Summer season: A.C. casinos tout new amenities, experiences

Memorial Day is the traditional start of summer in New Jersey, so it’s the perfect time for the Casino Association of New Jersey to roll out some of the new projects, events and entertainment that will aim to add to the ongoing revitalization and diversification of Atlantic City.

The CANJ said Atlantic City casinos are investing millions of dollars into projects that are bringing distinctive offerings and helping to attract new and returning visitors to Atlantic City.

“Our casinos are committed to the ongoing transformation of Atlantic City, and we believe our continued investment in our properties and the community will further enhance the overall guest experience,” CANJ President Mark Giannantonio said. “With world-class entertainment, inviting beaches, endless dining and shopping options, and so much more, Atlantic City is the best getaway for visitors this summer.”

Across the Atlantic City casino properties, there are new restaurants, retail and room renovations that will ensure the resort destination continues to meet the needs of visitors on both leisure and business travel.

Some of the latest investments coming online this year include:

  • Bally’s Atlantic City: In commemoration of its 45th anniversary, it is introducing a range of new amenities and special offerings this summer, including Park Place Prime, a contemporary steakhouse that pays homage to the establishment’s rich history; a new Legacy Lounge, offering the ultimate VIP Players Club experience; and a newly remodeled High Limit Slot Room, in addition to 500 new slots.
  • Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa: It is enhancing its guest experience with several upgrades, including recent renovations at Long Bar with 26 local craft beer taps, and refreshing both the interior and exterior of Metropolitan, which will also introduce a new menu next month. Additionally, the eagerly anticipated Maceoo boutique is set to open this June in the retail piazza.
  • Caesars Entertainment: It is opening Buddy’s Boardwalk Empire at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, the newest venture from Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro. Since 2020, Caesars has invested more than $400 million to transform their properties, including bringing Nobu — both the restaurant and the hotel — to Atlantic City, and the Hook, a Spiegelworld production that is Atlantic City’s first-ever year-round entertainment residency.
  • Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City: It continues to dedicate millions of dollars to exciting capital improvements and is investing more than $30 million in its must-see 2024 entertainment lineup.
  • Golden Nugget: Phase one of its multimillion-dollar room renovation project is now complete, featuring a refined color palette, first-class furnishings, entirely refreshed bathrooms with expansive showers, new corridors and more.
  • Ocean Casino Resort: It is partnering with celebrated chef and restaurateur Michael Schulson to bring two fine-casual concepts to Ocean’s culinary roster — Pearl & Mary oyster bar and Samuel’s at Ocean. Ocean will also be flying guests by helicopter to Atlantic City in style all summer long, thanks to its new partnership with BLADE, offering nonstop air travel from New York City directly to Ocean’s rooftop helipad.
  • Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City: It renovated the iconic LandShark Bar & Grill, the only year-round bar and full-service restaurant on the sand side of the Boardwalk. The restaurant will reopen Friday with a kitchen and dining area expansion. Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy, also located on the Boardwalk, is due to have its grand opening June 19. The brand-new restaurant will have an inside dining area and large outside bar.

In addition to contributing to Atlantic City’s ongoing revitalization, the industry continues to deliver on its promise to offer world-class entertainment and experiences for its visitors. Atlantic City is the place to be this summer for entertainment, with top headliners including: Chelsea Handler and Matteo Lane, John Legend, Jay Leno, Kansas, Kesha, Ludacris, Miranda Lambert, Patti LaBelle, Snoop Dogg and more.

The city also will host these events:

  • Offshore Powerboat Association Atlantic City Grand Prix: June 22;
  • Jimmy Johnson’s Atlantic City “Quest for the Ring” Championship Fishing Week: July 14-20;
  • Visit Atlantic City Airshow: Aug. 13-14.