Ocean Casino Resort is building a new permanent sportsbook with hopes of opening the in-person betting shop later this year.
Construction of a 2,500-square-foot sportsbook will begin this spring, Ocean Casino Resort said in a Nov. 15 petition to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. The goal is to have the $4 million project complete by summer 2022.
Ocean Casino Resort is also severing its ties with oddsmaker William Hill in favor of US Bookmaking. The partnership between Ocean and US Bookmaking is expected to begin in March.
Here are some more details regarding the new retail sportsbook plans at Ocean: 
What does this mean for Super Bowl betting at Ocean Casino Resort?
The current sportsbook at Ocean will remain open through Super Bowl LVI, a spokesperson said. Afterward, a betting window and kiosk will be available for in-person wagering during construction.
Ocean’s two online sports betting partners, Tipico and Out the Gate (not yet available), will not be affected by the changes.
Presently, Ocean is undergoing a $75 million reinvestment, including the completion of 12 unfinished floors of hotel rooms.
What about the current sportsbook at Ocean?
US Bookmaking will be the oddsmaker for Ocean’s retail sportsbook but the casino will run and operate the book with in-house staff.
Caesars Entertainment purchased William Hill U.S. last year. Reno-based Caesars Entertainment operates three Atlantic City casinos (Caesars AC, Harrah’s Resort AC and Tropicana AC) and is phasing out the William Hill brand.
Caesars Sportsbook replaced William Hill Sportsbook for online bettors in N.J.
In November, Ocean announced a sports betting partnership with US Bookmaking, a subsidiary of Elys Game Technology.
Bill Callahan, interim CEO of Ocean, said partnering with US Bookmaking will allow the casino to “capitalize on their expertise to bolster our land-based wagering product.”
“As Ocean continues to strengthen its position within Atlantic City, we are steadfastly dedicated to property growth and development,” Callahan said in a statement. “We are excited by the new venue’s central location and the ability to advance our product with an innovative experience for our guests to enjoy.”
Retail sports betting at Ocean going strong
Ocean Casino Resort was the first Atlantic City casino to have a genuine retail sportsbook.
When the former Revel reopened in June 2018, the William Hill Sportsbook debuted at the center of the casino floor.
Gaming regulators redacted many of the details about the new sportsbook in public documents. An Ocean spokesperson said the new sportsbook will improve the customer experience and make better use of the space.
The retail sportsbook at Ocean Casino Resort was the second-highest-grossing shop in Atlantic City’s nine casinos. In 2021, the book reported nearly $2.4 million in revenue, trailing only Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa’s BetMGM Sportsbook & Bar ($4.9 million).
AP Photo/Wayne Parry
Related Articles
