Tony Rodio, president and chief executive officer of Tropicana Casino and Resort, has been named the new head of the trade group that represents Atlantic City’s $3.3 billion casino industry.
Rodio is taking charge at the Casino Association of New Jersey amid a prolonged slump in Atlantic City gambling revenue caused by the sluggish economy and fierce competition from casinos in surrounding states.
Despite difficulties ahead, Rodio said he is encouraged by state efforts to rejuvenate the gambling industry and a $150 million tourism campaign planned over the next five years by the Atlantic City Alliance, a casino-funded marketing coalition. He characterized it as a “critical turning point” in the city’s hoped-for evolution into a top tourist destination.
“As a lifelong New Jerseyan, I feel confident the best is yet to come in Atlantic City. I look forward to being at the forefront of the continued transformation of Atlantic City into a world-class destination resort,” Rodio said in a statement.
Rodio will continue as CEO of Tropicana and its parent company, Tropicana Entertainment Inc., in addition to his new duties as president of the casino association. He succeeds Bob Griffin, the CEO of Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc., who has served as the association’s president since 2010. Griffin’s term expires this month.
Rodio, 53, of Hammonton, has more than 30 years of experience in the casino industry. Prior to becoming Tropicana’s CEO in 2011, he headed the former Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort and Resorts Casino Hotel.
Contact Donald Wittkowski:
609-272-7258
