Rodio said the machines are designed to give people waiting for dinner or a movie something fun to do while they're waiting. An exception was later made to allow casinos in the Marina District, where the Borgata, Harrah's and the Golden Nugget are. Since gambling began here in 1978, it was limited to the beachfront block along the Boardwalk. 'This will be the first time ever in the history of Atlantic City that there's gaming on the city side of Pacific Avenue,' he said. It hopes to eventually have 100 to 125 slots and live table games in The Quarter. Tropicana president Tony Rodio told The Associated Press the casino got approval Friday from the state Division of Gaming Enforcement for a pilot program with 11 slot machines and two electronic table games. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is expanding gambling to The Quarter, its shopping and dining area across the street from the casino. Come Thanksgiving, gamblers in Atlantic City won't have to be on a casino floor to gamble.
