Resorts at 30

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Gaming changed forever when Resorts became the first legal gambling venue outside Nevada

By Lori Hoffman

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted May. 22, 2008

A vintage shot of Resorts

History is piled upon history when it comes to that significant moment when Resorts opened its door in 1978 as the first casino in Atlantic City. Resorts was able to jumpstart the casino era locally because it had purchased an icon from an earlier era of Atlantic City prominence, the Chalfonte-Haddon Hall, and converted that venerable and historic structure (built in 1868) into Resorts International.

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Resorts is planning a massive party this Memorial Day holiday weekend including fireworks, Natalie Cole in concert and a block party on North Carolina Avenue (see sidebar for the details).

Tony Rodio, the regional president of Resorts and the Hilton, is a native of South Jersey from Hammonton who has worked in the casino industry since 1980.

Talking about the importance of the milestone, Rodio notes, "As we prepared for the 30th anniversary we went back and looked at some old video clips. One of the things we came across was a newscast from the casino floor the night before Resorts opened. The broadcast stated, 'With the opening of legalized gaming outside the state of Nevada, the whole country's eyes would be on Atlantic City and it will be interesting to see if it's a successful experiment -- how gambling will spread across the country.' If you look at how many states have turned to gaming as a revenue source, the whole landscape of the country has changed, and it can trace its roots back to that day Resorts opened 30 years ago."

Rodio's extensive experience includes a previous stint at Resorts (from 1990-1997) when singer, talk show host and game show entrepreneur Merv Griffin owned the property.

"It was certainly a fun period to work at Resorts during the time Merv Griffin owned it," says Rodio. "I think what's interesting, having been there for seven years, being away for about eight, and then going back to the property, it's incredible the same faces that you see. So many things have changed the landscape and pace of Atlantic City, but the workforce here has such a wonderful, rich tradition and history. They are so proud of the place. It's not one of the newer, bigger, fancier places, but it's a place that has such a family feel."

Resorts has 125 employees who have been at the casino since it opened. That is a remarkable number considering how much flux there is in casino employment. Rodio agrees.

"It is even more amazing," Rodio adds. "A handful of employees pre-date casino gambling. We had one woman who retired just a couple of years ago who had worked at the hotel for over 50 years."

Asked how he sees Resorts going forward in the emerging "destination resort" profile that the region is cultivating to counteract the economic impact of the Philadelphia area slot parlors, Rodio admits, "Atlantic City is going through a difficult period, but I do think we are in the midst of a transition as a market.

"Resorts has 10 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to it, as well as the rights to reconstruct a five-acre pier that can connect to the facility. The development opportunities long-term are there to take the property from its small, humble beginning 30 years ago and to transform it into one of these larger destination-type properties with a lot of amenities. We're constantly looking at ways to put together a master plan to make that happen."

Steve Callender, vice president of operations, began his Resorts career on day one as a 24-year-old craps dealer. "We had 10,000 people interviewed for 500 positions," explains Callender. "Those who were selected were taught how to deal at the school Resorts owned."

The dealers had two days of practice with customers using play money.

"The morning we opened there was nervous excitement, having to do something -- even though we had trained how to do it -- we had never done it for real. A lot of the gamblers were new at gambling too, so we learned from each other."

Callender says Resorts is a great place to work. "It always has been," he says. "Camaraderie was established right at the beginning."

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