New Jersey casino licence denied

2007-12-13 15:22:28

The New Jersey Casino Control Commission has refused to grant the owner of Tropicana Casino and Resort a renewed licence.

It has been denied on the basis of "abysmal" management, such as too many employment cuts, poor cleanliness, unsatisfactory customer service and ignored regulations.

Columbia Sussex has said it will launch an appeal, but if this is unsuccessful it will have to sell Tropicana, although gamblers have been told the resort will remain open.

Commission chairwoman Linda Kassekert said: "This in no way interrupts casino operations. The casino and hotel remain open under the auspices of a trustee.

"The employees will be on the job and will be paid and customers will be able to gamble and enjoy all the amenities that the Tropicana has to offer."

It is only the second time in the three decade-history of legalized gambling in New Jersey that a license renewal has been rejected.

Tropicana has also been hit with a $750,000 penalty for its shortcomings.