Atlantic City Casino Goes Dog-Friendly

The Showboat Atlantic City rolled out the red carpet for canines last Thursday, marking the first hotel in Atlantic City to allow four-legged lucky charms.

"I honestly didn't think this day would ever come," dog owner Phyllis Pette tells the Press of Atlantic City. Her pooch, Baci, a 10-year-old male Maltese was one of the first dogs to check into the Pet Stay program.

Upon arrival, dogs and their owners are welcomed to a collection of rooms that has been set aside just for them in the New Orleans Tower. Special in-room amenities just for man's best friend include organic treats, food and water bowls, a doggie mat, disposable waste bags and a keepsake duffle bag.

"My wife has been coming to Showboat for 20 years, but we could never bring our dog. We would always have to get a babysitter," says Melvyn Meszaros to the news outlet. Meszaros and his wife helped kick off the Pet Stay program by bringing their 5-year-old female Shih Tzu to the hotel.

There will be a fee of $40 per night for pets, which will be waived during the first two weeks of the program's launch. A maximum of two dogs is allowed, and the pets should not exceed 50 pounds per room.

The canines are allowed in the hotel, but not on the casino floor or in areas where food and beverages are sold, as well as the spa or retail shops. A special "relief area" has been created in front of the casino near the valet area with waste bags and a trash can.

"We're thrilled to bring Pet Stay Atlantic City to our guests and provide the royal treatment to man's best friend," says Joe Domenico, senior vice president and general manager for Showboat Atlantic City in a statement.

The Pet Stay program will have an official kick-off party on March 3, where a $1,000 donation will be made to the Ocean City Humane Society. If the trial run at Showboat goes well, the program may be introduced at the three other Caesars Entertainment casinos in Atlantic City: Bally's, Caesars and Harrah's Resort.

With gambling numbers expected to drop 13% this year, Atlantic City has also launched a number of other promotions, including several that center around the HBO series "Boardwalk Empire."