New Jersey sports betting is about to celebrate its one-year anniversary. And if you thought this past year was crazy, just know that there are plenty more still to come.
By now it’s well known that 14 sports betting apps complement 10 retail books. And of those 10 retail books, more than half of them have new digs that replace the temporary ones.
This summer, new retail sportsbooks are opening at Bally’s, Borgata and Harrah’s.
Once completed, the words “temporary sportsbook” will never be used again when referring to Atlantic City casinos. But how do the new spots stack up against one another?
Borgata unveiled the details last week, and here’s an inside look.
Caesars Entertainment shared news of its expanded sports betting rooms in early May. And the one inside of Bally’s Wild Wild West Casino is looking like one of the big dogs in the market.
And as we patiently await the grand openings and ceremonial first bets, here is a breakdown of what we know so far.
Place a bet, grab a set, watch the game
Look at the monthly revenue numbers, and it’s clear NJ sports betting continues to post big returns.
But the majority of the handle (80%) is coming in via the 14 apps currently available in the Garden State. Retail sportsbooks need to be a viewing experience that attracts customers.
The number of seats along with the size of the space and screens are crucial, especially on Sundays during NFL season.
Here is a look at how the three new spots will stack up against one another:
The Book at Bally’s
- Opening date: Set for mid-June soft opening
- Size of space: 15,228 square feet (the largest in Atlantic City)
- Number of betting windows: 10 (along with one high-limit area)
- Will there be self-betting kiosks?: Yes
- Seating: 102 seats, 30 VIP seats, and seating for 28 at the bar rail (video poker slots, included).
- Viewing experience: The main area is being billed as a “haven for sports viewing.” The ultra-comfortable, theater style recliner seats will have a direct view of the 98 foot by 18 foot, high-resolution LED television wall with surround sound. And three to 12 games can be shown simultaneously.
The Book at Harrah’s
- Opening date: Now open (soft opening)
- Size of space: 3,800 square feet
- Will there be self-betting kiosks?: Yes
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Viewing experience: The highlights of the space include high-quality resolution LED televisions and extra plush seating. (Note: We were unable to verify the number of seats or betting windows available at Harrah’s sportsbook.)
Moneyline Bar & Book at Borgata
- Opening date: June 29
- Size of space: 8,000 square feet
- Number of betting windows: Six
- Will there be self-betting kiosks?: Yes
- Seating: 144 seats (along with a 35-foot-long bar with 19 built-in slot machines)
- Viewing experience: The highlight will be the 40-foot wide by 11.5-foot tall LED video wall. There will be 17 additional 98-inch and 86-inch displays around the room.
What’s on the menu?
Atlantic City casino hotels have food courts, burger joints, and celebrity-chef run gourmet restaurants. But don’t worry. Food will be available to order right from your sportsbook seat, too.
Harrah’s customers can enjoy food service by AC Burger Company — a sit-down restaurant just off the casino floor.
Bally’s space is located footsteps away from Guy’s Bar-B-Que Joint (from Food Network personality Guy Fieri) and the AC Snack Shack. Food service will be available from both outlets.
Borgata is billing Moneyline as its newest “destination bar.”
And the menu will include a dining program by executive chef Tom Biglin. Braised-sirloin chili, signature Moneyline burger, and fried fish tacos are just a few of the items. The food can be paired with one of the 24 craft beers on tap.
Fan caves, beer, and cocktails
Some customers may make a wager and head to the casino floor. At least with these new projects, there are numerous reasons to hang around. And it goes beyond collecting on the moneyline or parlay.
At Bally’s, pending regulatory approval from the Division of Gaming Enforcement, customers will be able to enjoy 16 different brews on tap.
But it comes in the form of a self-serve beer wall. The setup will be the first of its kind in AC.
Those seeking a more intimate and private NJ sports wagering experience have the option of reserving one of 10 fan caves (large enough for a party of 10).
Each will include high-resolution televisions capable of being split into three different screens. There will be a foosball table, game consoles, and table service, too.
The Harrah’s version includes two fan caves, and each can hold up to 10 guests with table service.
Borgata is going more the nightlife route with its Level One Cocktail Bar & Lounge. The 3,600-square-foot space with 104 seats is being billed as an “intimate venue for high-end gaming, curated entertainment, and high-end cocktails.”
It will connect to Moneyline through an escalated corridor.
And like other nightlife amenities at MGM-owned properties, there will be plenty of ways to enjoy the evening.
Besides the live music and DJ entertainment, the space will offer experimental cocktail programming and table service packages. And on big game nights, the lounge becomes a more intimate space to watch and wait for your bet to win or lose.
Betting hours
The betting windows are open daily, but hours may vary based on the sports calendar. Here are the current operational schedules:
Bally’s
- Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
- Friday: 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m.-12 a.m.
- Sunday: 10am to 11:30 p.m.
Borgata
- Monday–Friday: Opens at 11 a.m.
- Saturday-Sunday: Opens at 9 a.m.
Harrah’s:
- Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
- Friday: 11 a.m.-midnight
- Saturday: 10 a.m.-midnight
- Sunday: 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
However, keep in mind that the self-betting kiosks at each property will be available 24/7 and are often located outside the sportsbook.