Atlantic City's Gamble Pays Off

Patrick Hagerty READ TIME: 3 MIN.

Resorts Casino has been the first in everything that has been done in Atlantic City; from being the first casino to open back in 1978 to now having the first LGBT nightclub to open in any casino in the world! You heard that right, Resorts is premiering an LGBT nightclub. Prohibition, the newest hotspot on the Boardwalk brings back the romantic era of the "Roaring 20's" and is showcased in this new gay club where ceiling-high palm trees greet their guests, hot bartenders that strut their stuff behind the bar as well as on top of it, giant TVs to show off the hottest Videos or the hot people dancing on the dance floor, amazing DJ's spinning music for everyone to enjoy, hot Go-Go boys strutting their stuff and floor-to-ceiling windows with views overlooking the Boardwalk that help to dominate the space including balcony's to go outside and enjoy views of the city while taking a break from the fun.

The rainbow flag went up at Resorts last week for the celebrations and Joel Ballesteros, Resorts' director of marketing for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities is excited that "Prohibition offers the LGBT community something that they have not been able to enjoy in a very long time in Atlantic City, and is excited that Resorts will be the one to set this trend."

Atlantic City Revitalized

The gay club joins a health club, indoor/outdoor pool, salon as well as many different eateries within the casino/hotel complex. That is only just the start of what resorts has planned. According to Joel Ballesteros, with Prohibition and "The Screening Room" which throughout this summer Philly's own Cher impersonator Steven Andrade will star in "Believe: Divas in a Man's World," featuring some of the most popular celebrity impersonators in the world doing their best Liza, Bette and Gaga to heat up the Boardwalk like nothing before. With all this situated on the 13th Floor. With rumors of a relaxing piano bar as well as a private gaming room being open, the 13th floor may not only the luckiest floor of any hotel but it also will have the feel of a true speakeasy. Do you know the right password for all of this fun? Mark Dahl, manager of Prohibition, will make sure you have not only the right password but the best time that Atlantic City has to offer.

Up until now, the only LGBT bar in the Atlantic City area has been the Westside Bar & Lounge, but it's not associated with any of the major casinos. Also Studio Six which was a longtime gay bar, closed its doors, thus leaving a rather large hole in the LGBT nightlife scene in Atlantic City and making the LGBT community feel both unwelcome and unwanted.

With this having been started by Resorts, they see no reason this trend won't continue into other venues providing places for the LGBT community to come and enjoy world-class nightlife and entertainment. Resorts is raising the bar for all casinos - and with the raising of the rainbow flag it is just the first gesture welcoming the gay tourism market back to the struggling community. If this past weekend was any indication, Resorts and Prohibition will be the unending force for any and all LGBT travelers who want their getaways to be filled with nightlife and experiences to rival anywhere.


by Patrick Hagerty

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