Since the casinos debuted here nearly 30 years ago, Atlantic City gaming halls have rolled out the red carpet for high rollers on New Year’s Eve. Like no other day of the year, it seems like money is no object, as players are offered gifts, gala parties, entertainment, rooms, lots of booze and every amenity you can think of. Casinos do a pretty good job of taking players’ money 364 days a year. But on New Year’s Eve, they like to give a little something back.

“In the whole casino industry, New Year’s Eve is the night where we take care of our players,” says Todd Chandler, vice president of marketing for Resorts Atlantic City. “We look at it as a payback for the rest of the year. The guiding light is to have a great event, as opposed to strictly making profit.”

“We have several events throughout the year where we recognize our best players,” says Cheryl Wilson, vice president of marketing for Trump Marina. “But New Year’s Eve is definitely at the top of the list.”

So how big is New Year’s Eve? That’s difficult to pin down. It is certainly the one day of the year that all of the casinos in town draw mostly high rollers to fill their hotel rooms. That means the whales are also in the casinos, when they aren’t eating, drinking and being festive.

But attracting all those big spenders comes with a bigger price tag. For starters, the festivities keep them away from the tables and slots longer than most special events or entertainment offerings.

“New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest nights, but it’s not always the most profitable,” says David Fox, executive director of marketing for Trump Plaza. “It’s a customer appreciation kind of night. We hire professional decorators. The menus are upscale—we did tastings for the special menus as long as three months ago. There are special turndowns in the room so that when our guests go back to their rooms at the end of the night there’s a nice gift waiting for them.”

“It is a rewarding night,” says Mark Giannantonio, president and general manager of the Tropicana. “But there is a lot of expense that goes into it, especially since you invite your best guests, who look forward to the invitation and expect nothing but the best. It is a giveback day. We all compete for the big players, and this is a day that helps attract and retain great players.”

“I think it is the top holiday for the year… It is definitely the most celebrated,” says Rosalind Krause, general manager for Trump Taj Mahal. “But because of the expenses involved, the profit for that day really depends on the luck of the tables. With such a large contingent of high-end customers, the luck can really make or break you.”

One thing all casino executives are happy about this year is that New Year’s Eve falls on a Monday, giving the casinos an extended weekend. Casinos are even luring players with some nice enticements. Trump Plaza, for example, will give away wireless Bose headphones on Saturday for qualified players. And the Taj Mahal will give away $5,000 every 30 minutes during sweepstakes hours Saturday and Sunday, for a total giveaway of $250,000.

“A few weekends throughout the year are very valuable, but none are like New Year’s Eve,” Chandler says. “And because it falls on a Monday, this year should even be better. Hopefully people will arrive on Friday or Saturday and stay until Monday to experience all of the events. It’s positioned to be the biggest thing for us in a while.”

“I don’t imagine a lot of people will work that Monday,” says Phil Juliano, executive vice president of the Atlantic City Hilton. “It’s the biggest holiday, but there are factors that could hurt you. The holiday is weather-sensitive, and I really don’t know what to expect because of the regional gaming explosion in Pennsylvania and New York.”

Even if you aren’t a high-roller, there’s plenty to do for everyone on New Year’s Eve. The general public can do everything from buying open-bar packages with entertainment to hanging out in a lounge with a cash bar. But if you always wanted to know what it was like to feel like a high roller, the Trump casinos have packages that include a room, invitation to players events and more.

Here’s a list of what players and non-players can expect in Atlantic City this New Year’s Eve.

Atlantic City Hilton

For the Players: The Hilton event does not have a theme but will instead focus on being an upscale, elite celebration. The ballroom event will feature cocktails, gourmet dinner, dessert and the Jeremiah Hunter Band. Black tie is optional.

Another players’ party will be held in the buffet, where an upscale menu will also be featured, and a DJ will spin lively music. After dinner, players will be invited to go to the Blavat party to ring in 2008.

For the Public: The Hilton entered a marketing agreement with Jerry “The Geator with the Heater” Blavat to host a party in the Grand Theater that Juliano promises will be the “top party in the city.”

Blavat’s dance party will feature the Trammps—best known for “Disco Inferno”—for a $110-per-person bash that will include hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet buffet and open bar from 8 p.m. to midnight. At 11:45 p.m., guests will receive a glass of champagne for a midnight toast, and a continental breakfast will be served at 1 a.m.

The beautiful Chairman’s Club will transform to 10 ’Til for a $125 party that includes DJ Steve-O, gourmet buffet and dancing. Offering a “sophisticated, yet fun” place to party, 10 ’Til overlooks the ocean and features plush seating for a more intimate experience.

Bally’s Atlantic City

For the Players: Bally’s players’ gala in its ballroom sounds like an exciting one as it goes “hot and sexy” with its “Hot, Hot, Hot” theme. Gourmet dinner, cocktails and entertainment will be offered in a décor of gold and red tones.

For the Public: The Blue Martini will host live entertainment to ring in the New Year.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

For the Players: Comedian Dom Irrera, who regularly sells out the Music Box, will offer some laughs in the Event Center for invited guests only. The 19-piece John Pizzarelli Orchestra will provide the dance music. The extravagant menu will feature everything from caviar to lobster, and guests are also invited to a lavish complimentary New Year’s Day brunch.

For the Public: The nightclubs mixx and mur.mur will host New Year’s Eve celebrations, with mixx offering a “silver-themed party with DJ Riz” for $75, while mur.mur offers a “gold-themed party with DJ Ruckus” for $100.

Also, comedian Lisa Lampanelli will headline 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. shows at the Music Box for $50.

Caesars Atlantic City

For the Players: Like many of the other casinos, Caesars will go elegant for its private party. The Black and White Ball will be reminiscent of “old-time grace and style” with surf and turf (filet and lobster), party music and all of the trimmings.

For the Public: R&B legend Patty LaBelle will entertain the masses at 11 p.m. for $85 or $100. High-end players not looking for a big party can check out LaBelle and feast in Caesars’ gourmet restaurants.

Plus, Morton’s, Mia and the restaurants in the Pier Shops at Caesars will all have events open for the public.

Harrah’s Atlantic City

For the Players: For its high rollers, Harrah’s will host approximately 1,200 people in its third-floor ballroom, for a “Putting on the Glitz” party.

For the Public: The Eden Lounge and X-Bar will be rocking all night with free party favors and balloon drops, plus the Eden Lounge will host bands including Spellbound and Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns. Comedian Brad Garrett will also be on hand for a public show at 9 p.m. for $50 and $70.

And The Pool—one of the hottest places in Atlantic City—will stage a soiree that should rank as one of the best in the city. The New York City-style bash will offer general admission tickets that include DJ, live video feed from Times Square, admission to the Waterfront Buffet from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., premium open bar from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., party favors and champagne toast. Buy your tickets early: they start at $99 if you buy them by mid-December, but go up to $125 by the night of the event.

There also is a Gold VIP level (four-person minimum, 12-person maximum) for $175 per person that includes table service and complimentary champagne or bottle of liquor for every three tickets purchased; and a Platinum VIP level (six-person minimum, nine-person maximum) that includes all of the above plus either a private cabana or Jacuzzi.

Resorts Atlantic City

For the Players: The ballroom will be filled with 1,000 guests for a high-end dinner that will include the band Alter Ego, gourmet food (surf and turf) and the obligatory champagne toast.

For the Public: Resorts will introduce a new concept titled “Boogie Nights.” The latest nightlife experience will feature a blast to the past as a DJ spins famous songs from the ’70s and ’80s while music videos and eye-popping imagery light up the room. There are even a few surprises in store. The $125 package includes a gourmet dinner and open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Another open party will take place at The Buffet, where $75 will get you a special New Year’s Eve gourmet buffet, entertainment and two drinks. There are seatings at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. The last seating will be the most festive with a champagne countdown.

Finally, Kool and the Gang will headline the Superstar Theater, where players and the public can mingle. The $125 ticket price includes the show and open bar.

Showboat Hotel & Casino

For the Players: Showboat’s private party will meld perfectly with the property as the theme will be a sexy-yet-classy New Orleans-style masquerade ball.

Members are encouraged to wear classic masquerade costumes, black ties or whatever they are comfortable wearing for the 1,000-person gala, which will feature a costumed staff, filet mignon, lobster, cocktails, a band and a DJ.

For the Public: The House of Blues features two acts open to the public on New Year’s Eve. First, the Samples will perform in the Club Harlem Ballroom at 10 p.m. for $25. Next door in the main showroom, rock icon Elvis Costello and the Imposters perform at 10 p.m. for $68, $103 and $128.

Acclaimed DJ Jonathan Peters will spin music at Club Worship, plus there will be free music by Seven Stone at the House of Blues restaurant.

And the Courtyard—near the Boardwalk entrance and House of Blues restaurant—will be decorated to feel like Times Square, including a ball drop at midnight.

Tropicana Casino & Resort

For the Players: There are two players’ parties that will accommodate more than 2,000 guests. Both will feature gourmet dinners, orchestras and an elegant theme. Black tie optional.

For the Public: If the last couple of years were any indication, there is no hotter place to be for New Year’s Eve than the Quarter. The Fiesta Plaza and the main concourse will be packed with partiers waiting for the midnight balloon and confetti drops, and will feature a live DJ and dancers all night as the adjacent restaurants and bars, including Red Square and Providence, hold their own festivities.

If you’re looking for a headliner, Gladys Knight will perform at 10:30 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $100.

Trump Marina Hotel Casino

For the Players: There are two private events, one in the Grand Cayman, the other in the Regatta Room.

For the Public: The Marina will continue its tradition of throwing a free party in the Atrium. This year’s theme is a ’70s Dance Party hosted by WAYV 95.1-FM. There will be dancing all night with music provided by DJ Frank Jr. and a special appearance planned for the Australian Bee Gees at 10 p.m. At midnight, the ball will drop as thousands of people celebrate.

For the full show, the Australian Bee Gees will perform in The Shell at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 and include party favors and champagne toast.

A $300-per-couple package includes tickets for the show, four-course dinner at a gourmet restaurant, bottle of champagne, party favors and champagne toast.

Other open packages include: the Regatta Room Package, $275 per couple includes prime rib and crab cake dinner, Viennese dessert extravaganza, open bar, entertainment by the Sensational Soul Cruisers and party favors from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.; The Wave package, $75 per person advance, $100 on night of event, including 9 p.m. to 11 pm. open bar, party favors, champagne toast plus music by Don’t Call Me Francis; Gourmet Dinner Package, $175 per couple includes four-course dinner in gourmet restaurant, party favors, bottle of champagne.

Also for the public, an $1,199 package enables you to be a high roller for the night. The package includes a room, two tickets to the private New Year’s Eve party with dinner, cocktails and entertainment, followed by brunch the following morning.

Trump Plaza Casino Hotel

For the Players: The ballrooms and theater will host nearly 2,000 people. In the ballrooms, come dressed to impress as a James Bond-like spy theme will prevail with an orchestra, DJs, dancers and entertainers that will move from room to room. Most restaurant reservations will be for players, but early and late reservations may be available.

For the Public: An $1,199 package enables you to be a high roller for the night, with amenities similar to the Marina package.

Trump Taj Mahal Casino & Resort

For the Players: Perhaps the most elaborate players’ party will be once again found at the Taj. Traditionally the biggest and best New Year’s players’ bash in town, the Arena will hold more than 2,000 guests who will be treated to an impressive gourmet surf-and-turf dinner, entertainment from a high-energy band to encourage dancing and an Emerald City theme. The upscale “Wizard of Oz” party will transform the arena to an elegant land of fantasy without getting corny.

For the Public: There is the $1,199 high-roller-for-the-night package.

Also for the public, a New Year’s Eve party at Casbah will feature recording artist Rob Base (“It Takes Two”) and a two-hour open bar from 10 p.m. to midnight for $100.

Ego Bar & Lounge will feature one of the best lounge acts in the country—Louie Louie—and there’s no cover.

By Joseph Harrison

Joseph Harrison is a Casino Connection staff writer who covers news and trends in the casino industry as well as community related stories.

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