New Jersey’s casino industry is at a crossroads. After pulling in $606.2 million in July gaming revenue, operators are racing to upgrade their properties to keep visitors coming. At the same time, lawmakers are debating whether to allow casinos outside Atlantic City for the first time in state history. This update looks at Ocean Casino Resort’s $50 million makeover, city-wide capital spending, and the renewed push to build racetrack casinos in North Jersey.
Ocean Casino Resort Unveils $50 Million Upgrade
Inclave casinos are gaining traction as part of the industry’s digital shift, offering single sign-on access across multiple platforms. The system cuts down on repeated ID checks, speeding up registration and showing how casinos are pairing tech innovation with physical growth.
Atlantic City’s youngest casino is also betting big. Ocean Casino Resort has announced more than $50 million in improvements for 2025, part of a seven-year, $270 million transformation. The plan includes 559 redesigned “Blu” rooms and suites, upgraded dining venues, and a two-level mini golf bar with holographic effects. Ocean will also double its Asian gaming area to 8,000 square feet. The expansion comes as a $92.6 million beach-replenishment project widens North Beach and creates new guest areas.
Capital Spending Reshapes Atlantic City
Ocean’s overhaul is part of a wider surge of investment across the city. Atlantic City casinos spent more than $200 million on capital projects in 2024 and over $1 billion in the past five years, updating hotels, dining, and entertainment spaces. Bally’s opened the Park Place Prime steakhouse, Borgata launched its Noodles concept, Caesars debuted The Hook live show, and Hard Rock and Golden Nugget refreshed guest rooms and nightlife.
These upgrades are meant to keep Atlantic City competitive as neighboring states expand their gaming industries. They’ve also boosted local tourism. The city hosted 12 conventions in early 2025 that brought nearly $80 million in economic impact. Events like the Soar & Shore Festival, combined with major beach restoration work, underscore Atlantic City’s push to stay both a resort and a convention hub.
Governor Murphy Signals Openness to North Jersey Casinos
While Atlantic City reinvests, state leaders are again debating casino expansion elsewhere. Governor Phil Murphy has said he is open to new casinos outside Atlantic City if they help keep revenue from flowing to New York. He cautioned that any move must protect Atlantic City, which he called “an iconic seaside destination.”
The proposal stems from Senate Concurrent Resolution 130, which would allow casinos at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park racetracks. The measure includes a revenue-sharing plan directing tax proceeds to property tax relief, education, pensions, and Atlantic City tourism. It would need legislative supermajorities and voter approval in a statewide referendum.
Opponents warn northern casinos could siphon customers and jobs from Atlantic City. Supporters argue they would recapture revenue leaving the state and create new employment. Murphy has not endorsed the resolution but says New Jersey must prepare for competition as New York advances its own casino plans.
Conclusion
For Ridgewood and other North Jersey communities, these developments carry two key implications. Atlantic City’s heavy reinvestment signals its determination to remain New Jersey’s premier gaming destination, with new attractions and jobs likely to draw more visitors from across the state. Meanwhile, the Meadowlands–Monmouth Park debate hints that full-scale casinos could one day move closer to the region, though the proposal faces steep political hurdles.
With physical expansions like Ocean’s and digital tools like Inclave pushing the industry forward, New Jersey’s casino sector is positioning itself for a competitive and possibly more geographically diverse future.
