Welcome to Atlantic City, William Hill.
This past week, soon-to-be-open Ocean Resort Casino announced it will partner with global sports betting heavyweight William Hill to run its sportsbook.
The news was followed by a press release on Tuesday from William Hill confirming the partnership and the intention to operate “the best sportsbook in town,” said CEO Joe Asher.
“We are very excited to be a part of Ocean Resort Casino, and to have a presence on the Atlantic City boardwalk.”
The international brand already has a sportsbook at Monmouth Park, but this represents the first time that the company has made a partnership in Atlantic City.
Sportsbook, Topgolf big draws for sports fans
The details of Ocean Resort Casino’s sportsbook are sparse. We do know it will be a 7,500-square-foot space, according to Jordan Deifik, property principal.
Though the specifics of the sportsbook are few, you can expect the facility to mimic Ocean Resort’s overall commitment to sleek luxury and unique offerings.
For example, the hotel will be home to the world’s largest Topgolf Swing Suite, a state-of-the-art competition and social space where players can take their swings in one of 11 different virtual golf bays.
Mockups of the space provided via a Topgolf press release reveal social spaces overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Topgolf Swing Suite President Ron Powers said in the release that the suite will be unprecedented.
“With 11 bays and 26,000 square feet, the size, scale and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Topgolf Swing Suite at Ocean Resort Casino will be unlike anything the entertainment industry has seen before,” said Powers.
You can bet the William Hill sportsbook at Ocean Resort will have the same luxurious flair.
William Hill is a leader in Las Vegas
William Hill became a powerhouse in 2012 when it merged three different sportsbooks. The company is now the market leader in Nevada, capturing a 57 percent share, according to its website.
The company runs 108 of the 190 sportsbooks in the state and, according to the site, gamblers can place bets in land-based casinos and through mobile apps.
William Hill is also a board member of the American Gaming Association.
NJ sports betting and AC casinos: What’s next?
Ocean Resort Casino and Hard Rock Atlantic City are scheduled to open on the same day: June 28.
As a result, comparisons of the two casinos are plenty. The latest development in the NJ sports betting phase of the endeavors adds a new element to the Ocean Resort-vs.-Hard Rock AC discussion.
While Hard Rock International has yet to announce the company with whom they will partner for its land-based sportsbook, its online casino will be powered by Gaming Innovation Group. GiG recently partnered with Perform to power future sports betting offerings.
It’s also important to note that Hard Rock owns its Atlantic City property and has a 25 percent stake in the Meadowlands in North Jersey.
Meanwhile, Borgata says it will take bets on day one and other AC casinos are sure to follow suit.
But for now, with NJ sports betting regulations still in the hands of lawmakers, the casinos will have to wait until June 7 or later to take the first bets.