Perhaps The Donald needs funds to buy more hairspray. That hair has to take some serious control products. But whatever the reason Donald Trump is selling off one of his Atlantic City casinos. Can you guess which one it isn’t? Nope it’s not the Trump Taj Mahal which stands like a beacon to 80s style excess still embraced by the Trump brand. And no, it’s not the Trump Plaza Hotel, which seems to be featured on Trump “The Apprentice” reality TV show on occasion. Both these properties are located on the Boardwalk, the Atlantic City location that draws the most visitors. (Though even that location is struggling.) No, Trump is selling the Trump Marina Hotel Casino located blocks away from the boardwalk in less visited marina area of Altantic City.
The property is being purchased by Landry’s, who plans to turn it into a Golden Nugget property. The smaller casino might do well under the Golden Nugget brand, which speaks to a different set of gamblers than the Trump name does. Or than the Trump Taj Mahal attracts. Landry’s might want to try with this casino what has been working in Las Vegas. Surveys have shown that while tourists may visit Las Vegas to see the big hotels, like the Luxor, and to spend some time in the casinos, the serious gamblers have moved to the smaller casinos rather than the mega resorts. Those smaller casinos have been focusing in on what the real gambler wants — great games, decent odds and good comps. And Landry’s may believe that those are the types of players already to be found at the Trump Marina Casino. As part of the transition, they’ve said they will honor Trump Marina customer points and rewards. They’ll also be perfectly placed to take advantage of online gambling if it does come to New Jersey.