‘Soft play’ set for Hard Rock, Ocean Resort Casino

In three days, casino executives and city officials will smash ceremonial guitars, pop champagne and congratulate each other on a job well done as the city’s two newest casinos — the first since 2012 — open within an hour of each other. But that’s Thursday.

Before then, there are games to be tested, pools to be inspected, millions of dollars of construction to be examined and mercantile licenses to be filed. Monday and Tuesday will serve as “soft play” days at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and Ocean Resort Casino.

Similar to a soft opening at a restaurant where friends and family of the staff dine before the establishment opens to the public, the casinos’ slot and table games will be played by invited guests of the two properties.