Phil Juliano made a lasting impact on the Atlantic City gaming sector for over four decades, contributing significantly to the success of one casino resort in particular. Hailing from the city renowned for its boardwalks and casinos, Juliano transformed Bally’s Atlantic City into a top-notch entertainment hub through his visionary leadership.
Bally’s Atlantic City has dedicated the Carousel Bar in the lobby of the renowned Boardwalk Hotel to the memory of Phil Juliano, the esteemed gambling executive who sadly passed away in August this year.
According to his obituary, the late executive, who had an extensive work history at various casinos on the Jersey shores, was born and raised in the Atlantic City neighborhood of Ducktown. Prior to his demise, Juliano held the position of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Executive Vice President of Operations for Bally’s Corporation, where he played a crucial role in revitalizing the renowned Atlantic City property.
His leadership oversaw the addition of new restaurants, a sportsbook, multiple slot areas, and other amenities that brought Bally’s into the modern era of integrated resorts.
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Juliano’s Early Life and Career
Born in 1956, Juliano came of age in Atlantic City’s Ducktown neighborhood. From a young age, he showed a fierce competitive spirit as a standout baseball player at Holy Spirit High School. He was a natural athlete who also loved to play racquetball, basketball, and football, and was a nationally ranked player.
After graduating from LaSalle University, he became a teacher and coach at Pleasantville High School before moving to Atlantic City High School, where he taught history and coached the Varsity Baseball team for four years. Those early experiences in education helped shape Juliano’s lifelong focus on mentorship.
Transition to a Career in Gaming
When casinos first came to Atlantic City in 1978, Juliano sensed an opportunity for change. He broke into the nascent industry in 1982, starting as a casino host at Tropicana, which currently operates an online casino for New Jersey players in partnership with Caesars.
From Tropicana Atlantic City, he joined the Golden Nugget, from where he steadily climbed the ranks at various AC casinos. In 1988, he became the Vice President of Marketing at the Showboat Casino & Hotel, marking the peak of his professional journey.
He excelled in this role for a decade, leaving a lasting impact. Phil’s influence extended beyond Atlantic City, reaching regions like Chicagoland and New England in the early 2000s. However, he eventually returned to his roots in Atlantic City. Those initial roles allowed Juliano to learn the ins and outs of operations from the ground up.
Juliano had a long and successful career in the casino industry. He worked for many different casinos, including Trump Marina, Trump Taj Mahal, Showboat, Resorts, Horseshoe, and Twin River.
He was known for his marketing skills and his ability to develop relationships with customers. He was also a great mentor and helped many young people get started in the casino industry.
Bringing Bally’s Atlantic City Back to ‘Glory’
By the time Juliano came to helm Bally’s Atlantic City as president in 2005, the property was in need of reinvention. The late gambling executive spearheaded a $100 million redevelopment that completely overhauled Bally’s AC aging infrastructure.
The multi-year project included renovating all hotel rooms, restaurants, and public spaces. New attractions like the sportsbook and expanded gaming floor brought Bally’s into the modern era of integrated resorts.
Under Juliano’s direction, Bally’s thrived as a premier entertainment destination. His marketing savvy and keen business instincts helped elevate the property to new heights. For those who worked closely with Juliano, his passion and dedication were unmatched.
Juliano’s Impact on Atlantic City
Juliano was a true Atlantic City icon. He was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. He was always willing to help others and was a great ambassador for the city.
He was instrumental in the revitalization of Bally’s Atlantic City and helped to bring back entertainment to the resort after an eight-year absence. It was during his reign at Bally’s Atlantic City that the resort city saw the launch of online casinos in New Jersey.
Renaming Carousel Bar to Honor Phil Juliano
The centerpiece of Bally’s Atlantic City $100 million revitalization has been the iconic three-story high carousel bar, which was opened during the Memory Weekend in 2022. The capital reinvestment strategy encompasses the refurbishment of numerous hotel rooms in the primary tower, the establishment of The Yard, and the addition of multiple new slot areas on the gaming floor.
Bally’s Atlantic City has honored Juliano’s legacy by naming their new lobby bar Phil’s Carousel Bar. A signature cocktail was also created paying tribute to the executive who helped transform the gaming floor into a wow-factor destination.
The recently-renamed Carousel Bar presents guests with a mesmerizing atmosphere complete with panoramic sights of the surrounding casino and hotel lobby. This one-of-a-kind concept features an elegant 24-seat revolving bar designed to emulate a carousel, constituting the first establishment of its kind in New Jersey.
Talented DJs and live music artists perform while patrons enjoy contemporary cocktails infusing the essence of Atlantic City, with delectable flavors such as Saltwater Taffy, Cotton Candy, and funnel cake concoctions reflecting the resort town’s iconic treats. Between the bar’s novel transportive environment and drink menu channeling Atlantic City’s nostalgic boardwalk fare, Phil’s Carousel Bar offers a refined yet playful oasis for guests.
Under new ownership, Bally’s remains committed to upholding Juliano’s vision. Recent additions like Jerry Longo’s restaurant and The Yard outdoor space showcase the property’s continued evolution. For those who worked closely with Juliano, ensuring his legacy lives on through the enhanced Bally’s is the highest honor.
Summing Up
Through his decades of service, Phil Juliano helped establish Bally’s Atlantic City as a premier entertainment destination. In dedicating the iconic carousel bar and upholding his vision, Bally’s pays respect to one of its own – a son of Ducktown who helped raise Atlantic City to new heights. Juliano’s legacy will continue to be felt for years to come as Bally’s honors his memory and commitment to the community he loved.
