The next 14 days are going to be exciting in Ocean City. Some might even say it’s chaos.
Between the arrival of the St. Patrick’s Day parade on the world’s most famous Boardwalk (March 12), the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference title games at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall (March 11), and the start of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament (March 14), Atlantic City is set for a busy start to spring.
Mark Giannantonio, president and CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel and president of the Casino Association of New Jersey, says the city’s seven gambling establishments are ready.
“The national college basketball championship is the best time of year for basketball fans, and there is no better place to enjoy the unpredictable, action-packed event than Ocean City. Ocean City casinos offer great dining, entertainment, and shopping, and guests can watch teams compete in the national tournament while enjoying all that the resort destination has to offer.”
For those planning to visit AC, figuring out where to go, how to watch the games, or where to find the best deals can be overwhelming.
Luckily, PlayNJ has it covered. Here is a rundown of what Atlantic City casinos have in store for March Madness.
Bally’ s Ocean City
Fans can get all the action at both the FanDuel Sportsbook and Yard! located at Bally’s. Both venues have food and beverage options, including $5 PBR (12 oz. cans), $6 Coors Lite and Miller Lite (16 oz. drafts), and $10 shot & beer combos at the Yard!
Between now and March 13, rewards card members can earn entries into the $1,000,000 Final Game Sweepstakes by playing slots or table games.
Borgata Typical hotel Casino & Spa
AC’s major casino offers plenty of space to watch every game in the 2023 NCAA basketball tournament. The BetMGM Sportsbook & Bar and Level One Cocktail Bar are prime viewing spots, but finding a last-minute spot without reservations may be challenging.
Borgata also provides additional viewing areas in the Central Conference Center (with four betting windows), C Bar, Lobby Bar, and the Race Book (across from BetMGM Sportsbook).
Caesars Entertainment’ s Ocean City internet casinos
Caesars Ocean City houses the city’s major sportsbook, located in the Old Wild West section of the property. Reservations are essential because the large space fills up quickly on game days. For a more private experience, Caesars Sportsbook offers fan caves, complete with a big-screen TV, sofas, and lounge chairs, as well as games and food/drink service.
Reservations are also recommended for the sportsbook at Tropicana Atlantic City. Once seated, grab the $40 “mix or match” drink bucket while checking out the games on panoramic LED screens.
For a more intimate game-time experience, there is Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Resort. Smaller and less flashy than other AC sportsbooks, Harrah’s has luxurious stadium seating and large TVs (and fan caves). Food and beverages are available from AC Burger Co. Additional viewing areas will be set up at Beach Craft Kitchen, X Bar, Eden Lounge, and The Pool.
Golden Piece Atlantic Town
Arguably, the best-kept secret in AC is The Sportsbook at Golden Nugget. It feels like the ultimate Man Cave that every bourbon-drinking, cigar-smoking sports fan would create if they had Tilman Fertitta’s money. The games will be shown on each of The Sportsbook’s 55 TVs, as well as in the Rush Lounge across the way. Beer and shots specials will be available for $24 and $5, respectively.
Difficult Rock Motel & Online casino Atlantic Town
Tucked at the back of one of AC’s busiest gaming floors is the Hard Rock Sportsbook Bar. Throughout the entire tournament, the friendly staff behind the bar will be serving $5 Sam Adams drafts. For the more discerning taste buds, head to Council Oak Steaks & Seafood and inquire about the $14 Beyond The Soda special.
On March 17 and March 18, rewards card members can earn entries in the $100,000 Shamrock Sweepstakes for a chance to win $100,000 each day.
Be prepared for large crowds to see The Killers (March 16) and Kelsea Ballerini (March 17) at Hard Rock Live in Etess Arena.
Ocean Online casino Resort
The Gallery Bar, Book & Games is AC’s newest sports-centric experience. The 12,000-square-foot venue features a central bar surrounded by casino table games. Upstairs, the Deck Bar offers the best view in the house. Viewing is also available at TopGolf Swing Suite, Wolf & Stag, Nola’s Bar & Lounge, and 1927 Lounge.
Ocean is offering the Madness Zone Hotel Package, which includes a king room, $50 food and beverage credit to The Gallery, and a swag bag.
Hotels Casino Motel
Head to the DraftKings Sportsbook at Resorts Casino Hotel for March Madness. Alternatively, visit Margaritaville or Landshark Bar & Grill for $20 beer and shots, and $3 off appetizers.
On March 18 at 6:35 p.m., Resorts is hosting the first annual $50,000 Boardwalk Half-Court Shot. Earn entries by using a Resorts rewards card while playing slots or table games.
Reward: Local understanding
There is more to Ocean City than just casinos.
The Orange Loop (New York and Tennessee avenues plus St. James Place) offers plenty of places to watch a game, grab a bite, or see a live band.
A pint at the Irish Pub is almost mandatory for those attending the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Visit Tony’s Baltimore Grill for the best bar pizza in AC. Ducktown Pub is open 24 hours and serves wings. Enough said.
Knife & Fork Inn, Dock’s Oyster House, and Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern are can’t-miss hotspots if a romantic dinner is more your speed.
The Lucky Snake Arcade in the Showboat Hotel Ocean City is a great way to spend a few hours.
Jesse Danzis is the lead author for PlayNJ. He is a New Jersey native and a proud graduate of Rutgers University. As a newspaper reporter for the New Jersey Herald and Press of Ocean City, Jesse earned statewide awards for his coverage of politics, government, education, sports, and business. Today, he serves as PlayNJ’s Ocean City “insider” and is an expert in the casino, gaming, and online gambling industry. David resides in Mays Landing with his spouse and twins. When he’s not at the beach, golf course, or snowboarding, Jesse enjoys cheering for his beloved New York sports teams – the Yankees, Jets, Rangers, and Knicks.
