick you up at Metropark, which is a direct train from Penn

LMK

Jason

Already have plans to check out the sands during musikfest when i go down, let me know how you like it?

Don’t know what your sources on that are, but Showboat has been actively trying to revamp their poker room — they’re getting in a johnny rockets and holding a huge freeroll tourney in August.

Rigg, the reason why I’m excited is because the spread of poker means MORE POKER. That’s primarily it. Yes, I am glad that PA casinos are slightly closer than AC, but its only slight. It’s not like there is a casino 30 minutes from NYC (yet). I am also excited to see how the competition will affect the game, for better or worse.

I have to say though that your predictions are a stark contrast from a lot of what I have seen. For instance, I heard that the Bethlehem Sands expects to have 25 tables open within a matter of months if things go well, but you said that PA will not have more than 15 tables per room. Alceste just opined that another PA casino plans to expand their poker room in the future.

And likewise, how can you expect AC poker rooms to close but also state that droves of people were going to AC for poker because of the wait at PA casinos. Where have you heard that AC poker rooms would be closing?

I don’t doubt your sources or info, since you seem to always be very well informed on these subjects. It’s a lot more likely that my other sources are wrong (re: expanded rooms). I’d love to hear more of your thoughts.

Bally’s and showboat will close their poker rooms. Trop will as well., I have no time frame on this but figure within the next 6 months.

This cuts AC’s poker tables down to about 30%

PA will not hold more than 15 tables per room and will always be jammed. The exception here is PARX (Bensalem) whichsupposedly will have 75 tables, but who knows how long it will take for them to offer that. September 1st is the scheduled opening date, but how many tables I’m unsure.

DP had droves of people leaving for AC this past weekend because it was too packed. AC is going to win this battle. There is no doubt. As more and more fish come out to play in these live events held at PA casinos, they will learn, and eventually head to AC for the big games.

Got two other suggestions for you which are a lot shorter wait time to seat: Harrah’s at Chester, PA (which is brand new as well, and seemingly as far as AC), and Delaware Park (which may be shorter than a trip to AC). I can only comment on DP; I posted a trip report from last Friday on my site. It was GREAT! Players were TERRIBLE. Highly recommended.