Atlantic City casinos pulled in $311 million in August 2025, the highest monthly total since 2012. Ocean Casino Resort finished a $50 million expansion this year, completing room renovations and opening new restaurants that are pulling visitors back to the Jersey Shore.
Ocean's June revenue climbed 30.1% compared to June 2024. The property wrapped up renovations on its last 559 rooms, finishing a project that transformed all 1,860 guest accommodations since 2018. The $25 million room update brought marble bathrooms, beach-inspired wallcoverings, and upgraded furniture to every floor. The Blu Rooms now feature soft fabrics, ocean-view color schemes, and oversized showers. Larger suites added dining areas, wet bars, and lounge seating.
The casino floor expanded its Asian Gaming section from 4,000 to 8,000 square feet. R2Architects designed the new space, which holds 32 tables for Mini Baccarat and Pai Gow Poker. The $4 million project targets players who previously drove to Borgata or Caesars for similar games.
Different gaming markets attract different crowds. Atlantic City built its reputation on in-person experiences at physical tables. But players now have options that didn't exist five years ago. Non UK Casino Sites let people play from their phones at home, day or night, rain or shine. Physical casinos are responding by creating experiences that can't be replicated on a smartphone screen, like Ocean's holographic mini golf bar and celebrity chef restaurants.
LaScala's Fire started serving on the casino level in early summer. The Italian-American spot serves ricotta boards, cheesesteak egg rolls, and oversized chicken parmesan. High Steaks opened in The District food court with Wagyu and Philly-style cheesesteaks. Blend set up near Eclipse Pool, selling smoothies and acai bowls. Stephen Starr developed two restaurants on the lobby level. One focuses on Thanksgiving-inspired dishes, the other on steak frites.
Ocean's 18 Mini Golf & Bar opened in an 8,000-square-foot space across two floors. A 12-foot holographic Great White Shark sits above the main bar, using technology from the Sphere in Las Vegas. Sweetheart Coast, a boutique by Jersey Shore's Sammi Giancola, opened in the Shops at the Row with women's clothing and beach gifts.
Luxor Capital and Ilitch Holdings bought the property in 2018 when it was struggling as Revel. Ilitch Holdings invested $175 million in 2021 for a 50% stake. The company owns Little Caesars, MotorCity Casino in Detroit, and the Detroit Tigers. They've spent $270 million over seven years upgrading rooms, adding restaurants, and expanding gaming. Ocean was the third-best performing Atlantic City casino in 2024, reporting $101.3 million in gross operating profit.
The first quarter of 2025 brought 104,000 convention attendees who booked 39,843 room nights and generated $77 million in economic impact. Summer stayed strong. The Atlantic City Airshow drew 150,000 visitors in July, bringing $19 million to local businesses. Casino revenue through August 2025 climbed 2.8% year-over-year, up $53.2 million. The summer of 2025 was Atlantic City's strongest since before COVID shut down the boardwalk.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finished a $92.6 million beach replenishment project. Ocean's beachfront expanded, giving guests more sand between the boardwalk and the water.
Gas prices dropped from recent peaks, making the drive from Philadelphia, New York, and Baltimore more affordable. Atlantic City restaurants charge less than comparable spots in Manhattan or Miami Beach while maintaining quality. Casino operators invested $1.1 billion in upgrades over four years. Hard Rock renovated its lobby. Borgata reopened B Bar in May 2025 with new designs. When multiple properties improve at once, the whole destination benefits.
The city hosted 15 summer meetings and conventions, a 150% increase over 2024, generating $17.7 million in attendee spending. Basketball tournaments, cheerleading competitions, and volleyball events filled hotels on weekends when leisure travel typically slows.
Three new casinos are coming to downstate New York before the end of 2025. Eight applicants are competing for three licenses. Once those properties open, they'll pull some customers who currently drive to Atlantic City. Ocean's response focuses on entertainment you can't get at home. The holographic mini golf bar, Stephen Starr's restaurant concepts, and the expanded gaming floor create reasons to make the trip even when there's a closer option.
Online gaming revenue hit $248.3 million in August, up 25% from August 2024. Physical casinos still generated $311.9 million the same month. Both channels are growing. Online players often visit physical locations for concerts, dining, or table games they can't access through apps.
Atlantic City's August 2025 performance exceeded expectations. Slot games generated $234.3 million, while table games brought in $77.6 million. Ocean's 30% revenue growth in June positioned the property ahead of most competitors for the summer season.
General Manager Bill Callahan said Ocean will keep investing in property enhancements. The $50 million spent in 2025 finished the room renovations but wasn't the final chapter. The property is already planning next phases. Atlantic City proved demand exists when properties deliver upgraded rooms, quality dining, and entertainment beyond slot machines. Ocean Casino Resort's $270 million transformation drove results that show up in monthly revenue reports.
