Glenn Straub is the new owner of a property in Atlantic City, formerly known as the Revel Casino, who has no plans to move forward with the reopening the venue while gambling regulators of New Jersey are insisting that he get a gaming license.
Speaking with the Associated Press, Straub stated that he should not have to go through the licensing process that is both costly and time consuming as he is acting as a landlord. An outside company will be coming in to run the casino that will be located within the property and Straub feels that he should not have to go through the same process as other casino owners, as he will not be the one operating the casino.
On Friday, Straub was told that he must obtain a casino license by the Division of Gaming Enforcement. The developer of Florida feels that the Division has abused their discretion as he is just acting as a landlord/vendor, using an example as someone who offers produce. He is not going to be running the casino so why would he need a casino license?
Straub now plans on appealing the decision within the State Casino Control Commission. He will not move forward with the reopening of the property, which includes a hotel and attractions of the non-gambling variety. This is largely due to the fact that Straub cannot get a license to serve alcohol based on the current situation.
The Division of Gaming Enforcement Director, David Rebuck, stated that New Jersey will consider allowing a lower level license to be obtained by Straub but has emphasized that some type of licensing will be required before the casino will be able to reopen. Rebuck stated that the determination was made that Straub will have to be licensed, with a lesser level to be consider, but no final determination made until the application for licensing has been completed.
Straub had previously hoped to have the hotel up and running, offering 900 guest rooms, as well as non-gambling activities by this week but will be unable to do so. Inspections of the property are still ongoing and several aspects must be covered including a certificate of occupancy before reopening can begin.