Snake eyes took on a whole new meaning this week as a python named Banana Peel helped in the announcement of the state’s biggest arcade coming to a former Atlantic City casino.
“This is a complete and total game-changer,” Mayor Marty Small said as he stood next to Showboat owner Bart Blatstein.
Nearby was a Bermese python curled around a handler’s neck, a vivid visual for the new venture, Lucky Snake.
It wasn’t the long-promised water park many were expecting — “That’s next month,” the mayor said.
But the announcement of what Small called “Dave & Busters and more on steroids” highlights the promised diversity in going beyond casinos and a renewed commitment to making Atlantic City a family-friendly resort.
“I’m thrilled we have this family attraction here in the great city of Atlantic City,” Small said.
It will also bring 100 new jobs, said Blatstein, who put more than $7 million into the project.
The arcade is somewhat of a return to its roots for the casino that started out with a full-sized bowling alley.
“We are bringing back bowling,” Blatstein said after Small spoke of what set the Showboat of his youth apart from the other casinos.
In addition to mini-bowling and a plethora of arcade games, there will also be game, there will also be five restaurants, six bars and live entertainment.
The official opening is set for May 15.
