For several years now there has been word of the folding economic crisis of Atlantic City.  The bustling beach and casino scene have been dying down because of the city’s crumbling infrastructure.  Many have foreseen the situation getting worse in the coming years and several resorts have been shut down.  Greener pastures have also been selected as the gaming landscapes of neighboring Pennsylvania and Delaware have steadily increased over the years.  All of this however, has not stopped the construction of the two new casinos, Ocean Resort and Hard Rock, in hopes of revitalizing the once major resort city.

Ocean Resort Casino
Ocean Resort Casino’s inaugural night was Thursday, June 28 in which they opened their doors to the public.  Renovations to the building, previously the Revel (under former management), are still being completed at this time.  The total cost is assumed to be around $175 million.  The new Ocean Resort boasts 138,000 sq. ft. of “gaming entertainment.”  The newest of Ocean’s gambling amenities includes the William Hill Sports Book.  The sports book allows individuals to bet on their favorite teams and sporting events, as sports gambling recently became legal in New Jersey in June. The Sports Book looks to be one of Ocean Resorts’ main attractions to separate the casino from the others down the strip.

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On the aesthetic side of things, Ocean resort retains the 1,399 rooms previously maintained as the Revel.  The full-size windows throughout the building allot for a beautiful view of the ocean.  There’s also a concealed pool above the lobby of the resort that overlooks the water.  To round it all off are the resort’s 16 restaurants, some of which are still being finished, but visitors are not spot for choice.  The options range from casual to upscale dining with some sure to be heavy-trafficked spots like Wahlburger’s, the eatery owned by the famous Wahlberg brothers Mark, Donnie, and Paul.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
The closing of the Trump Taj Mahal in 2016 has made way for another shot at the gambling scene in Atlantic City.  The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino has since taken the spot of the Taj Mahal, a $500 million investment.  The Hard Rock looks to revitalize the area, and its shift from the Taj Mahal format to its Hard Rock theme could change that.  The new Hard Rock includes a long list of memorabilia from various Rock and Roll musicians past and present.  A Bon Jovi guitar, Elvis Presley’s Rolls Royce, and even Michael Jackson’s Swarovski crystal glove are just a few of the items on display at the casino.  Opening weekend at the resort saw the likes of Carrie Underwood, Pitbull and Florida Georgia Line grace the stage.  The resort will reportedly have about 20 eateries, among them the Hard Rock Café (complete with entertainment stages).  As far as the gambling scene goes, the Hard Rock anticipates a 120,000-sq. ft. gaming floor filled with slots and more than 100-table games.

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The two casinos, both opened on Thursday, June 28^th to host numerous fresh faces.  As the two new powerhouses in the area they will of course be compared and pitted against one another, which should only increase business in the area.  The two clubhouses look to bring Atlantic City up to its former glory.