Ocean Casino Resort is a prominent casino-resort located in the heart of Atlantic City, New Jersey. It has been the talk of the town since its grand opening in June 2018.
However, have you ever wondered what this luxurious property used to be before it became Ocean Casino Resort? Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the history of this iconic landmark.
The Origins
The property that now houses Ocean Casino Resort was initially known as the Revel Casino Hotel. The development of this colossal structure began in 2007 and lasted for almost six years, costing a whopping $2.4 billion to construct. The Revel was set to be a significant addition to Atlantic City’s skyline, with its sleek design and state-of-the-art amenities.
The Opening
In April 2012, amid much fanfare, Revel Casino Hotel opened its doors to the public. It boasted over 1,800 rooms spread across two towers and featured several restaurants, nightclubs, retail outlets, and an expansive casino floor.
The Early Days
Initially, things looked promising for Revel Casino Hotel. However, within months of opening its doors, it started facing financial difficulties due to low revenue generation from its gaming operations. In August 2012, just four months after opening, Revel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The Struggles Continue
Despite restructuring efforts and several attempts at revival over the years that followed, Revel failed to gain traction with visitors or generate enough revenue to remain profitable. The casino hotel changed hands multiple times over the years but continued to struggle financially.
The Rise of Ocean
In January 2018, after years of uncertainty and several failed attempts at revival under different ownership structures and names like TEN (acronym for “The Energy Never Dies”) by developer Glenn Straub’s company, AC Ocean Walk, LLC, the property was sold to Luxor Capital Group. Luxor rebranded and renamed the property Ocean Casino Resort and invested $200 million in renovations and upgrades to revitalize the property.
The Ocean Today
Ocean Casino Resort has since become a popular destination for visitors to Atlantic City, offering luxurious accommodations, fine dining experiences, and a wide range of entertainment options. The casino floor spans over 138,000 square feet and boasts over 2,000 slot machines and 100+ table games.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ocean Casino Resort is the product of a long history of ups and downs. From its humble beginnings as Revel Casino Hotel to its current status as a premier casino-resort destination in Atlantic City, it has weathered many storms. Despite its tumultuous past, Ocean Casino Resort continues to be an iconic landmark in Atlantic City’s skyline that offers visitors an unparalleled experience of luxury and entertainment.