Early Development and Construction
The Ocean Resort Casino, located on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in New Jersey, has a rich history dating back to its initial conception as Revel casino. Groundbreaking took place in 2005 for what was initially intended to be a $2 billion resort and casino complex. However, due to various reasons including the Great Recession, financing issues, and regulatory hurdles, the project faced several delays.
In 2014, after years of development, Revel finally opened its doors but unfortunately, it closed oceancasino.ca again in September 2014, just eight months later, due to financial difficulties and a lawsuit from a bank that claimed ownership. This significant setback provided an opportunity for the property’s new investors to rebrand and revamp the casino.
Rebranding and Revitalization
The rebranded Ocean Resort Casino opened on June 27th, 2018, bringing with it a fresh perspective and updated amenities. The renovation was extensive, reflecting on its lessons from Revel while incorporating modern designs and cutting-edge technology to cater to changing tastes in the casino industry.
Features and Attractions
Ocean Resort has invested heavily in revamping its gaming offerings, entertainment options, and hotel facilities to make itself an attractive destination for both new and regular visitors. With over 2,000 slot machines, numerous table games, a high-limit poker room, and private tables with higher betting limits, it offers something for every type of gambler.
Some notable attractions at Ocean Resort include:
- Gaming Floors: Spanning over 160,000 square feet, the gaming floors are divided into areas catering to different tastes. This includes low-stakes slots near the front entrance, high-limit tables tucked away in secluded areas, and poker rooms offering a variety of games.
- Entertainment Complex: Hosting live performances ranging from rock concerts to comedy shows and DJs, it ensures there’s always something happening after hours. Additionally, private dining events are offered for more exclusive experiences.
- Spa, Fitness & Wellness: With an expansive spa area, fitness center, yoga room, and private treatments available on demand, guests can indulge in holistic rejuvenation.
Dining Experience
Ocean Resort has not only expanded its gaming options but also enriched the culinary landscape of Atlantic City. The property boasts several restaurants offering diverse international cuisine to cater to different tastes:
- Landmark: A fine dining experience inspired by James Beard Award-winning chef Geoffrey Zakarian’s Mediterranean and Italian creations.
- Mastropiero Bakery & Café: Serving classic pastries, breakfast dishes, salads, sandwiches, and more for a casual yet upscale dining atmosphere.
Casino Operations
Ocean Resort operates as one of the most prominent casinos on Atlantic City’s boardwalk. Offering a wide range of games in its extensive casino space means that any visitor can easily find an activity they enjoy:
- Slot Machines: Thousands are available with varying denominations and themes, ranging from classic slots to progressive jackpot machines.
- Table Games: Traditional table games include Blackjack, Craps, Baccarat, Roulette, Sic Bo. Higher limit gaming also features Caribbean Stud Poker, Texas Hold’em Progressive, Three Card Poker.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite its revitalization efforts, Ocean Resort hasn’t been immune to controversies within the casino industry:
- Bankruptcy Filing (2020): During the early COVID-19 pandemic, it was reported that Caesars Entertainment had filed a bankruptcy notice on their debt related to Ocean Casino in order to mitigate potential financial losses.
- COVID-19 Reopening: Like many businesses during this period, Ocean Resort casino followed strict health guidelines for staff and visitors upon reopening.
Conclusion
The Ocean Resort Casino stands as an exemplary example of revitalization within the Atlantic City gaming scene. From its tumultuous early days as Revel to the current successful rebranding effort, it represents both resilience in business ventures and a reflection on what works best for modern gambling preferences.
Key factors that have contributed significantly to its success include substantial investment into rejuvenating facilities, expansion of entertainment offerings, diverse dining options, comprehensive gaming areas catering various tastes, and adherence to health regulations during the pandemic.
