The move this month by New Jersey regulators to deny a license to Columbia Sussex to operate the Tropicana casino in Atlantic City is both a stark reminder of the unique demands of the casino business and a cautionary tale for newer entrants. Perhaps more significantly, it's the latest example of how New Jersey's regulatory system differs markedly from Nevada's, which is closer to a free market system than any other gaming jurisdiction's and is generally reluctant to pull licenses from Nevada operators.

Atlantic City - In a stunning development, the New Jersey Casino Control Commission today denied a license renewal for the troubled Tropicana Casino & Resort, saying that a trustee would operate the Boardwalk facility immediately until a buyer was found. It was only the second time a license renewal has been denied in the 29-year history of legalized gambling in Atlantic City. The Tropicana's attorney, Paul O'Gara, said the casino owner, Columbia-Sussex Corp., would appeal the decision, as soon as tomorrow morning, in state court.

Harrah’s Entertainment announced it received approval from the New Jersey Casino Control Commission for the proposed acquisition of Harrah’s by affiliates of Apollo Management, L.P. and TPG Capital. New Jersey casino regulators on Wednesday approved the proposed USD 31 billion acquisition of Harrah’s Entertainment by two private equity firms. The transaction remains subject to approval by 10 other states’ regulators in jurisdictions in which Harrah’s subsidiaries operate and other conditions to closing set forth in the agreement and plan of merger entered into on December 19, 2006.

Atlantic City, New Jersey (AP) - A fire that engulfed a 43-story tower under construction at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa on Sunday only caused "superficial damage" to the structure, authorities said. No injuries were reported in the blaze, which started at about 7:45 a.m. on the south side of the tower and was under control about 20 minutes later, Atlantic City Fire Captain Michael Mooney said.

Atlantic City will soon become the next testing ground for what many are calling the next generation of slot machine technology. The New Jersey Casino Control Commission last week approved testing of server-supported gaming in Atlantic City casinos. It means that tests will now be conducted of systems that download game content and peripherals from a central server to terminals on the floor. The “server-supported” gaming approved differs from “server-based” gaming in that the game logic will still reside at the slot terminals on the floor.

Atlantic City,New Jersey - Casino dealers at Bally’s Atlantic City voted emphatically in favor of forming a union Sunday in what both sides considered a pivotal vote in the unionization effort at the resort city’s 11 casinos. The vote by full- and part-time dealers, dual-rate dealers, keno and simulcast employees was 628-255 in favor of becoming part of the United Auto Workers union.

Atlantic City, New Jersey -- Dealers at the Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort have narrowly rejected a bid to unionize. The dealers voted 316-268 Saturday against joining the United Auto Workers, according to casino and union representatives. "The Atlantic City Hilton respects the informed decision made by our dealers and hopes the UAW will do likewise," Tony Rodio, President of the Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort, said in a statement issued early Sunday.