November 28th, 2010 – by Glen Farmer
The Tropicana Casino recently managed to receive re-licensing by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, but trouble seems to not be over for the casino. A fire on Saturday caused the casino to evacuate gamblers from the gaming floor, causing damage to part of the casino.
The conflagration caused no injuries, though the building had suffered some damage. The casino floor was evacuated for roughly 20 minutes due to smoke being pulled in from the ventilation system.
Damage has been estimated at costing roughly $30,000 to $50,000 to repair. The building’s exterior and interior alike were damaged. The fire had allegedly started in a planter outside, which spread through the building and into a wall. An investigation is underway to determine how the blaze began.
Repair crews are already working to fix the damage caused by the fire.
The region has been facing tough economic times, with financial trouble causing the casinos in Atlantic City to struggle. The recession and increased competition from surrounding states has taken a heavy toll on casinos in Atlantic City. The fire in the Tropicana Casino has added to the casino’s hardship, though officials have not given an estimate on how much money was lost due to the lack of gambling caused by the evacuation.