Caesars Entertainment has appointed a gaming industry veteran to oversee its Atlantic City casino properties.
John Koster is the new regional president of Caesars Entertainment’s Eastern region, which includes Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, and Tropicana Atlantic City. Koster will also be responsible for Harrah’s Philadelphia and Horseshoe Baltimore.
Most recently, Koster served as senior vice president and general manager of Caesars Entertainment’s Lake Tahoe properties. He worked for Eldorado Resorts and the legacy Caesars Entertainment companies before the former bought out the latter in 2020.
“John’s in-depth knowledge of the gaming industry, as well as his passion for going all-in on service, make him the logical choice to lead our East Coast properties into the future,” said Anthony Carano, president and COO of Caesars Entertainment.
Caesars Entertainment plans to reign again in Atlantic City
Caesars Entertainment has committed to spending significant capital at its three AC casino hotels. Over the next three years, Caesars will spend a minimum of $400 million.
Koster will be the man at the helm as the capital investment projects begin.
The company has said it plans to spend at least $150 at its “flagship” Atlantic City property, Caesars Atlantic City.
Hotel and casino upgrades and renovations have already begun at Harrah’s. New dining concepts and entertainment options, in addition to a makeover of the spa, are already open.
Carano said the next 36 months will be an “exciting time.”
“Our master capital plan will undoubtedly transform Atlantic City as a top destination market, and I am confident that under John’s leadership, our East Coast properties will be well-positioned for long-term success,” he said.
Taking over for an AC icon is no small feat
Koster has big shoes to fill in Atlantic City. He is taking over the role previously held by Steve Callender, an Atlantic City gaming lifer who retired earlier this year.
In addition to his day-to-day duties for Caesars, Callender also served as president of the Casino Association of New Jersey. Callender was the face and voice of the Atlantic City casino industry throughout the pandemic, often having to put a positive spin on one of the darkest chapters of Atlantic City’s 43-year gambling history.
Terry Glebocki, CEO of Ocean Casino Resort, took over for Callender as CANJ president following his retirement.
