However, Joe Corbo — president of the Casino Association of New Jersey — said there are positives that Atlantic City can build on even in a bad economic climate. One encouraging fact is that three casinos opened new hotel towers in 2008, and a developer opened a luxury boutique hotel where a Howard Johnson once stood. That added nearly 2,900 rooms to a city where it can be difficult to book a room at a casino hotel on a weekend.
"While the current economic difficulties will undoubtedly extend into 2009, these factors are largely beyond our control," Corbo said. "Consequently, we recognize the need to focus on areas that are within our control and that have served our industry well during past challenging times including innovation, resourcefulness and good old-fashioned customer service.
"In this way, we will continue to serve and maintain our existing customers and also be well-positioned when circumstances change and opportunities for growth again present themselves," he added.
Other positives for 2009: Express train service from New York City to the casinos will begin in February, and the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa will get some national exposure as 16 aspiring chefs compete on the reality TV series "Hell's Kitchen" to win a head chef job at the casino.
Right now, however, the news isn't good — even for casinos that haven't been built yet. MGM Mirage shelved its $5 billion Atlantic City mega-casino plan indefinitely, as did Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. with its own $2 billion Boardwalk casino where the former Sands Casino Hotel once stood.
Pinnacle's ubiquitous billboards that once seemed clever and hip are now being viewed in a whole different light. "You know what this town could use?" one asks. "Another casino." A different sign proclaims, "Until we open, you'll just have to play somewhere less fun."
In the meantime, a gaping void sits just off the Boardwalk, angering nearby businesses and city officials, who liken it to a knocked-out tooth in Atlantic City's smile.
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