Ocean Casino Resort
Ocean Casino Resort is a hotel and casino located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, situated on the boardwalk in the Marina District. The property operates as one of the major gaming and entertainment venues in Atlantic City, featuring gaming floors, hotel accommodations, multiple dining establishments, and entertainment facilities. The casino opened to the public in November 2018 following significant renovations and repositioning of the former Revel Casino property, which had ceased operations in 2014. Ocean Casino Resort represents a substantial reinvestment in Atlantic City's gaming and hospitality infrastructure and has become a key employer and economic driver in the region.[1]
History
The property that became Ocean Casino Resort originally opened as Revel Casino Hotel in 2012 under the management of Kevin DeSalvo and Morgan Stanley's real estate investment group. Revel was designed as a contemporary, non-smoking resort that cost approximately $2.4 billion to construct, making it one of the most expensive casino projects undertaken at that time. However, the property faced significant operational and financial challenges throughout its existence. Competition from other Atlantic City casinos, combined with the effects of the broader economic downturn on gaming revenues, resulted in declining performance. Additionally, the casino's unique positioning as a non-smoking establishment proved less attractive to the core gaming demographic than anticipated, and operational expenses remained high relative to gaming revenues.
Revel Casino filed for bankruptcy protection in 2013, less than a year after opening, and ceased all gaming and hotel operations in September 2014. The property remained largely shuttered for several years until 2017, when Brandywine Realty Trust and AC Ocean Walk announced plans to acquire and redevelop the facility. The redevelopment project, which cost approximately $200 million, involved significant interior and exterior renovations, rebranding, and repositioning of the property. The new Ocean Casino Resort officially opened its doors to the public on November 15, 2018, operating under the management of Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, a Pennsylvania-based gaming and hospitality company.[2] The opening marked a significant turning point in Atlantic City's recovery efforts following the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent casino closures.
Economy
Ocean Casino Resort represents a substantial economic investment in Atlantic City and the surrounding region. The property employs approximately 2,500 workers across gaming, hospitality, food service, security, and administrative functions, making it one of the largest employers in Atlantic City. The casino generates significant tax revenues for the municipality and the state of New Jersey, contributing to both the Atlantic City tax base and the state's Casino Revenue Fund, which supports property tax relief for senior citizens and disabled residents across New Jersey.
The casino's gaming operations include approximately 2,100 slot machines and more than 130 table games spread across approximately 120,000 square feet of gaming space. The hotel component consists of approximately 1,400 rooms and suites, supporting the hospitality and tourism economy of Atlantic City. The property also operates multiple restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, including a 3,000-seat entertainment theater that hosts concerts, comedy shows, and other live performances. The resort's food and beverage operations, retail shops, and entertainment facilities create additional employment and economic activity within Atlantic City's hospitality sector. Ocean Casino Resort's financial performance has generally improved since opening, with the property consistently ranking among Atlantic City's higher-performing casinos in terms of gaming revenue and customer volume.[3]
Attractions
Ocean Casino Resort features several primary attractions and amenities designed to appeal to gaming enthusiasts, families, and entertainment seekers. The main gaming floor operates 24 hours daily and includes a comprehensive selection of modern slot machines featuring various themes, betting denominations, and progressive jackpot opportunities. The table games section offers traditional casino games including blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, and baccarat, with varying minimum and maximum betting limits to accommodate different player preferences. The casino's gaming operations are complemented by a sports book facility where patrons can place wagers on professional and collegiate sporting events.
The resort's hotel accommodations range from standard guest rooms to premium suites, many featuring ocean views and modern amenities including high-speed internet, flat-screen televisions, and contemporary furnishings. The property includes a full-service spa offering massage therapy, facial treatments, and wellness services. Entertainment programming at Ocean Casino Resort's theater venue has featured nationally recognized performers, stand-up comedians, and sporting events, contributing to the property's appeal as a comprehensive entertainment destination. The resort also operates a nightclub and multiple bars throughout the property. Dining options include fine dining restaurants, casual eateries, and quick-service food establishments, providing varied cuisine options ranging from steakhouse fare to international dishes. An outdoor boardwalk area provides access to Atlantic City's oceanfront amenities and neighboring attractions.
Geography
Ocean Casino Resort is located on the Atlantic City boardwalk in the Marina District, occupying a prominent oceanfront position at 500 Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The property fronts directly on the Atlantic Ocean and the Atlantic City Boardwalk, one of the oldest seaside boardwalks in the United States. The Marina District location places the resort in close proximity to other Atlantic City casinos including Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, Ocean Sands, and several other gaming properties. The property is approximately 130 miles from New York City and approximately 60 miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, making it accessible to major metropolitan areas via automobile and public transportation.
Atlantic City's geographic location on the Jersey Shore provides the casino with oceanfront positioning that attracts visitors seeking beach and boardwalk experiences in addition to gaming and entertainment. The surrounding Marina District has undergone significant development over the past two decades, with multiple casino resorts, entertainment venues, and retail establishments creating a concentrated hospitality and gaming area. The property's oceanfront location provides natural advantages in terms of guest access to outdoor recreational opportunities and Atlantic Ocean views. Road access to the property is provided via multiple routes including the Atlantic City Expressway, the Atlantic City-Cape May Bridge, and U.S. Route 40, facilitating automobile access from surrounding New Jersey communities and neighboring states.