Casino-lovers know -- it's all about the comps. And free drinks is something Atlantic City can still brag about, especially since free booze is getting a bad rap as gambling migrates to the Midwest.
Total comps in Atlantic city last year -- including drinks, meals, hotel rooms and entertainment -- added up to $1.55 billion.
But states like Ohio, new to casino gaming, won't serve complimenatry cocktails. Illinois, Indiana, Kansas and Missouri all said no to the free drink perk as well. The reasons are sometimes moral, sometimes economic.
"I don't want to stereotype," said Doug Scoles, executive director of MADD's Ohio chapter, "but I do believe Midwest culture supports not serving alcohol freely, on a 24/7 basis. It's seen for the damage it does to communities."
Don't kid yourself though. The no-freebie rules don't necessarily mean that fewer gamblers drink. It just means that in they're paying for their alcohol. According to industry data, casinos sell more alcohol when they stop giving it away.
