Pool & Spa News: Casino guide: when the Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show's exhibit hall closes for

You've been good, studying in the seminars and prowling the show floor for hours--or maybe patiently standing at your booth, explaining the merits of your product for the millionth time. Now it's time to go out, win some money or just relax at some of the famous casinos in this resort city. Pool & Spa News' Casino Guide offers a quick glance at the hot spots.

(The much-anticipated Borgata, by the way, still is under construction. When the city's first new casino-hotel in 13 years opens in summer 2003, guests will find a 120,000-square-foot casino, 11 restaurants, 10 stores and several entertainment venues.)

ATLANTIC CITY HILTON CASINO RESORT

This casino is known for going all out to impress with its imported gold glass, polished marble and sumptuous murals. The Hilton matches its upscale ambiance with high-limit tables and a baccarat area voted the city's best, by, Chance magazine readers. The famous Peregrines' Restaurant draws in the rich and beautiful--and anyone else with a reservation.

BALLY'S PARK PLACE CASINO RESORT

Keno and craps are reputed to be the games to head for in this casino, but the poker and horse-betting rooms are supposed to be winners, too. Bally's also features casinos within casinos, such as the Wild Wild West Casino and Coyote Kate's Slot Parlor. The eats at places such as Prime Place are particularly memorable.

CAESARS ATLANTIC CITY HOTEL & CASINO

One of the largest casinos in town with 124,000 square feet of betting heaven, Caesars features slot machines such as Rock 'n' Roll with Elvis and restaurants such as the Bacchanal and Primavera. The latter has been voted "Best Casino Italian" by Atlantic City magazine.

CLARIDGE CASINO HOTEL

Claridge lives up to its reputation as the smaller but friendlier casino, harkening back to Atlantic City's grand old days as the East coast resort city. Originally built in the 1930s, Claridge has kept its nostalgic notions intact by simply expanding on the site and the theme.

HARRAH'S ATLANTIC CITY CASINO HOTEL

Harrah's is famous for the buffets and steaks. To get to its location in the Marina District, you'll probably have to take a cab, shuttle or jitney. But it/s within walking distance of the Trump Marina Hotel & Casino. Also known for great chow, Harrah's features an eclectic group of restaurants. You can "shell" out your money at Bluepoint raw bar (get it?), or poise your upturned pinky at The Wine Bar.

RESORTS CASINO HOTEL

The Mother of them all, Resorts was the first to open its gambling tables. Twenty-five years and a $50 million renovation later, Resorts strikes a pose with its Art Deco decor and high-stakes players' lounge. Food spots include everything from upscale medieval Camelot (see "Casino-Hotel Nightspots") to the Beach Ball Deli.

SANDS HOTEL & CASINO

Sands seeks out the mid-range players, but offers low and high-limit tables, too. American Casino Guide has rated Sands as the place for the best overall slots, best Blackjack and best steakhouse--the Brighton.

SHOWBOAT CASINO HOTEL

It's Mardi Gras on the East Coast. This Mississippi riverboat-themed casino features Cajun cuisine (natch). In fact, its French Quarter buffet has been voted "Best Buffet" by Casino Player magazine.

TROPICANA CASINO & RESORT

The word among gamers is that the loosest slots are at "the Trop." You can check out the Jade Room, gaming the Asian way with Pal Gow tiles and poker, and Sic Bow.

TRUMP MARINA HOTEL & CASINO

Looking for restaurants with an ocean view, high-limit tables and VIP service, and showrooms starring big-name entertainment (in season)? This upscale Trump venue has it all.

TRUMP PLAZA HOTEL & CASINO

This was Donald Trump's first casino offspring, so, like Trump Marina, it tends to feature high-roller tables. Atlantic City's Insider Guide calls it the "classiest and most sophisticated casino, hands down." Trump Plaza offers nine restaurants, including a steakhouse, Italian and Chinese cuisine.

TRUMP TAJ MAHAL CASINO RESORT

The chandeliers alone are worth $14 million at this ritzy casino-hotel. Among its offerings: live simulcasts of horseracing and a smoke-free poker room. For fine dining, Scheherazade is a standout: Not only did it snare a 5-Star Diamond Award, but it also was named one of the 25 best casino restaurants by Casino Players. One critic called Scheherazade "pure bliss, from start to finish."