Tag: Atlantic City

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Why New York Needs Online Casinos

Why New York Needs Online Casinos
Atlantic City Chamber

 

Though online casinos have been around for more than two decades, they have seen a tremendous increase in popularity over the past five years. Statistics show that the industry grew by almost 70% in two years and that the worldwide online gambling market is worth $66 billion, set to hit annual revenues of $92.9 billion by 2023. 

At the forefront of this digital revolution are sites that let you play slot machines online and those that accept bets on sporting events. In the US, Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia allow for companies to operate and offer casino games via the internet. Michigan is joining this bunch soon, and more states are making efforts to fall in line with this trend.

However, while New York is showing signs that it may move to legalize sports betting, the same does not seem to apply for online casinos. In the past Governor Cuomo, rejected the idea of allowing sportsbook apps, claiming that they violated the state’s constitution. Nevertheless, legalization is under consideration, as state senator Joseph Addabbo looks to push Bill 17D. That said, no one is talking about the possibility of legalization of online casinos and how the state can profit from it.

Online Casinos Bring Hefty Tax Revenues to New Jersey 

When it comes to online casinos in the US, the Garden State is the pioneer, spearheading the effort to legalize online gambling in the country. In 2013, then New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a bill that allowed sites to provide online games of chance if they partner with struggling Atlantic City gaming venues. After a rocky start, the number of such platforms grew year to year, and now New Jersey is raking in massive tax revenues.

In August of 2020, the state posted record-setting online gambling revenues of $87.8 million, with online casinos taking in $84 million of that pie. Total gaming taxes for that month alone amounted to over $13 million, and the total amount of taxes paid by operators in 2019 was around $66 million.

People Are Already Playing at Offshore Sites

Seeing as the industry is exploding and new sites continuously pop up, many make their services available to players from the US. New Yorkers do not have to look for platforms outside US borders. They can play at those that operate from the previously mentioned states that permit companies to run such sites.

Today, thanks to virtual private networks, players can mask their location and gain access to sites that won’t accept them. Cryptocurrencies allow for anonymity, so, unless the platform uses advanced software that can detect VPN use, New Yorkers are free to play where they want, leaving the state without the ability to tax them.

Gambling Giants Are Stepping into the Digital Sphere

A report in early 2020 suggested that sports betting juggernaut William Hill, via its US division, plans to offer online casino games in New Jersey in the second half of the year. The company then announced its further expansion to Pennsylvania at a later date. In October of 2020, it quietly added a casino section to its sportsbook app for New Jersey players.   

This occurrence comes at the heels of the impending acquisition of William Hill by Caesars Entertainment, which has a 20% stake in the company due to its acquisition by former competitor Eldorado Resorts. Caesars already operates online casinos in New Jersey, and so does MGM Grand under the brand BetMGM. More industry powerhouses aim to make similar moves, such as Wynn Resorts, which inked a deal with operator BetBull and is investing $80 million in the venture.

If New York legalizes gaming sites and opens the door for such companies, it will bode well once the state is ready to allow massive land-based casino expansion. If or when that happens, it should provide a significant boost to the local economy via new employment opportunities, increased tourism, and more.

Gambling Laws in New York and Recent Developments

Currently, in the Empire State, you can legally place bets online on horse and dog racing and fantasy sports. Once the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 passed, Native American tribes opened gaming venues in New York, whose number now stands at seven. In 2013, after legal provisions allowed the establishment of non-tribal casinos, four new ones became available to residents. 

While there are some retail sportsbooks in New York, online ones are still not in play. However, no law explicitly bans residents from gambling on the internet, and many do so with no fears that they may face prosecution or receive a fine. Pro-gaming politicians and lawmakers made attempts in 2019 to include internet wagering in New York’s budget bill. In 2020, they raised the issue again but couldn’t reach an agreement before the legislative deadline. According to experts, it is a matter of when not if the activity becomes legal.

 

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Featured Travel

A Few Day Trips From NYC

Clearly, we’re all about the wonder and intrigue of New York City. If you ask us, it’s the best city on the planet, and it has enough going on to keep you occupied for several lifetimes – maybe without even leaving one borough. Partly because of this, however, New York is also exhausting, and that means some people visiting might feel the need to get away now and then.

We don’t recommend leaving for too long because you might just miss something. But these are a few ideas for easy day trips from the city.

The Hamptons

Because homes in the area are very expensive and there’s something of an “old money” vibe to a few neighborhoods, the Hamptons area is sometimes thought of as being exclusive. However, while it may be difficult to procure a permanent vacation home there, it’s certainly a reasonable day trip from the city – whether you drive up and back in one day or look to rent a place for a night. Offering an atmosphere, not unlike some famous New England getaways, it’s full of excellent beaches, stunning homes, and even famous lighting that draws artists. Yet as one insider put it, there are also low-key seafood shacks, quirky antique shops, and placid bays. All in all, it’s both a pristine beach destination and a place with some character.

Atlantic City

Aerial views of Atlantic City, New Jersey.. Photographs © 2012 Bob Krist.. www.bobkrist.com

 

 

Atlantic City kind of sounds busy given that it’s known as a casino destination. But really, it’s a pretty relaxing place. There’s a legendary boardwalk, there are beaches nearby, and keep in mind that casinos are resorts too – not just poker halls. For that matter, people even head to Atlantic City specifically to enjoy those resorts and play games online without ever heading down to the casinos – just because it’s legal. Online gaming activity is regulated by the state’s government which means even this kind of leisure activity is a full-blown tourist attraction in New Jersey. But whatever the case – walking the beaches, exploring the boardwalk, checking out casinos or just booking a nice cozy room – Atlantic City can make for a nice one- or two-day retreat. The

Catskills

The Catskills are some of New York’s mountains, located just over an hour’s drive from the city itself. They’re rolling, green mountains dotted here and there with small lakes and vacation homes, and actually make for a beautiful area to explore. There’s something to be said even for just driving through, with small cliffs on either side of the winding road and all kinds of small, pretty towns – some of which seem wonderfully old-fashioned – along the way.

Hudson Valley Wineries

New York doesn’t exactly seem like the sort of state renowned for wine production, and to be sure it isn’t on the level of, say, California or Oregon. That said, New York has gained some recognition over the past decade or two, and it’s largely as a result of some thriving Hudson Valley wineries. Called“the perfect place for fine wining” by Time Out New York, the Hudson Valley wineries are just a short trip outside the city and offer pretty tours, tasting opportunities, classy wine bars, and even some relaxing places
to stay. It’s not quite Napa, but when you’re taking a break from the city it can almost look and feel that way!

Philadelphia 

Finally, there’s Philly. Granted, heading to another big city doesn’t constitute much of a break from the hustle, but we’re including it on this list because too many people don’t realize just how close the two cities are. By car, it takes only a couple of hours. So, if you’d just like to explore something new during a longer stay in New York, keep it on your list! It’s a brilliant city.

Categories
Featured Travel

Five Scenic Pools to Cool Off in This Summer

Gansevoort NYC Scenic Pool

When the snow starts to melt and the birds start to chirp, our minds inevitably wander upon the prospect of some good, old-fashioned summer fun. Here are five of our favorite scenic pools around the world to cool off in:

Gansevoort NYC Scenic Pool

  1. Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC, New York

Featuring 360° views of Manhattan and the Hudson, and located in our very own Meatpacking District, Gansevoort’s rooftop pool is a trendy spot to soak in some rays. Don’t forget to grab a cocktail from their Plunge Rooftop Bar + Lounge.

The Curtain Hotel Scenic Pool

  1. The Curtain, London

East London’s Shoreditch neighborhood is full of hip spots, but The Curtain Hotel raises the bar with a Moroccan-inspired, scenic rooftop pool. Open to hotel guests and club members, the pool is heated and open year-round, with a myriad of food and drink options by their resident bar & restaurant, LIDO.

Hollywood Proper Residence Scenic Pool

  1. Hollywood Proper Residences, Los Angeles

Nothing quite says LA like a scenic rooftop pool in Hollywood. Sat atop 21 stories, the rooftop of the Hollywood Proper Residences features all-around views of the Los Angeles skyline, live music events, poolside cabanas and plenty to eat & drink at the Filifera bar and lounge.

Immersion Spa Scenic Pool

  1. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City

Soaring 32 stories above the streets of Atlantic City lies the two-story Immersion Spa at The Water Club, The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Group’s $400 million luxury accommodation. The Water Club features five different pools, including an infinity pool 300 feet above sea level and a window-lined Lap Pool offering some of the most scenic views in the city.

Panamericano Hotel Scenic Pool

  1. Panamericano Buenos Aires, a member of Worldhotels, Buenos Aires

Neighboring the Obelisk and the Colón Theatre in downtown Buenos Aires, Worldhotels’ Panamericano hotel offers up a hefty dose of luxury cool atop their checkerboard-tiled luxury rooftop pool, featuring some of the best views the capital city has to offer.

Photos courtesy of properties

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Culture Entertainment Music

Victor Drobysh on his Jun. 3 show at the Barclays Center, his history with the U.S. & more

Victor Drobysh

Victor Drobysh
Victor Drobysh

In his native Russia, Victor Drobysh is known as a top composer, producer and performer. He is a national treasure to the point that he not only wrote a song for the annual Eurovision competition, but he was bestowed with the honor of being a People’s Artist of the Russian Federation in 2010. Russia is not the only place where Victor has excelled, however, as he has worked on music and/or television-related projects in Germany and Finland in recent years.

On Jun. 3, Victor will spending his 50th birthday is grand fashion, celebrating with an event at Barclays Center. Artists who will be performing some of Victor’s biggest hits in Brooklyn include Irina Allegrova, Nikolai Baskov, Valeriya, Kristina Orbakaite, Stas Piekha, Elena Vaenga, Soso Pavliashvili, Slavа, Nastasia Samburskaya, Alexander Kogan, Avraam Russo, Tina Karol, IVAN, and Zara. These vocalists will not only be backed by Victor, but also the Red Square Band orchestra and Alla Duhova’s Ballet Todes.

Downtown caught up with Victor for some Q&A about his Jun. 3 celebration and history with the United States. More info can be found at www.drobysh.com, while Victor maintains pages on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

Drobysh_2017_12x18_New York

You will be celebrating your 50th birthday with an event at the Barclays Center. How did you decide to choose that venue? Have you any attended events there before?

Victor Drobysh: I think this is the largest and most dignified arena that I have had a privilege to work at that is compatible with the type of complex technical show that I intend to produce.

Where was your first ever performance in New York? What do you remember about it?

VD: In 2013, first time in the United States, my Gala Concerts took place in Atlantic City at Trump Taj Mahal Arena and Chicago at Aria Crown Theater. They were both sell-outs. I played several roles in those concerts: as an organizer, producer, MC, and musician and singer. There were surprises as well; I sang a duet with Zara, performing a part of Alexander Rosenbaum, and a duet with Elena Vaenga of her hit “Absenth.”

This concert in Brooklyn is being billed as An Evening With Victor Drobysh And Friends — who are some of the friends that you are arranging to perform?

VD: All announced stars in my concerts and my good friends. For many years our relationships are united by music and friendship as well.

Will you be performing duets with any of the performers during this event?

VD: I prefer to be behind the grand piano on-stage=. I experimented somewhat in my last concert and sang a duet. I am not planning to do it this time, but it can still change.

Is there a professional accomplishment of yours that you are most proud of?

VD: In my childhood, I remember my father telling me to play the piano so the girls will take a liking to me. I understood that too literally — I practiced day and night without rest. It turned out that this practice was not in vain; it helped attract not only feminine attention, but the attention of the general viewer as well. My biggest achievement is my fans, my listeners.

When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?

VD: When I am not behind the piano, I have a hockey stick in my hand. Hockey is my other passion.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?

VD: Estiatorio Milos.

Did you have a favorite album of 2016?

VD: Drones by Muse.