Ocean Resort Casino, formerly Revel, might be targeting a June 28 opening, local news outlet The Press of Atlantic City reported on Wednesday citing unnamed sources. The date is the same one Hard Rock International has selected to reopen the former Trump Taj Mahal casino resort as Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on.
The Press of Atlantic City wrote that it has been contacted by people who have signed employment agreements with the new owners of Ocean Resort Casino. The signed contracts show that incoming employees will start work on June 11 and that the resort is set to open doors for visitors and guests on June 28. Resort officials neither denied, nor confirmed the reported opening date.
Atlantic City Mayor Frank Gilliam and City Council President Marty Small both told The Press of Atlantic City that they were not informed about an opening date for the shuttered property.
The former Revel originally launched in 2012, but closed doors just after two years of operation failing to justify its $2-plus-billion investment. The property was purchased by Florida real estate developer Glenn Straub in the spring of 2015 for a fraction of its original price. The businessman announced plans to reopen Revel as a hotel and casino complex but failed to meet several self-imposed opening dates.
First reports that the property could be sold emerged last summer. It was confirmed in late 2017 that Colorado-based developer Bruce Deifik would buy the shuttered complex for $200 million. Mr. Deifik and other officials have said in previous comments on the matter that they were targeting a summer 2018 opening of what would operate as Ocean Resort Casino, but no actual date has been revealed.
Yet to Obtain Casino License
The resort’s owner will have to be issued a license from the New Jersey Casino Control Commission in order to be able to reopen it and to operate its casino portion. The Press of Atlantic City wrote on Wednesday that the regulator has not scheduled any hearings with Ocean owners.
The news outlet further pointed out that the state Division of Gaming Enforcement still needs to complete a report on the property. The completion of said report is another step that has to be ticked off before the former Revel is able to resume operations under its new owner and name.
Atlantic City currently has seven operational casinos. Two more are to open on the city’s emblematic Boardwalk this summer – Ocean Resort Casino and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. The latter’s June 28 opening date was confirmed by owners last week.
New Jersey’s casino industry is expanding as the state awaits the US Supreme Court’s ruling on sports betting. The nation’s top court agreed last year to take on the high-profile case that could result in the creation of the world’s largest regulated betting market. A decision is anticipated by June and according to recent media reports, it could be issued any day now.
