Link to PDF version: https://ckaplan.com/acccc/pdf/AC%20Newsletter%202609.pdf

Hello Atlantic City Chippers,

The last ACCC meeting was held on May 17th, 2026. The remaining meetings for 2026 will be on September 20th and November 15th, 2026. As usual, they will be held at The Cove Restaurant, Bar & Package Goods (3700 Brigantine Blvd, Brigantine, NJ 08203). Doors open at 11:00 AM (hopefully!). Atlantic City Club Chips for sale at bargain prices! Multiple years and commemorative styles are available—get them while they last.

Atlantic City News & Rumors
· Ilitch Gaming has finalized the acquisition of the remaining ownership interest in The Ocean Casino Resort.
· Ocean Casino Resort resumed gaming operations July 28th, 2026, after a 24-hour total closure caused by a burst pipe.
· Caesars Rewards News & Property Restrictions: Regarding rumors of property sales, New Jersey courts would likely require Caesars to lift restrictive deeds placed on the Claridge and Atlantic Club properties before any transaction could proceed (a requirement that fell short back in 2020).
· USA Today Top Casino Restaurants: USA Today released its 2026 national rankings for the top casino restaurants in the country. Atlantic City scored 5 entries: Angeline (Borgata), Capriccio (Resorts), Chart House (Golden Nugget), Council Oak (Hard Rock), Linguini By The Sea (Ocean).
· 2nd Annual Soar & Shore Airshow successfully kicked off the summer beach season from May 29th–31st, 2026.
· On August 1st, 2026, 5 people were arrested after a brawl broke out at The Royce Social Club inside The Tropicana.
· Boardwalk Upgrades: Atlantic City began the season launching a $26 Million Boardwalk Improvement Project.
· Showboat Expansions: The Showboat expanded The Lucky Snake Arcade, adding an adult-only area with cabana spaces at the Island Waterpark. They also opened Eclair Pastry Bistro and Blissful Bubbles Cafe.
· Kennedy Plaza Music: Dave Damiani & The No Vacancy Orchestra performed free concerts on Tuesday evenings.

Las Vegas News & Rumors
· Club Fortune Rebrand: On July 27th, 2026, The Poker Palace Casino was officially rebranded as Club Fortune.
· Westgate Sportsbook: Caesars Sportsbook has taken over operations of the legendary at the Westgate.
· Heart-Shaped Resort: Clark County Commissioners re-approved plans for a heart-shaped resort (though industry consensus remains skeptical about construction starting).
· Top Gun Attraction: The upcoming "Top Gun" attraction moved its proposed location from across the Stratosphere to the vacant lot adjacent to the Pinball Hall of Fame, across from Mandalay Bay.
· Cosmopolitan High-Limit Room: The Cosmopolitan debuted a newly renovated High-Limit Slot Room.
· Golden Nugget Poker Room: The Golden Nugget opened a relocated, downsized poker room.
· Suncoast Food Court: Suncoast Casino opened its new food court featuring Huey Magoo's and Steak 'n Shake.
· Luxor Updates: Contrary to rumors, the Luxor is NOT closing at the end of 2026. However, its famous sky beam is shifting from white to red—partly for atmospheric promo branding and partly to cut power costs.
· Fat Cat Closes: The "Fat Cat" jazz club quietly closed its doors at the Downtown Grand.
· Binion's & Four Queens: Boomer's Sportsbook took control of sportsbooks at both Binion's and the Four Queens.
· The Downtown Gold Spike sold in June 2026, with plans hinting at a potential return to a hotel and casino operation.
· Sphere Lineup Expansion: The Rocky Horror Picture Show is scheduled for the Las Vegas Sphere lineup in early 2027.
· Downtown vs. Strip Profits: In a surprising shift, Downtown Las Vegas casinos reported stronger overall profitability than the Strip for 2025, where Strip profits dropped drastically.
· Primm Valley Rescue: Terrible's stepped in to acquire and revitalize the Primm Valley Casino Resort.

The Casino Collectibles Association (formerly CC>CC) held its 33rd annual convention at the South Point Hotel & Casino on June 18–20, 2026. It was bigger and better than ever! Mark your calendars for next year: June 17–19, 2027 back at the South Point. Volunteers needed! Please reach out if you can lend a hand.

Trivia Question: What was Jackie Gaughan's very first casino investment in Las Vegas?
1. The Boulder Club, 2. The Las Vegas Club, 3. The El Cortez, 4. The Union Plaza, 5. The Flamingo

See you on the Boardwalk! Happy Chipping Everybody,

Marc Maahs, President ACCCC, mjmmazman@yahoo.com