Former Atlantic City, NJ Casino President New Showboat Head

This is the first public report confirming that Bart Blatstein, the owner of the Showboat Hotel Atlantic City, New Jersey has hired a former President of Hard Rock Atlantic City (Anthony Faranca) to be his resort’s new General Manager.

Blatstein is a renown Philadelphia and Atlantic City developer, who has made a true commitment to Atlantic City.

It’s also important to note that Blatstein’s financial  commitment to Atlantic City came at a time when few were willing to invest in The World’s Playground.

Blatstein is also the man who rescued Stockton University from (likely) potential financial ruination when he purchased Showboat Hotel Atlantic City from Stockton.

Without this Blatstein save, the dynamic Stockton University Atlantic City Campus never would have become a reality.

Blatstein is the Chief Executive Officer of Tower Investments.

Blatstein is also a creative entrepreneur, who is not afraid to try new and different things in Atlantic City and here are just a few, including:

• Showboat Hotel Atlantic City, which had been shuttered.
• Lucky Snake Arcade
• ISLAND Water Park
• Garden Pier
• Pier Shops at Caesars
• Celebrity Boxing
• Horror Con

Blatstein also authored a dynamic vision for Bader Field … that he wanted to develop … had he been given the opportunity to do so.

About the hiring of Anthony Faranca to be the new Showboat Hotel Atlantic City General Manager Blatstein said:

We are thrilled to announce the addition of such a decorated executive to the Showboat team. Anthony has the experience and qualities that will ensure he is a valuable asset to not only our Showboat family, but also the entire community, said Blatstein.

Faranca brings a great depth of experience (20 years) as a casino resort executive. He has managed large operations in multiple states including Maryland, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Faranca, a Philadelphia native, began his resort hospitality career in Atlantic City as a guest services manager.

Faranca’s growth through the ranks took off from there, until he achieved the highest level in the industry.

Feranca has held the following positions throughout multiple jurisdictions including:

• Regional Vice President of National Casino Marketing at the four Caesars Atlantic City properties.
• Vice President and General Manager of Parx Casino.
• Station Casinos in Las Vegas where he served as VP and General Manager for the Palms Casino Resort.
• He returned home to the East in 2019 joining the Cordish Companies as Vice President and General Manager of Live! Casino in Hanover, Maryland; where he successfully managed the COVID-19 pandemic, launched a sportsbook, and opened a 5,000-seat event center.
• Faranca also served as President of Hard Rock Atlantic City, where he was responsible for all operations, including the popular 7,000-seat Mark G. Etess Arena - Event Center.

This is a good news hire for Showboat Hotel Atlantic City.