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Boardwalk Blahs

By Christopher Palmeri

Boardwalk Blahs

Everybody seems to be rolling snake eyes in Atlantic City, even The Donald. September casino revenues are down 15%—the worst slide in the town’s 30- year gambling history. Blame the weak economy and competition from newer venues in nearby states. That combination has giant MGM Mirage postponing its planned $5 billion gambling resort and Donald Trump lowering the sale price on his Trump Marina Hotel Casino —from $316 million to $270 million. The Marina’s buyer, Coastal Development, plans to turn the property into a Jimmy Buffett-themed Margaritaville casino. Just in case salt shakers and flip-flops aren’t enough to boost trafficc in town, the city just suspended its recent casino-wide smoking ban so bettors can smoke in designated areas. The ban “was murder,” Trump says.