Staten Island Hurt by Casino Shutdown

As reported by the Staten Island Advance: "…New Jersey's governmental shutdown, which has closed Atlantic City casinos and canceled the state lottery, has ripple effects for Staten Island gamblers and the businesses that serve them.

"While an extended hiatus in gambling operations would inconvenience local slot-players -- they'd have to travel farther, to Connecticut, for their fix -- it would punish Island bus-ticket agents.

"Maria Drevland owns both Express, a bus-ticket agency for Atlantic City trips, and Beggin Dog Bakery, a pet-gourmet treats and accessory store. Although her bakery in Eltingville houses her ticket-sale business, the latter provides 90 percent of her revenue. All bus trips to the Jersey Shore were canceled yesterday.

"If the shutdown continues for a week, Express will have to lay off two or three employees who have worked there for more than 10 years, Ms. Drevland said.

"…Bus companies, in turn, have asked Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods -- Connecticut's premiere gambling destinations -- to allow their Atlantic City buses to travel there, according to representatives at both resorts…"

2006-07-06