In a Boardwalk surprise, two new casinos that were due to open Thursday started taking bets from gamblers a day early. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and Ocean Resort Casino both received permission Wednesday afternoon from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement to begin full operations, and both immediately started letting gamblers inside, according to a press release.
The two properties still plan elaborate events Thursday, which along with a weekend beach concert have city officials bracing for nearly one million visitors over a historic four-day stretch. Jim Allen, Hard Rock International chairman and CEO, told The Press of Atlantic City on Wednesday night the grand opening of Hard Rock is still set for Thursday morning “with a few surprises” but they were excited to be open Wednesday night.