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Roger Gros
Roger Gros is publisher of Casino Connection and Global Gaming Business, a the industry’s leading gaming trade publication. Prior to joining Global Gaming Business, Gros was president of Inlet Communications, an independent consulting firm. He was vice president of Casino Journal Publishing Group from 1984-2000, and held virtually every editorial title during his tenure. Gros was editor of Casino Journal, the National Gaming Summary and the Atlantic City Insider, and was the founding editor of Casino Player magazine. He was a co-founder of the American Gaming Summit and the Southern Gaming Summit conferences and trade shows. He is the author of the best-selling book, How to Win at Casino Gambling (Carlton Books, 1995), now in its third edition. Gros was named “Businessman of the Year” for 1998 by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce.
Politics as Usual?
Does casino employee ban on political participation affect the industry?
Read It: Book Review
Whale Hunt in the Desert: The Secret Las Vegas of Superhost Steve Cyr, by Deke Castleman
The Showboat Brings On The Blues
Showboat announces its expansion plans with House of Blues
Mayoral Showdown: Interview with Lorenzo Langford
It's Langford versus Levy in an important election for the city
Mayoral Showdown: Interview with Bob Levy
Bob Levy hopes to rise from chief of the beach patrol to the mayor's office
Through an Open Wynn-dow
Wynn Las Vegas creates excitement, increases competition on the Las Vegas Strip
Down to the Wire
The Democratic primary for Atlantic City's mayoral race will likely determine the future direction of the city
Movie Review: High Roller: The Story of Stu Ungar
High Roller: The Story of Stu Ungar Michael Imperioli, Renee Faia, Michael Nouri Pat Morita, Directed by A.W. Vidmer
The Prodigal Son
Jim Perry returns to Atlantic City and the Trump properties with a big task ahead
I’m All In
Book Review: I'm All In By Lyle Berman with Marvin Karlins, Cardoza Publishing
The Vegas Equation
Mon, Oct 02, 2006
While comparisons to the desert town are patently unfair, progress in Atlantic City is always measured by Las Vegas.
Political Persuasion
Tue, Oct 03, 2006
What do the federal candidates for Congress think about Atlantic City, the gaming industry, and other important New Jersey issues?
Fred Buro, President
Thu, Jan 25, 2007
The sale of the Aztar Corp. to Columbia Entertainment was completed last month, clearing the way for the company to begin operating the Tropicana and its non-gaming entertainment complex, the Quarter. Taking the helm in Atlantic City is Fred Buro, who previously had served as chief marketing officer for Columbia Sussex, the parent company of Columbia Entertainment. Buro has a long history with Atlantic City gaming, spending many years in the Trump organization, rising to become general manager of Trump Plaza in 1998. At Columbia, Buro helped a non-gaming company understand the gaming industry as it bought various casinos in Mississippi, Louisiana and Nevada. As president of the Tropicana, Buro will focus on improving operations and renovating neglected parts of the property. Buro spoke with Casino Connection Editor Roger Gros in January, just after taking over at the Tropicana.
Up in Smoke
Thu, Jan 25, 2007
Why a city council proposal to ban smoking would truly kill… the Atlantic City gaming economy
Positive Poster
Thu, Mar 22, 2007
Gaming employees are encouraged to get involved in the creation of Responsible Gaming Education Week
Q & A Mark Juliano, Chief Operating Officer, Trump Entertainment Resorts
Tue, Apr 24, 2007
Experience is king in Atlantic City, and few casino executives have more than Mark Juliano. From his start as a captain in the showroom at Resorts International until he became president of Caesars Atlantic City, Juliano’s Atlantic City pedigree had been golden. When he was appointed president of Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in 2003, he seemingly had reached the pinnacle of his profession. Yet, when a reorganized Trump Entertainment Resorts came looking for an operational expert with Atlantic City experience, he jumped at the chance to return to the Boardwalk. As COO of Trump Entertainment Resorts, Juliano has been able to refocus the company on profitable market segments, improve operations and give employees confidence that the new company would indeed creep back to the top of the Atlantic City market. He spoke with Casino Connection Editor Roger Gros and Associate Editor Beth Joseph at his office in Trump Taj Mahal in late March, prior to the vote of Trump Plaza casino floor personnel to allow the UAW union to organize them.
Carlos Tolosa
Tue, May 22, 2007
Carlos Tolosa, President Eastern Region, Harrah’s Entertainment The eastern region of Harrah’s Entertainment is one of the most important for the company. The four Atlantic City casinos produce a large portion of the company’s revenue. When you add the Illinois and Indiana riverboats, the eastern region gains even more importance. Carlos Tolosa is charged with leading this region and examining other opportunities in this area. A longtime Harrah’s executive—he started with Holiday Inns in 1971—Tolosa has held several important posts, including president of the company’s western region. He spoke with Casino Connection Editor Roger Gros in his office at Caesars Atlantic City in late March (before the smoking ban went into effect). The podcast of this interview can be accessed on the Casino Connection website (www.casinoconnectionac.com) by clicking on the Boardwalk Podcast button.
Interview with Mark Juliano
Tue, May 22, 2007
An interview with Mark Juliano, Chief Operating Officer, Trump Entertainment Resorts. From his start as a captain in the showroom at Resorts International until he became president of Caesars Atlantic City, Mark Juliano’s Atlantic City pedigree has been golden. He spoke with Casino Connection Editor Roger Gros and Associate Editor Beth Joseph at his office in Trump Taj Mahal in late March, prior to the vote of Trump Plaza casino floor personnel to allow the UAW union to organize them.
Interview with Carlos Tolosa
Wed, May 23, 2007
An interview with Carlos Tolosa, President Eastern Region, Harrah’s Entertainment A longtime Harrah’s executive—Tolosa started with Holiday Inns in 1971—Tolosa has held several important posts, including president of the company’s western region. He spoke with Casino Connection Editor Roger Gros in his office at Caesars Atlantic City in late March (before the smoking ban went into effect).
Interview with Paul Rubeli
Wed, May 23, 2007
An interview with Paul Rubeli, the former chairman of the Aztar Corp., which owned and operated the Tropicana casinos in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. Rubeli spent more than two decades with Aztar, leaving a little more than a year before the company was sold to Columbia Sussex. Casino Connection Editor Roger Gros caught up to Rubeli in Atlantic City in May at the East Coast Gaming Congress, where he was lauded as the man who woke up the investment community to the possibilities of Atlantic City.
Q&A Paul Rubeli, former chairman, Aztar Corp.
Mon, Jun 25, 2007
In the early 1990s, Paul Rubeli, then chairman of the Aztar Corporation, which owned and operated the Tropicana casino in Atlantic City, was dealing with a stagnant market. With others sounding the death-knell for Atlantic City, Rubeli was the first to champion new rooms and non-gaming amenities to jump-start the local market. Wall Street listened and the rest is history. He spent more than two decades with Aztar, leaving a little more than a year before the company was sold to Columbia Sussex. Casino Connection Editor Roger Gros caught up to Rubeli in Atlantic City in May at the East Coast Gaming Congress, where he was lauded as the man who woke up the investment community to the possibilities of Atlantic City.
AC Design Groundbreaking
Mon, Jun 25, 2007
New projects, renovations set industry standard By Roger Gros
Q&A with Linda Kassekert, New Jersey Casino Control Commission
Mon, Jul 23, 2007
Linda Kassekert, chairwoman of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, was recently reappointed by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine. Kassekert has had a tumultuous first term, culminating last summer in the state budget crisis, during which Atlantic City casinos were shut down for three days. She received kudos for her handling of the casino closings from all parties. In her second term, she faces a variety of issues from the licensing of Harrah’s Entertainment to the consideration of the MGM Mirage Macau deal with Pansy Ho, the daughter of casino magnate Stanley Ho. She spoke at her office in Atlantic City in June with Casino Connection Publisher Roger Gros. To hear the full version of this interview, visit www.casinoconnectionac.com and click on the podcast button.
Politics 101
Tue, Sep 25, 2007
November elections are important for Atlantic City, and the casino industry, as newcomers make an impact
Interview With Joe Corbo
Fri, Nov 16, 2007
This month, the Casino Connection Podcast features an interview with Joe Corbo, senior vice president and general counsel for the Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa in Atlantic City and president of the Casino Association of New Jersey. Corbo has been president of the Casino Association of New Jersey for the past two years. During that time, he dealt with the state shutdown of the Atlantic City casinos in July 2006. He addresses how the association dealt with that issue and others coming up, including a subsidy for state racetracks, increasing regional competition and employee participation in an upcoming election. He spoke with Casino Connection Publisher Roger Gros from his offices in Atlantic City in late September.
Q&A with Mark Giannantonio
Fri, Nov 30, 2007
Mark Giannantonio, President and COO, Tropicana Casino Resort, Atlantic City
Interview with Jay Snowden, General Manager, Showboat Atlantic City
Mon, Dec 24, 2007
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Jay Snowden, senior vice president and general manager with Showboat Casino-Hotel, on the developments at his casino in Atlantic City. Three years ago, the Showboat opened a House of Blues outlet, with all the amenities associated with that brand in other locations. While the HOB has distinguished Showboat from other casinos, it has only recently begun to work the way Harrah’s executives though it should. Snowden, the general manager of the Showboat, came to the property with one mandate: make it work! His role cannot be understated as the HOB begins its first full year under Showboat management. He spoke with Global Gaming Business Publisher Roger Gros at his office in the Showboat in December.
Interview: Jay Snowden
Wed, Jan 02, 2008
Jay Snowden, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Showboat Casino-Hotel
DVD Review: The Simpsons Movie
Wed, Jan 02, 2008
Directed by David Silverman, Produced by James Brooks
interview with Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R. New Jersey)
Tue, Mar 11, 2008
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Rep. Frank LoBiondo, who represents New Jersey’s District 2, which contains Atlantic City. LoBiondo was first elected to Congress in 1994. A resident and businessman in Vineland, New Jersey, LoBiondo represented the First Legislative District in the New Jersey Assembly from 1988-1994. LoBiondo has been a tireless champion of the gaming industry and Atlantic City in his time in Congress. His ability to work with politicians from both parties on issues crucial to his district has been one of his hallmarks. He spoke with Global Gaming Business Publisher Roger Gros in his offices in Washington D.C. in early February.
Atlantic City: 30 Years of Gaming Program #1
Mon, May 05, 2008
This week, in a special edition of Casino Connection's Boardwalk Podcast, the first in a series of four podcasts is presented, featuring people who played roles in the city over those three decades. In this edition of 30 Years of Gaming, we talk with Governor Brendan Byrne, who supported and encouraged the gaming industry to redevelop Atlantic City in the 1970s. Former mayor and now state Senator James Whelan explains his role in moving Atlantic City to the next level during the 1990s. Legendary gaming attorney Joel Sterns talks about the Resorts International licensing hearings and how he got it approved despite opposition from state agencies. And Dan Heneghan, now public information officer for the Casino Control Commission, but then the lead gaming reporter for the Atlantic City Press discusses the campaign to legalize gaming in 1976.
SPECIAL EDITION: 30 YEARS OF GAMING IN ATLANTIC CITY, Part 2
Mon, May 12, 2008
This week, in a special edition of the Global Gaming Business Podcast the second in a series of four podcasts is presented, featuring people who played roles in the city over those three decades. In this edition of 30 Years of Gaming, we talk with Dennis Gomes, now head of Gomes-Cordish Gaming, but in those days he was an investigator for New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement. Gomes tells a tale of intrigue during the probe of Resorts International in 1977. Next up is Frank J. “Pat” Dodd, a former state senator who was appointed to the Casino Control Commission in 1989. He explains how difficult it was to institute the reform of the agency. And finally, we speak with CCC Chairwoman Linda Kassekert about the debt she owes to her predecessors and why the New Jersey regulatory system is considered the best in the world.
SPECIAL EDITION: 30 YEARS OF GAMING IN ATLANTIC CITY, Part 3
Mon, May 19, 2008
This week, in a special edition of the Global Gaming Business Podcast the third in a series of four podcasts is presented, featuring people who played roles in the city over those three decades. In this edition of 30 Years of Gaming, we focus on Atlantic City itself and the impact casino gaming has had on it. Steve Batzer, now one of the leading authorities on insurance in the gaming industry and a former chairman of the Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, explains why it was so difficult for city businesses to capitalize on casinos. Next, Mac Seelig, the president of AC Coin and Slot, discusses the early years and how his company was positioned perfectly to take advantage, despite the onerous regulatory process. And finally, former state Senator Bill Gormley talks about how the legislative leaders adjusted their strategies through the years to encourage development in Atlantic City.
BOOK REVIEW
Mon, Jun 02, 2008
Winners Take All: Steve Wynn, Kirk Kerkorian, Gary Loveman, and the Race to Own Las Vegas • Christina Binkley
Q & A: Interview with Joe Domenico
Interview with Joe Domenico President, Bally’s Atlantic City
Bad Bader Bet
Wed, May 27, 2009
This month’s mayoral primary is no more crucial than any election in Atlantic City. It will merely indicate who is most likely to lead the city for the next four years. So voters better think long and hard before pulling the lever or filling out that ballot.
Union Solution
Mon, Jun 29, 2009
If dealers are going to unionize, why not negotiate with a trustworthy union, with leadership that truly understands the industry?
Indian Attack
Thu, Jul 30, 2009
The lovely campaign by the tribes is going to backfire. We are going to establish Atlantic City as the premier overnight destination on the East Coast.
Bettering the Boards: Solutions for Atlantic City
Fri, Aug 28, 2009
This month’s cover story is an attempt to bring together some diverse views on the state of Atlantic City and possible solutions to begin the recovery.
Q&A with: Mac Seelig
Fri, Aug 28, 2009
Interview with Mac Seelig, President, AC Coin & Slot Service Co.
Woe Is Me?
Mon, Nov 30, 2009
There are ways out of this predicament if we work together, put aside our differences and realize that we are stronger when we stand together than if we go our separate ways.
Promising But Disturbing
Tue, Dec 22, 2009
Atlantic City's new self-examination is a step in the right direction
BOOK REVIEW: Generosity: An Enhancement
Wed, Mar 31, 2010
Generosity: An Enhancement by Richard Powers
Q&A: Kevin DeSanctis
Tue, Jun 29, 2010
In this installment of the Boardwalk Podcast, Revel Entertainment President & CEO Kevin DeSanctis sits down with Casino Connection Publisher Roger Gros and Editor Frank Legato to talk about the prospects for the opening of his property, which is crucial to the overall success of Atlantic City.
Boardwalk Podcast with Joey Molland, formerly of Badfinger
Sun, Jul 25, 2010
Badfinger's Joey Molland is performing at Hippiefest, a celebration of '60s and '70s music, at Resorts Atlantic City on August 7. His story with one of rock n' roll's most tragic bands is pure drama.
The Christie Plan
Wed, Jul 28, 2010
A response to New Jersey Governor's revitalization of Atlantic City
Christie's Crusade: A New Day for AC
Wed, Jul 28, 2010
The governor outlines a plan that will prevent gaming in other parts of the state
BOOK REVIEW: Miracle on the 17th Green
Wed, Jul 28, 2010
Miracle on the 17th Green BY James Patterson and Peter Dejonge
Boardwalk Podcast with former 'Merchant to the Rich' Reese Palley
Wed, Aug 25, 2010
This month in the Boardwalk Podcast, we interview Reese Palley, an early businessman in AC who left to sail the world after selling a hotel to Bally Manufacturing where the Bally’s AC hotel and casino is located today.
Q&A with Dennis Gomes, Resorts' New Owner
Wed, Sep 29, 2010
Interview with Dennis Gomes , President, Gomes Gaming
Q&A with Mark Giannantonio
Tue, Nov 02, 2010
An interview with Mark Giannantonio, President and Chief Operating Officer, Tropicana Casino and Resort
Hard Sell: The Hard Rock Brand Eyes Atlantic City
Tue, Nov 02, 2010
Hard Rock International and the Seminole Tribe look to Atlantic City
Q&A with Frank Catania
Mon, Jan 03, 2011
Interview with Frank Catania, President, Catania Gaming Consultants; and Partner, Catania & Ehrlich
BOOK REVIEWS: Blackout and All Clear
Mon, Jan 03, 2011
Blackout and All Clear by Connie Willis • Ballantine Books
Chamber Champion
Wed, Feb 02, 2011
Ken Calemmo, Chairman, Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce; and Chief Operating Officer, Cooper Levenson LLC
Gomes 2.0
Wed, Feb 02, 2011
Aaron Gomes, Executive Vice President of Operations, Resorts Atlantic City
Fantasy Becomes Reality
Wed, Feb 16, 2011
Atlantic City has a chance to become a world-class destination resort if the plans set forth by Governor Chris Christie are implemented quickly and cleanly. And we’ve already seen benefits before the ink is dry on the laws.
Golden Nugget Returns to Atlantic City
Wed, Feb 16, 2011
Trump Marina is bought by Landry’s, which plans to transform the building into the Golden Nugget Atlantic City, returning a beloved brand to the seaside gaming destination.
Fantasy Becomes Reality
Thu, Feb 24, 2011
Atlantic City has a chance to become a world-class destination resort if the plans set forth by Governor Chris Christie are implemented quickly and cleanly. And we’ve already seen benefits before the ink is dry on the laws.
Online Gaming Indictments: Round 2
Thu, Jun 02, 2011
Federal authorities bust another 10 online gaming websites, but this time they go beyond poker. Gaming industry ramps up efforts to get approval for a federal bill that would legalize, regulate and tax online poker.
Q&A with Tony Rodio
Fri, Jul 15, 2011
The President & CEO of Tropicana Atlantic City sits down with Casino Connection for an in-depth interview
BOARDWALK PODCAST: Dennis Gomes, President and Part-Owner, Resorts Atlantic City
Thu, Sep 01, 2011
Casino Connection's Boardwalk Podcast features an interview with Dennis Gomes, the president of Gomes Gaming and part-owner of Resorts Atlantic City, along with his son Aaron, the senior vice president of casino operations, on what has occurred since they took over the property last December.
Loveman On Online Poker
Thu, Sep 01, 2011
Caesars Entertainment’s CEO Gary Loveman (l.) reaffirms his support of the legalization of online poker, and predicts it will become a reality.
Revel-ation
Thu, Sep 01, 2011
Newest Atlantic City casino will create excitement. See behind the scenes construction with our photo slide show.
Don’t Hold Your Breath
Wed, Nov 09, 2011
Despite the passing of a referendum on sports betting in New Jersey, it will likely never happen, and if it does, it will be years away
Two Cheers for the CRDA
Tue, Feb 07, 2012
The new Atlantic City Master Plan is a testament to what can be done when a city works together. But is the potential of Bader Field being squandered?
Gaming Visionary Dennis Gomes Remembered
Mon, Feb 27, 2012
Dennis Gomes, part-owner of Resorts Atlantic City, died last month after a short illness. He will be remembered for his early days as a maverick investigator, his innovative approach to gaming during his time with Steve Wynn, Donald Trump and others, and the leading of his own property in the town he loved.
Revel Rising
Wed, Feb 29, 2012
Atlantic City’s newest casino will open on April 2, giving it eight weeks to gear up for the May 25 grand opening. The new resort will be the first “smoke free” casino in Atlantic City and will feature a wide array of non-gaming amenities.
Borgata Protests Atlantic City City Fees, Argues for Appeal
Mon, May 14, 2012
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City has refused to pay over $860,000 to the Special Improvement Division for services it says it does not utilize. The casino is appealing its inclusion in the state-run Tourism District, objecting to what it deems “arbitrary and capricious” fees. The Borgata is looking for a settlement with the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.