Ocean Casino Resort welcomed hip-hop mogul Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin as the pair celebrated the opening of the new Fanatics Sportsbook at the casino resort. Fanatics also operates online in New Jersey, offering its sportsbook and Fanatics Casino to online players in the state.
On Sunday, co-founders Jay-Z and Rubin hosted Fanatics Sportbook’s grand opening at Ocean Casino Resort on Atlantic City’s famous boardwalk. The opening marks New Jersey’s newest retail sportsbook destination and Fanatics’ first physical sportsbook in the Garden State. It’s also Fanatics’ first full-fledged brick-and-mortar sportsbook experience in the US. The brand has 21 smaller pop-up kiosks across several sports betting states.
Rubin and Jay-Z cut the ceremonial ribbon during a swanky event featuring a football watch party and celebrity blackjack tournament with star-studded guests, including basketball player Jalen Rose and hip-hop artist Quavo. Football icon and PIVOT podcast host Ryan Clark was also on hand, along with Matt King and Bill Callahan. King is the CEO of Fanatics Betting & Gaming, while Callahan is Ocean Casino Resort’s GM.
Golf pro Justin Thomas made the night’s ceremonial first bet—dropping $100 on Alabama to win the National Championship at +950.
Sportsbook Offers’ Elevated’ Sports Betting Experience
Fanatics’ latest sportsbook is a new feature in The Gallery, Ocean’s “dynamic” 12,000-square-foot gaming and entertainment space. The focal point is a 60-seat elevated bar and lounge area. Slots, table games, and 140-foot LED wall screens surround the prime seating, providing guests with the “ultimate” sports viewing experience.
Sports fans and bettors can place their wagers at betting windows or through self-service betting terminals around the venue. They also have access to a 17-foot open-air staircase leading to Balcony Bar, a mezzanine bar and lounge.
Sunday’s grand opening followed the sportsbook’s initial opening on Sept. 5, just ahead of the NFL’s 2024 kick-off.
In a release announcing the soft launch, Fanatics Betting and Gaming’s chief business officer, Ari Borod, lauded the Fanatics-Ocean relationship.
It’s an exciting day in our company’s continuous evolution as we announce the opening of Fanatics Sportsbook at Ocean Casino Resort. As Fanatics grows its gaming presence in New Jersey, Ocean represents the perfect partner to deliver an elevated retail sports betting experience at the premier hotel in Atlantic City.
Fanatics has said its newest physical sportsbook caters to those seeking the “ultimate VIP sportsbook experience.” Guests benefit from legal betting markets for all major sports, including professional and college football, basketball, hockey, baseball, tennis, soccer, golf, MMA, and boxing.
Ocean’s Callahan said the casino is excited to offer guests Fanatics “unmatched” sports betting roster.
Fanatics boasts an unmatched roster of the world’s most renown sports leagues, teams, and global brands and we are excited to present these to our guests here at Ocean.
Fanatics Sportsbook Complements Ocean’s Charms
The Fanatics Sportsbook is the latest addition to Ocean’s entertainment offerings. HQ2 Nightclub offers guests a diverse nightlife experience showcasing world-renowned musical talent. Regarded as the “premier nightlife destination in Atlantic City,” HQ2 has several dance floors, private table seating, and three bars. Ocean also has a 4,500-seat concert venue, Ovation Hall.
The casino resort also offers players and guests an in-house online casino app, betOcean, thanks to partnerships with Interactive Gaming and Elys Game Technology.
Last year, Rubin and Jay-Z partnered on another blackjack tournament at Ocean for Reform Alliance. The nonprofit, co-founded by Jay-Z, Rubin, and others, including rapper Meek Mill, is dedicated to transforming probation, parole, and sentencing through legislation and lobbying.
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