It was early December 2019, a group of us were hanging out at the bungalow on Prospect. It was just another Saturday night of doing stupid stuff which always equates to regular fun. One of us, probably me, came up with another brilliant thought. “Who is up for a trip to Atlantic City (AC) to finish this year out”? It was unanimous within seconds and I did not need to say another word. A group text to those not at the gathering went out and they hammered home my idea like a Michael Jordan slam dunk on the Nerf basket that hung on the wall in my buddy’s garage. We were on our way, SLAM DUNK!!
As always, a group of the fellas departed Northeastern Pennsylvania at the crack of dawn with AC in our sights. Most of us had just put in a day of “husband/father of the year day” shift. In our minds, that solid family man type of day made us feel so much better about the next 48 hours and the shenanigans we were about to partake in.
In route to AC, a few spirits & schmegs were enjoyed once the vehicle touched Jersey soil. Although this is likely to be frowned upon by some, I can assure you the driver is laser-focused on the AC boardwalk and nothing can stop him. Upon our arrival, we were ushered to the VIP check-in room as the Four Ace Master has earned his Doctorate in the halls of AC. He is sort of a big thing down the shore and some perks come with his obsession. While the 4-Ace Master gets things squared away I wander within the VIP area stuffing complimentary H20 and tea bags in my personal bag. Why you ask? I have no idea, but it is in my blood and I always do it!
The crew is settled into one of the suites and everyone is ready to roll down to the casino. As usual, a few of us disappear into slot heaven while the other guy’s head for the tables. Hours later, I am located by a few of them and they notice I am visibly impaired, a real shocker! I am armed with three towers of red chips & a glass of brown liquor. A heated debate has ensued with the dealer that undoubtedly will end up with a visit from casino security. Let me be transparent, I am a fun-loving guy but brown-liquor, blackjack, and ‘an unfriendly dealer’ turns me nasty. The fellas manage to peel me away and we go on to having a blast. A trip to AC always includes a stroll down the famous boardwalk, tons of casino time, lots of bar fun with the locals, and a steak dinner that I never remember the next day. Most trips end with the thought of when are we coming back to AC? Currently, that question remains unanswered as the coronavirus has shuttered our beloved casinos.
With US President Donald Trump handing power, over to states to establish when and how they should handle the reopening of certain businesses, casino operators are calling on governors to “slowly begin to reopen [casinos] with extensive safety measures in place”. For operators, the costs of keeping these casinos shut are mounting and reopening seems likely by June or July at the latest. For every day that the company’s hotels and casinos remain closed, casinos burn through millions to cover workers’ wages and estimated tips.
Thermal cameras will likely be at the point of entry to identify customers with a temperature over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Strict social distancing protocols will need to be followed, which could mean having fewer available seats per table, plexiglass partitions between both the dealers and each gambler. It is possible they may need to keep poker rooms closed. It seems likely that every other slot machine will be in play, or special barriers will be installed between machines. Masks for dealers and gamblers alike is all but a given. I guess I won’t be slinging brown liquor while I play blackjack this summer. Casinos will need to invest in “touchless” hand sanitizer dispensers throughout its venues and ultimately everyone will need to ramp up their sanitation protocols.
It doesn’t matter to me. These are all steps in getting us back to another weekend getaway to AC. Hope to see everyone soon in one of our favorite casinos. I’ll be the guy sitting first-base with the red towers!
Warm Regards, Tablegamer
