Atlantic City continues to evolve with major casino resorts investing millions in cutting-edge entertainment venues, innovative gaming experiences, and luxury amenities. The latest developments showcase advanced technology and diverse attractions designed to appeal to modern visitors seeking more than traditional casino gaming.
Atlantic City's casino landscape is experiencing a significant transformation as established properties invest heavily in new attractions and entertainment venues. The latest developments scheduled for 2025 and 2026 represent a strategic shift toward experiential entertainment that combines advanced technology, diverse amenities, and innovative concepts designed to attract a broader demographic beyond traditional casino patrons.
The Atlantic City casino market has evolved considerably from its gaming-centric origins. Today's leading properties recognize that success requires offering comprehensive entertainment experiences that extend far beyond slot machines and table games. Recent announcements of multimillion-dollar entertainment venues, advanced technology integrations, and expanded amenity offerings signal a new era for Atlantic City casinos. These developments position the destination to compete more effectively with other gaming markets while creating unique attractions that cannot be replicated through online gaming platforms.
Ocean Casino Resort has established itself as a frontrunner in Atlantic City's casino innovation, consistently introducing new concepts and amenities that set industry benchmarks. The property occupies a prime location on the northernmost section of the Atlantic City Boardwalk, featuring 1,900 hotel rooms and 130,000 square feet of gaming space. Its distinctive white sphere structure with LED capabilities has become an iconic visual landmark visible throughout the city.
The most significant new attraction coming to Atlantic City is Ocean's 18 Mini Golf & Bar, scheduled to open in January 2026. This 8,000-square-foot entertainment venue represents a multimillion-dollar investment and will occupy space on the casino level adjacent to LaScala's Fire restaurant. The facility introduces technology comparable to what is used at The Sphere in Las Vegas, marking a significant technological advancement for Atlantic City entertainment venues.
The centerpiece of Ocean's 18 is a 12-foot Great White Shark hologram valued at approximately $500,000, which will hover above the main bar area. The venue features two holograms in total, creating an immersive visual experience that differentiates it from traditional miniature golf facilities. The two-story design accommodates visitors of all ages, positioning the attraction as both a family-friendly daytime destination and an adult entertainment venue during evening hours.
Beyond the new mini golf attraction, Ocean Casino Resort offers an extensive range of amenities that exemplify the modern casino resort model. The property features Ovation Hall, a state-of-the-art entertainment venue that hosts world-class performers and major concerts. The Eclipse Indoor/Outdoor Pool provides year-round aquatic recreation with climate-controlled features and cabana rentals.
Exhale Spa + Bathhouse delivers transformational wellness experiences including a jetted pool and Himalayan Salt Grotto, addressing the growing demand for health and wellness amenities within casino resorts. Bangz Salon & Blow Dry Lounge provides full-service beauty treatments, while The Park offers additional outdoor recreational space. The property's dining portfolio spans fine dining establishments to quick-service cafés, with Ocean Rewards members receiving exclusive discounts across dining, retail, and spa services.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa remains one of Atlantic City's premier destinations, offering a comprehensive resort experience backed by MGM Resorts International. The property distinguishes itself through consistent service excellence, extensive gaming options, and strategic integration with MGM's broader ecosystem of properties and services.
Borgata's casino floor features hundreds of slot machine themes and a full complement of table games. The property differentiates itself through monthly casino promotions designed to increase winning opportunities and enhance player engagement. These promotions are strategically timed and structured to drive traffic during traditionally slower periods while rewarding loyal patrons.
The integration with BetMGM online sportsbook extends Borgata's gaming reach beyond its physical location, allowing customers throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York to engage with the brand through mobile and online platforms. This omnichannel approach creates multiple touchpoints with customers and builds brand loyalty that translates to property visits.
The Atlantic City casino market has shifted from pure gaming focus to comprehensive entertainment destinations. Major properties like Ocean Casino Resort and Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa are leading this transformation by integrating advanced technology, diverse entertainment options, and experiential attractions that appeal to both gaming enthusiasts and leisure travelers.
New developments emphasize immersive experiences using technology similar to Las Vegas venues, comprehensive rewards programs, and strategic partnerships that enhance the overall guest experience. The focus has expanded to include spa facilities, multiple dining concepts, live entertainment venues, and unique attractions that differentiate each property in an increasingly competitive market.
Borgata's participation in the MGM Rewards program provides significant advantages for frequent visitors. The program offers tier status recognition, exclusive offers, and benefits that extend across MGM Resorts International's portfolio of properties nationwide. This creates value for customers who travel to multiple markets and prefer brand consistency in their casino resort experiences.
MGMAir service provides convenient transportation options for high-value customers, reducing friction in the travel experience and encouraging more frequent visits. The program exemplifies how established casino operators leverage corporate resources to create competitive advantages that independent properties cannot easily replicate.
The incorporation of advanced technology represents a defining characteristic of new casino developments in Atlantic City. Ocean's 18 Mini Golf & Bar's hologram technology demonstrates how properties are investing in visual experiences that create social media moments and word-of-mouth marketing. These installations serve dual purposes: enhancing the guest experience while generating organic promotional content as visitors share their experiences online.
Mobile integration has become standard across Atlantic City casinos, with properties offering mobile check-in, digital room keys, cashless gaming options, and app-based service requests. These technologies improve operational efficiency while meeting customer expectations shaped by experiences in other hospitality sectors. The integration of online gaming platforms with physical casino operations creates a seamless experience that allows customers to engage with brands across multiple channels.
The dining landscape within Atlantic City casinos has evolved significantly, moving beyond buffets and coffee shops to include celebrity chef restaurants, diverse international cuisines, and experiential dining concepts. Ocean Casino Resort's portfolio includes fine dining establishments alongside casual options, with strategic positioning of restaurants to capture both casino patrons and destination diners from outside the property.
Entertainment programming has expanded beyond traditional lounge acts to include major concert venues like Ovation Hall, nightlife destinations with DJ performances, and special events that drive visitation during specific periods. The diversity of entertainment options allows properties to appeal to different demographic segments and create multiple reasons for visits beyond gaming.
Atlantic City's casino market operates in an increasingly competitive environment with expanded gaming options in neighboring states and the growth of online gaming platforms. Successful properties differentiate themselves through unique physical attractions that cannot be replicated digitally, superior service delivery, and strategic investments in amenities that create memorable experiences.
The focus on non-gaming revenue streams has become essential for financial sustainability. Properties generate significant income from hotel accommodations, dining, spa services, entertainment ticketing, and retail operations. This diversification reduces dependence on gaming revenue and creates more stable financial performance across economic cycles.
The pipeline of new attractions and ongoing property investments suggests continued evolution in Atlantic City's casino market. Properties are likely to continue investing in experiential attractions, advanced technology integrations, and amenity enhancements that differentiate physical casino resorts from online gaming alternatives. The emphasis on creating Instagram-worthy moments and shareable experiences reflects understanding of how modern consumers make entertainment decisions and share their experiences.
Sustainability initiatives, wellness programming, and family-friendly attractions represent growth areas as properties seek to broaden their appeal beyond traditional gaming demographics. The success of these strategies will determine which properties thrive in an increasingly competitive and fragmented entertainment landscape.
New casino developments in Atlantic City reflect a sophisticated understanding of modern entertainment preferences and the competitive dynamics shaping the gaming industry. Properties like Ocean Casino Resort and Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa are investing strategically in attractions, technology, and amenities that create comprehensive resort experiences. The January 2026 opening of Ocean's 18 Mini Golf & Bar represents the type of innovative, technology-driven attraction that positions Atlantic City as a destination offering unique experiences unavailable elsewhere. As the market continues evolving, properties that successfully balance gaming operations with diverse entertainment offerings, leverage technology effectively, and create memorable guest experiences will maintain competitive advantages in attracting visitors to Atlantic City.
Ocean's 18 Mini Golf & Bar is scheduled to open in January 2026 at Ocean Casino Resort. The 8,000-square-foot venue will feature advanced hologram technology and a two-story miniature golf course designed for all ages.
The venue features technology similar to The Sphere in Las Vegas, including a 12-foot Great White Shark hologram valued at $500,000 that hovers above the main bar area. This represents the most advanced entertainment technology currently planned for Atlantic City.
Ocean Casino Resort offers the most diverse non-gaming entertainment options including Ovation Hall for concerts, Exhale Spa + Bathhouse, Eclipse Indoor/Outdoor Pool, and the upcoming Ocean's 18 Mini Golf & Bar. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa also provides extensive dining, spa, and entertainment amenities.
Borgata participates in MGM Rewards, which provides benefits across all MGM Resorts International properties nationwide. Ocean Casino Resort operates its own Ocean Rewards program with benefits specific to that property.
While casino floors are restricted to adults 21 and older, properties increasingly offer family-friendly attractions. Ocean's 18 Mini Golf & Bar will accommodate visitors of all ages, and properties feature pools, dining options, and entertainment suitable for families.
Atlantic City casinos are incorporating technology and entertainment concepts similar to Las Vegas venues, though generally on a smaller scale. The market emphasizes oceanfront locations, boardwalk access, and regional convenience for East Coast visitors.
Modern Atlantic City casino resorts offer diverse dining portfolios ranging from fine dining restaurants with award-winning chefs to casual eateries, quick-service cafés, and bars with craft cocktails. Ocean Casino Resort and Borgata both feature multiple dining concepts across various price points.
Yes, major properties offer integrated online gaming platforms. Borgata operates BetMGM for online sports betting and casino games available throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, while Ocean Casino Resort offers Play Ocean Online for New Jersey residents.
Leading casino resorts and entertainment destinations shaping Atlantic City's future
Ocean Casino Resort leads Atlantic City innovation with 1,900 rooms, 130,000 square feet of gaming space, and the upcoming Ocean's 18 Mini Golf & Bar featuring advanced hologram technology scheduled for January 2026.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa offers premium gaming, dining, and entertainment backed by MGM Resorts International, with integrated online gaming through BetMGM and comprehensive rewards program benefits across multiple states.
Ocean Casino Resort confirms multimillion-dollar entertainment venue featuring 12-foot shark hologram and Sphere-like technology will open January 2026.
Major properties announce continued investments in immersive entertainment technology and experiential attractions to differentiate from online gaming platforms.
BetMGM platform extends Borgata brand reach throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York with integrated online sportsbook and casino gaming options.