May 27, 7:53 AM EDT
Casino Plays $1,000 Slot Machine Tokens
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) -- $1,000 tokens! Did the fare go up again? No,
these super-expensive tokens are the ones used in slot machines in Atlantic
City. The cost for the most expensive slot machine tokens may soon double.
The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, scheduled to open this summer, has been
given temporary approval to offer machines that accept $1,000 tokens. The
most expensive token now in use in Atlantic City is $500.
The $1,000 coins are in limited use in Las Vegas but will make their debut
in Atlantic City at the Borgata.
"There will be some players that will love to give this machine a shot,"
said Paul Tjoumakaris, the casino's vice president of slot operations.
Of the casino's 3,640 slot machines, two will accept the $1,000 tokens, two
will accept $500 tokens, 10 will take $100 denominations and 16 will accept
$25 coins.
The top payout for the $1,000 machines is $1 million.
The Casino Control Commission approved the new tokens in time for the
Borgata's scheduled opening in late July. The commission will hear public
comment on the slot machine proposal through July 18 before making a final
decision.
Not all casino-goers are enthralled with the idea.
"That's way out of my league," said Rose Heeghan, 72, of Margate. "I don't
even play $1 slots."