Skift Take
The stark difference between Atlantic City's haves and have-nots will become more apparent with the casinos opening, but that's nothing new.
Gov. Chris Christie this morning said casinos can reopen and also lifted the mandatory evacuation order on Atlantic City.
Immediately after the governor reopened the city, effective 10 a.m., the director of the state Division of Gaming Enforcement reinstated certificates of operation for the city’s 12 casinos.
Full release and order from Christie:
Trenton, NJ – This morning, Governor Christie announced that he is rescinding an order that closed Atlantic City casinos in preparation for Hurricane Sandy, while also lifting the mandatory evacuation order for Atlantic City residents. The Governor was notified by Division of Gaming Enforcement Director David Rebuck that the order reinstating certificates of operation for the twelve casinos was signed within minutes of the Governor’s lifting of the mandatory evacuation order for the residents of Atlantic City, originally issued on October 27, 2012.
The order grants the casinos permission to recommence casino gaming and wagering activities on Friday, November 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Division investigators and personnel have been assigned to each property to ensure compliance with internal control procedures and to complete a final authorization to commence operations.
“The Director has indicated that a complete review and assessment of the status and condition of each casino property, including the casino floors, its equipment, surveillance, security and gaming related computer systems have been completed,” said Governor Christie. “I have extreme confidence in Division of Gaming Enforcement staff as they begin the re-opening process of gaming operations in Atlantic City.”
“This has been an extremely difficult time for the City of Atlantic City and the State of New Jersey,” said Division Director Rebuck. “The cooperation of Governor Christie, state and local officials and the casino executives has been outstanding and we commend all those who have responded and worked with our staff throughout the events of Hurricane Sandy.”
“Maintaining the integrity of casino operations is paramount. We will continue ongoing dialogue with the properties to ensure a smooth and cohesive re-opening as quickly as possible,” said Rebuck.
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Tags: atlantic city, natural disasters, sandy
Photo credit: A pathway to the beach from the boardwalk is buried in sand up to the railings, at a beach in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in Atlantic City, New Jersey, October 30, 2012. Tom Mihalek / Reuters