STATESIDE


some successful business people lose everything. They destroyed their families by running to Atlantic City to play slots or the tables. It was a different form of endangerment. I can only hope the ever-expanding US marijuana industry will emulate American gaming. They must do the research and establish realistic ground rules to prevent compulsive, addictive behavior. Are self-exclusion programs viable? Could marijuana dispensaries be fined for selling to people clearly impaired when they come in to buy? What about punishment for underage purchasing by ineligible buyers or those whose friends complete the transaction? That is probably easier to address than those same issues at a casino table or slot machine. Asking for age ID is not done at most tables, unlike sports betting where consumers may have to show a license to verify age. Another important issue is casino employee


They weren’t gamblers, but participating in this debut was a once-in-a-lifetime event. Opening on Memorial Day weekend, which officially starts the Jersey Shore summer season, was brilliant timing. My friend’s mother Doris, an avid slot player, elbowed


her way to the third position in line. Now 100 years old, Doris would still be playing if her body was in the same great shape as her mind. She is forever part of the iconic photo so often seen in Atlantic City memorabilia. 2022 is a different time and culture. The news showed


little fanfare, just eager customers. What struck me was how “shlumpy” many looked as they waited in line. Recreational marijuana is expected to be a huge windfall for New Jersey’s economy, just as casino gaming, online and sports betting have been. We really are on the cutting edge of many trends. Much of the voters’ approval was motivated by the pandemic’s devastating impact on the state’s tourism since 2020. According to a recent Stockton University survey of 640 state residents, most adults want dispensaries in their towns. Half of those living in South Jersey favor them as tourist attractions. Statewide, the support is only 43%. Half also want the state’s hospitality industry, which includes casinos, to offer cannabis-related tourist attractions, like hotel lounges and restaurants. Statistically, hospitality employees total 9% of New Jersey’s private-sector workers. Honestly, I have mixed feelings as a non-smoker. I am


typically a “live and let live” person as long as people conduct themselves well and don’t cause problems. Gaming is no stranger to debate and controversy in the public square, but I worry that this may create potheads who could put people danger. Speaking of square, am I being one? I don’t know. To me, pot is like drinking. Too much causes significant impairment that may endanger others. However, in fairness, over these 44 years, I have seen


10 MAY 2022


training. While casinos serve liquor to customers at gaming tables or slot machines, dealers and supervisors are watching for inebriated players. Will they have a plan for obvious marijuana highs? Should there be one that involves trained security personnel? I believe they should plan for everything and be pleasantly surprised if nothing happens. When money is involved, players can become reactionary. No casino needs an agitated player who lost or is angry at his fellow players’ actions to become either verbally or physically abusive. Over the years, some big losers challenged the


casinos in court, claiming the casinos allowed them to continually play while obviously intoxicated. Former Philadelphia Eagles owner Leonard Tose is a prime example. He lost his fortune to alcoholism and gambling addictions. In 1992, the Atlantic City Sands sued Tose to


recoup $1.23 million in losses. Tose then sued them for negligence by repeatedly serving him when he was clearly drunk. He petitioned the court for debt cancelation, but lost. I expect the same security rules would apply


throughout the gaming floor and property. It is a new arena. Hopefully, the nine casinos in Atlantic City and three statewide racetracks with sports books got their collective “ducks in order” well in advance of opening day. One thing I know, it won’t be too long before neighboring Pennsylvania and New York try to get in on the action. In the past, casinos often replicated New Jersey as a role model of regulation and solid training. The national industry is filled with leadership who launched their careers in Atlantic City and moved on to other prominent positions. Hopefully, if New Jersey does it right, they will look to Atlantic City again.


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