My son Anthony is always sending me throw-back commercials, pictures, or songs from back in the day. Usually something from back in my day. This morning, he sent me this link https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1GZvKBvCsk/?mibextid=D5vuiz to some 1983-84 Atlantic City casino commercials. Here is Frank Sinatra wooing customers to Atlantic City. I remember seeing these commercials in the 80’s, but I have to say I never saw Frank Sinatra or any other celebrities when I was in Atlantic City. Las Vegas, well that’s another story. But AC, never.
I do, however, have a small collection of miniature samurai swords that belonged to Frank Sinatra that came from an auction of contents of his suite at the Golden Nugget. Here’s a video https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1619535421519729 of the some of the items that were auctioned off. I did want the marble toilet with the gold seat, but that was a hard “no”.
When gambling came to Atlantic City in 1978, that was a big deal. People could now throw down coin legitimately to play cards and slot machines. And the casinos were more than happy to take your money. Before that, if you wanted to play big, you had to find a high stakes game that would let you in. And your money better be good. Well, if you were in Delaware County in the 70’s and you knew a guy named Boston Blackie, you might just get into a game. Boston, the man I called Dad, would hold a game once a month or so in his newly renovated, exquisitely decorated home on Edgmont Ave. in Chester. With the red varpets, gold fixtures, and custom curtains, you would have thought you were in a Casino! There were some regular players, like my Uncle Frank, or a guy named “Deadman”, and sometimes there would be other people who came that I didn’t know. I never really got to see who was playing, as I was not allowed to hang around the house during these games. That was ok with me because I got to stay out extra late! My sisters however were allowed to stay. At least one of them. The lucky one would get to “work” the game, serving food, getting beers or drinks for the men, or running to Hall’s Store for cigarettes. These games ran long into the night. The longer the games, the more money they made in tips. I was jealous at how much money they were making!
When the casinos opened, there was no shortage of players. But the “guys” that ran the casinos wanted to get some of the “guys” in the suburbs to bring “whales” to start playing in Atlantic City. A “whale” is a gambler who consistently wagers large amounts of money. High rollers often receive lavish "comps" from casinos to entice them onto the gambling floors. Well, I’m sure you can see where this is going. The games at our house waned as my father brought his game to the casinos. It was a win-win for all the “guys” involved. Not so good for my sisters who lost that tip money. But, if you happened to be in our kitchen on a Saturday morning when my dad returned from the casino’s, you might find yourself on the other end of a $20 bill! He’d be handing out money like it was candy, and it didn’t matter who was there!
As I got older, I took a lesson from my dad. I am not really a gambler, but some of my buddies liked to go to the casinos. If we were sitting at Wallio’s Frog Pond, and someone was up for the drive, before we left, we’d see if anyone wanted us to place any bets for them while we’re there. They always gave you a few bucks for going, and if they hit, you might get a big tip. On more than one occasion I can remember having no money for the toll to get back into PA after a night in AC. We’d do the same when if went to Brandywine racetrack. It was much closer, and a solid way to make a few bucks for gas or beer.