‘Cake Boss’ to ‘Sopranos’ to ‘Jersey Shore,’ casinos using TV shows to attract new customers

Casinos using TV stars to draw new customers

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — One Atlantic City casino has found a way to attract new customers: Let them eat cake.

Bally’s Atlantic City hired Buddy Valastro, star of the “Cake Boss’ reality series, to help celebrate the casino’s 30th birthday. More than 2,000 people turned out to see him and that gave the casino a nice bump when many stayed to gamble after.

Using TV stars to attract new customers is part of a trend that’s taken hold in recent years. Gamblers have been able to play slots with cast members of “The Sopranos,” taste offerings from celebrity chefs, sip vodka with Dan Akroyd and see “Dancing With the Stars” champ Kelly Monaco cavort in her underwear.

Casinos say they see an increase in revenue on such nights.