Ocean Casino Resort is the tall glass tower at the north end of the Atlantic City Boardwalk, at 500 Boardwalk. It rates 4.4 from around 27,500 Google reviewers, level with Borgata for the highest rating among the city's nine casinos.
It is the Boardwalk property that feels most like a modern resort, and since August 2026 it has a single owner for the first time in years. Here is what that means for a visit, and what to expect on the floor.
Setting expectations
Ocean sits at the far northern end of the Boardwalk, in the Inlet area. That gives it beach frontage and big ocean views, but it also means it is the furthest Boardwalk casino from the others. Hard Rock is a reasonable walk south; Caesars, Bally's and Tropicana are a long walk or a short ride.
It is a large building on more than 20 beachfront acres, with a floor of about 135,000 square feet, a 4,500-seat concert venue and a spa. If you want a self-contained resort stay on the Boardwalk, this is the strongest fit. If you want to hop between several casinos on foot in one evening, base yourself further south.
Ownership has changed. Detroit-based Ilitch Gaming, which bought half of the property in 2021, completed its purchase of the remaining stake in August 2026 after New Jersey regulators approved the deal. Day-to-day operations continue under the Ocean name.
What's on the floor
Slots. The slot floor is large and current, with the major manufacturers well represented. The high-limit slot room, The Cove, opened in December 2020. As of October 2026, Ocean is spending $14 million to expand it by roughly 60% to almost 12,000 square feet and more than 190 machines, with the new room due to open in early 2027. Expect part of the high-limit area to be affected while the work is under way.
Tables. The main pit covers blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat and the carnival poker games. The Asian gaming area was recently doubled in size to about 8,000 square feet and now has 32 tables for baccarat and pai gow poker.
Poker. We could not confirm the current status of a dedicated poker room at Ocean as of October 2026, with listings disagreeing. If live poker is the reason for your trip, call the casino first, or plan around Borgata or Harrah's.
Sports betting. Ocean runs a retail sportsbook, with a bar overlooking it.
A note on July 2026: a small fire and a burst pipe on July 27 halted gaming for a little over a day. All gaming resumed the following day, and the incident has no bearing on a visit now.
Dining
Ocean has one of the deeper restaurant line-ups on the Boardwalk.
- Amada — Andalusian-style tapas.
- Ocean Steak — the property's steakhouse.
- Linguini By The Sea — Italian.
- LaScala's Fire — Italian-American.
- Chez Frites — contemporary French.
- Villain & Saint — gastropub fare.
- Wahlburgers and Zhen Bang Noodle & Sushi for casual meals, plus a food court and cafés.
- Distrito — a Mexico City-inspired restaurant and bar.
The bar list is long too, including a lobby bar, a sportsbook bar and Ocean's 18, a mini golf course with a bar.
Tips before you go
You must be 21 to gamble at any Atlantic City casino.
Plan for the walk. Ocean is the northernmost Boardwalk casino, so if you intend to visit the others, a rideshare or jitney to the middle of the Boardwalk saves a long stroll back late at night.
Ask about the room tower. Ocean has worked through several renovation cycles, and more than $50 million of improvements were announced in 2025, including the remaining guest rooms. Most rooms are recently renovated, but it does no harm to confirm when you book.
High-limit slot players should check what is open in The Cove before planning a visit around it, at least until the expansion opens in early 2027.
Smoking. As of October 2026, Atlantic City casinos still allow smoking in designated sections. Ask the floor staff where the non-smoking areas are.
Getting there
By car, the Atlantic City Expressway brings you into the city from Philadelphia and South Jersey, and the Garden State Parkway connects from North Jersey and New York. Ocean has a self-park garage and valet.
Without a car, NJ Transit trains and buses run to Atlantic City from Philadelphia and North Jersey, and the Atlantic City Jitney, the city's small shuttle buses, runs along Pacific Avenue a block back from the Boardwalk. Rideshare drop-off is straightforward at every Boardwalk property.
Once you are here, the Boardwalk itself is the easiest way to get around. From Ocean, Hard Rock is the nearest casino to the south; the casinos in the middle of the Boardwalk are a long walk or a short ride.
Nearby
Walking south along the Boardwalk, Hard Rock Atlantic City is the nearest neighbour, followed by Resorts Casino Hotel, the city's oldest casino. Further south are Bally's Atlantic City, Caesars Atlantic City and Tropicana Atlantic City.
For the Marina District resorts, Borgata is the most direct comparison with Ocean, and Harrah's Resort Atlantic City and Golden Nugget are close by it.
For every venue in the state, see all New Jersey in-person casinos.
FAQ
Who owns Ocean Casino Resort?
As of October 2026, Ilitch Gaming owns the property outright. It completed the purchase of the remaining stake from Luxor Capital Group in August 2026.
Where is Ocean Casino Resort?
At 500 Boardwalk, the northernmost casino on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
Does Ocean Casino Resort have a poker room?
We could not confirm a currently operating poker room as of October 2026. Call the casino before you go if poker is the priority.
What is The Cove at Ocean?
The Cove is Ocean's high-limit slot room. A $14 million expansion to almost 12,000 square feet and more than 190 machines is due to open in early 2027.
How old do you have to be to gamble at Ocean?
21, the same as every Atlantic City casino.
What restaurants are at Ocean Casino Resort?
Amada, Ocean Steak, Linguini By The Sea, LaScala's Fire, Chez Frites, Villain & Saint, Wahlburgers, Zhen Bang Noodle & Sushi and Distrito, plus a food court and cafés.
Rather play from home? See our New Jersey online casino reviews.
Details checked against the venue's official site and recent local reporting. Hours, restaurants and games change, so confirm before you go.