Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey, has revealed an extensive $50 million investment plan for 2025, forming the next phase in its ongoing seven-year, $270 million transformation initiative launched in 2018. The latest developments will focus on finalizing hotel room renovations, expanding gaming offerings, and introducing new entertainment and dining options.

Hotel renovations reach completion:

As part of the latest investment, Ocean will complete the renovation of its remaining 559 hotel rooms and suites, a $25 million project that will conclude the overhaul of all 1,860 guest accommodations. These updates continue the property’s Blu Rooms and Suites concept, first introduced in 2022. The designs incorporate beach-inspired décor, soft-touch fabrics, marble bathroom finishes, and added amenities like dining areas and lounge spaces for select suites. According to Ocean Casino Resort, PR Newswire reported, “This year also marks an exciting milestone as we complete the entire hotel with fully renovated guest rooms and suites.”

The Blu Rooms project began by addressing unfinished floors left by a previous owner. Between 2023 and 2024, more than 700 rooms, including Duplex and Bay suites, were added, aligning the property’s design with its Atlantic Ocean-facing location.

Culinary enhancements are also a key part of this year’s plan. Ocean has teamed up with renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr to introduce two new eateries. These concepts, currently under development on the resort’s Lobby Level, are scheduled to launch this summer.

Alongside Starr’s contributions, Ocean will welcome LaScala’s Fire, an Italian-American favorite from the South Jersey and Philadelphia area. Known for its homemade dishes like ricotta boards, meatball trios, and oversized entrees, the new venue will be positioned across from Villain & Saint on the Casino Level and is expected to open in early summer.

Additional food and drink concepts include High Steaks, a fast-casual steak shop in The District featuring Wagyu cheesesteaks and classic Philly-style options, and Blend, a smoothie and acai bowl bar located beside Eclipse Pool. Blend will open in late May with a focus on energizing morning fare.

Casino, entertainment & retail enhancements:

Ocean’s casino floor will also see a notable $4 million expansion in its Asian-themed gaming section. Scheduled for completion by summer 2025, this area will double from 4,000 to 8,000 square feet and feature 32 tables dedicated to games like Mini Baccarat and Pai Gow Poker. The design is being handled by R2Architects.

Entertainment is being taken up a notch with the upcoming launch of Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar. This two-story, 8,000-square-foot venue will incorporate cutting-edge holographic technology similar to that used at The Sphere in Las Vegas. A 12-foot holographic Great White Shark will greet guests at the bar, enhancing the interactive experience. This attraction will be located next to LaScala’s Fire and is slated to open later this summer.

Fashion-forward guests will also find something new with the opening of Sweetheart Coast, a retail boutique by reality star Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola. The shop, aimed at offering inclusive women’s fashion and beach-themed gifts, will be located in the Shops at the Row.

In tandem with the property’s internal upgrades, Ocean Casino Resort guests will benefit from expanded beachfront access. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently completed a $92.6 million beach replenishment effort along the New Jersey coastline, increasing Ocean’s share of Atlantic City’s iconic sandy shore.

Bill Callahan, General Manager at Ocean, emphasized the broader vision behind these upgrades: “Ocean continues to invest in property enhancements that enable us to provide an unmatched guest experience not only in Atlantic City, but nationwide.”

By year’s end, the resort expects these enhancements to be fully operational, reinforcing Ocean’s position as a leading destination along the Boardwalk.