Posted on: October 24, 2023, 12:06h.
Last updated on: October 24, 2023, 04:09h.
Harrah’s Atlantic City is set to unveil its new arcade next month, featuring 60 games that range from classic skeeball and air hockey to cutting-edge virtual reality experiences.
Atlantic City is quickly becoming a hub for arcade enthusiasts. The Boardwalk already boasts the “Biggest Arcade in America” with the Lucky Snake at the Showboat, a non-casino resort that offers a massive 200,000-square-foot arcade and a 40,000-square-foot go-kart track. Additionally, Dave & Buster’s is preparing to open a 21,000-square-foot restaurant and arcade at the nearby Tanger Outlets shopping center in early December.
Harrah’s, a prominent operator in Atlantic City, is ready to open its own arcade on November 1. Spanning 5,328 square feet, “The Arcade” will boast vibrant neon lights and provide a high-energy, multi-sensory experience for guests of all ages and skill levels.
In addition to the mentioned games, The Arcade will feature a variety of machines in different themes. Notably, it will include an “epic claw machine” called Big One Extreme and a virtual reality game based on the popular “Rabbids” series.
Family-Friendly Fun
Located near The Pool, The Arcade at Harrah’s Atlantic City will be open daily, starting at 10 a.m. On Sunday through Thursday nights, it will close at 10 p.m., while on weekends, it will remain open until 2 a.m.
This new kid-friendly gaming zone is the latest addition to Harrah’s commitment to providing family-friendly amenities.
Gregg Klein, senior vice president and general manager at Harrah’s, expressed excitement about the new entertainment space, stating, “We aim to create fun experiences and unforgettable memories for all our guests, so The Arcade is truly the perfect addition to the resort.”
For guests of legal gambling age, Harrah’s recently updated its casino floor, introducing the latest slot machines and new table games. The resort also offers quick-service dining options from celebrity chefs Bobby Flay (Bobby’s Burgers) and Guy Fieri (Chicken Guy!).
According to Caesars representatives, The Arcade at Harrah’s will replace the resort’s previous “Family Fun Station” on the fourth floor of the Coastal Tower, which housed a smaller arcade room.
Increase in Guests
Harrah’s Atlantic City is aiming to reverse a concerning trend of declining hotel occupancy numbers.
In 2017, the resort maintained an 87% occupancy rate for its 2,590 rooms, with an average nightly rate of $111. However, in subsequent years, the occupancy rate dropped to just 80% in 2019, albeit with a higher average nightly rate of $128.50. In 2021, the room occupancy rate fell further to 65%, despite nightly rates exceeding $164. Through the first half of 2023, Harrah’s has only rented its rooms out 63% of the time, even after lowering the average nightly rate to $149.
Harrah’s in-person gaming revenue has also experienced a decline over the years. The casino generated $363.7 million in revenue from its brick-and-mortar floor in 2017. However, this figure fell to $312 million in 2019 and dropped even further to $257.8 million last year.