The former head of the Tropicana and Taj Mahal plans to buy Resorts Casino and turn the ailing property around.
Monday’s announcement that Gomes Gaming Inc., a consulting company headed by former Atlantic City casino executive Dennis Gomes, was buying Resorts Casino provided a shot of encouraging news into the resort after a long, long season of bad news.
Gomes, who formerly headed the Tropicana and Trump Taj Mahal, has reportedly been trying to find a way to acquire a city casino property for about five years, including the Tropicana or a Trump property.
With Resorts, however, Gomes could put himself in position to save one of the city’s weakest and underperforming properties.
“I believe in this property,” said Gomes in a press release. “It heralded the beginning of casino gaming in the East and has always had a special place in my heart. It is an exciting place with a lot of history and we are going to bring it back to life with even more energy and vitality than it possessed at its creation in 1978.
“I promise everyone that it will ultimately be the place to be and to be seen, and will be the center of fun and excitement in our fabulous city,” he said. “I have a passion for Atlantic City and believe in its future.”
Rhetoric like that has been heard many times over the years, but in the case of Gomes, he’s actually done it before — and in Atlantic City. The Quarter at the Tropicana, one of the most successful non-gaming attractions ever built in the city, came about because of Gomes' efforts while he was at the Tropicana.
“Dennis is a good guy and his presence is going to be a welcome addition to the landscape here,” says Atlantic City mayor Lorenzo Langford. “He’s a visionary. You could credit him with the entire concept of The Quarter. We need people with that kind of insight and he can only help the city.”
Gomes was already lending some of that insight to the city as a member of a task force created by Langford to bring together city leaders and businesses to improve the city.
But Gomes, assuming the purchase is approved by the Casino Control Commission, also is propping up a casino many experts have said could fail and close its doors. That alone has caused some optimism.
“This is a very positive development for Atlantic City,” said CCC Chairman Linda Kassekirt to Bloomberg News, noting that Resorts employs 2,100 people. “Mr. Gomes is a proven operator with a great deal of experience here in Atlantic City. This deal will preserve those jobs and hopefully create even more employment as the property improves.”
Gomes did not name a price or disclose any financial details of the deal, which was made with RAC Atlantic City Holdings LLC. He did tell The Press of Atlantic City that the price was lower than the $140 million former owner Colony Capital LLC paid for the casino in 2001.
The casino, which opened in 1978, was taken over by its lenders in December 2009 after its previous owners couldn't pay the mortgage.
Gomes started his career in gaming enforcement. He was a special investigator for the state Division and Gaming Enforcement and headed the investigation to certify Resorts when it opened in 1978. One of his most noteworthy cases in Nevada was the inspiration for the film Casino, with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci.
On the other side of the business, during his 30-year career Gomes has managed or served as CEO of more than 14 gaming properties across the United States.
In his announcement, Gomes was enthusiastic about Atlantic City’s future.
“I have disagreed with the doom and gloom analysts who have painted a bleak picture of our city,” he says. “We have lost some market share because of the convenient locations of slot parlors in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York, but in the long run, Atlantic City will prevail.
“It is the only resort destination on the East Coast that can offer a multitude of gaming choices combined with retail, entertainment and dining experiences in one convenient location with beautiful beaches along a magnificent ocean setting,” he says. “I have a strong belief that customers who have left Atlantic City for the convenience of slot parlors closer to them will tire of that experience and return to the fun and excitement that Atlantic City has to offer.”
When we went to the Family Secrets Mob trial it was a surreal experience. I guess it was during the time 'The Sopranos' was really big. So when I walked in, I expected it, I think to be a little more like traffic court or something like that, that I was familiar with, but it was very much like a scene out of 'The Sopranos.'
Pending approval by New Jersey casino regulators, the Meruelo Group of Downey, California, will purchase Trump Plaza for $20 million, and plans to close the deal by the end of May.
“I had my entire career here in Atlantic City, and I feel almost an allegiance to the city.”
Mitchell Etess, CEO of the Indian Tribe casino company, which operates casinos in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, says it's the perfect time for a strategic partnership with Resorts and get back into the Atlantic City market.
Dennis Gomes, CEO and co-owner of Atlantic City’s Resorts Casino Hotel, died overnight on Thursday, Feb. 23, of unconfirmed causes, according to reports and information released by Resorts spokeswoman Courtney Birmingham.
ATLANTIC CITY — The transformation of Resorts to a '20s theme, sparked by international interest in the Atlantic City depicted in HBO's hit series Boardwalk Empire, continues to evolve. And the results have been very impressive. First the first gay club within an Atlantic City casino opened — Prohibition — which is doing very well and packing in both straights and gays to the high energy dance club. Then Boogie Nights developer Dave Pena, a former writer for Atlantic City Weekly, and owner of Planet Rose at the Tropicana Quarter, opened Torch — Atlantic City's first whiskey bar, serving high-end whiskey in a gorgeous space with dark wood, comfy seating and a trend-setting bar. One of the special things about Torch is that it also has a piano and will feature live music Friday and Saturday nights — and on Thursdays later this summer. Not the standard casino lounge acts either; we're talking singer-songwriters from all around the country. It's one of a few places in the entire region where professional singer-songwriters will be encouraged to play their own songs; hats off to Resorts! On a gorgeous Friday afternoon on the Boardwalk, Resorts owner Dennis Gomes, his family, including son Aaron,were present, along with the...
The anticipation began with the Atlantic City Moonshine Follies billboard that showed off a leggy dancer’s lovely derriere. Now that the musical revue is playing at Resorts Superstar Theater, we can report that the athleticism of the dancers was not exaggerated, with costumes that accentuate the fine figures on display.
“I was captivated by their passion and talent,” Dennis Gomes tells AC Weekly. “Some people have that it quality that puts them in a special category and Will is definitely one of those people. It is an honor to have him playing in my casino.”
Since Gomes has taken over, however, Powell says that he and Saunders have both been told that as long as they don't violate the instrument, the atmosphere and people's ears, that they can play. And now they can play for tips.
Under new owner Dennis Gomes, Resorts Casino Hotel may have plans to theme its entire operation in a 1920s motif — capitalizing on the Prohibition-era A.C. publicized by HBO’s 'Boardwalk Empire' and it’s own period-appropriate art-deco architecture — but it’s latest promotion definitely screams 21st Century.
Resorts is under new ownership and is looking to spiff up the image of the first casino outside of Las Vegas with a terrific promotion to celebrate January 11, 2011 featuring an array of exciting offers.
Dennis Gomes’ reputation as a pioneering leader with a zest for life only partially accounted for how well-liked and respected he was as an individual, which is why his sudden passing at age 68 on Friday, Feb. 24, shocked and saddened many nationwide, particularly those in the Atlantic City region where he lived and worked.
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1. joe said... on Aug 23, 2010 at 05:55PM
“Well if anyone can do it Gomes is the man for the job! Even if he gets a offer he can't refuse later, he will revitalize the property in the mean time. Make's me want to come back to work for Resorts!”
2. Anonymous said... on Aug 24, 2010 at 05:46PM
“Atlantic City's monopoly on East Coast gaming is over. Players now have more choices in other areas and they are voting against AC by choosing to play at other places. Wake up and follow the money. Bulldoze Resorts and Hilton and give the rest of the city a chance.”
3. b4real said... on Aug 24, 2010 at 07:35PM
“I truly wish Gomes and the city all the best. That being said, I was wondering why property values are going down so much in Ventnor so I decided to check it out since I haven't driven down Ventnor Avenue in several years. As I drove down Ventnor Avenue yesterday it was soon apparent and shocking as to why Ventnor is in decline. All I saw was a third world population along the sidewalks that didn't exist there in the Ventnor I knew of just 20 years ago. It looks like the demographic cancer of Atlantic City has spread to Ventor which now has boarded up windows and I'm sure increased crime. Once nice Chelsea, then Ventnor has succumbed...at some point the third world populace will reach Margate. How sad that political correctness has doomed this city.”
4. Mr Casinos said... on Aug 25, 2010 at 03:51AM
“i visited your blog and found it very nice. So thanks for sharing your personal information. Keep it up”
5. Wad said... on Aug 25, 2010 at 08:29PM
“I stayed at Resorts in 06. Lost $3500 and didn't even get laid. Yeah, so disappointing.”
6. debbienova said... on Aug 26, 2010 at 08:34AM
“My husband and I, just spent our 5th anniversary at the Resorts.. (July 18-23)...Nice location, Close to ocean, Friendly service, Housekeeping did a great job,clean...But mostly,we had fun, would have liked to win a little at the Casino's in Atlantic City, NJ... but it didn't work out that way. We are planning to stay at the Resorts, next year..Food was great at the Resorts and at the nearby AC Bar & Grill and The Irish Pub. I reminisced a bit, as I walked down the boardwalk, I have been coming to Atlantic City as a young adult and hope I can continue, til young at heart.”
7. neil pasquale said... on Aug 27, 2010 at 12:49PM
“dennis a veteran in the buisness .make sre the workers are all union and good luck”
8. Anonymous said... on Aug 29, 2010 at 09:31AM
“is he buying the Hilton too?”
9. ken said... on Aug 29, 2010 at 10:37AM
“my wife & I have been going to the resorts for quite a few years, and we win some lose some . the resorts has always given us a comp room for two nights, as one night is not enough it takes me 3 and a half hrs to drive there. we love it there and hate to go home. I have been to the other casinos in penn and ny where I live but you cant beat AC for all the entertainment it has. plus the comp. the buffet is very good. we just came back from AC this past week end. had a great time. won some. I know that some of the rooms are getting run down but they are very clean. which is important. and I hope that the new owner will not forget us as we aren't high rollers WE wish you the best DENNIS KEN & BARB”
10. Anonymous said... on Dec 7, 2010 at 06:07PM
“sucks blood of workers and the disabled,”
11. Ed Kiernan, Mt. Sinai, NY said... on Jan 3, 2011 at 02:31PM
“I had been going to Resorts for years until a bad experience with one of the pit bosses. Then did not go back for awhile until recently. I heard it was closing and may be up for sale. I just went back for a visit after you bought it and see a dramatic change already, much brighter and cleaner and workers more friendly.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK and hope to see you soon.
Ed”
12. Anonymous said... on Mar 28, 2011 at 09:52AM
“anxious to try "new Resorts" after years of avoiding it in favor of Bally's, Harrah" etc. Very disappointing. Incredibly long lines at cashiers windows and ticket cashong machines (if you could find one that worked) but most annoying were employees openly complaining about tne fact that new management had fired long many long time workers to replace them with minimum wage employees. I don't mind losing at slots for a pleasant day out but the atmosphere is anything but pleasant.”
13. Lou said... on Nov 15, 2011 at 12:21PM
“Mr. Gomes, before you invest a lot of money in the Resorts, have a ride on the Jitney. Atlantic City must have the worst roads in North America. With all the money generated in the past 31 years why doesn't the city invest in the pavement?
I still have a sore back from my last Jitney ride between Trump Plaza and Borgata (over two month ago).”