The Associated Press reported that both properties received official approval to open from the Division of Gaming Enforcement Wednesday, Hard Rock at 3 p.m., Ocean at 5:45 p.m. But doors were open Wednesday night, and members of the public were trading up their tier cards in return for $25 in gambling money. Over at Hard Rock, spokesman Tim Louie insisted that the property was still in the middle of its “soft opening” for friends and family only. For a time casinos brought the languishing Boardwalk back to life, but by the second decade of the twenty-first century the city’s fortunes had faltered again. Ten years later over a dozen casinos were operating within the city. > READ MORE: Atlantic City holds its breath as Hard Rock, Ocean debut in shells of failed Trump Taj Mahal and Revel casinos In 1976, New Jersey legalized gambling and the first casino opened in Atlantic City in 1978. Still, police tape and flexible fencing were still up on its new Boardwalk stairways. Michael Preston, a spokesman for Ocean, confirmed that the casino was open ahead of schedule. Hard Rock as well is open as well though they are still calling it a “soft opening.” /jwsYZmbfOL Rodney Peterson of Clifton Park NY gambling at the new Ocean Resort Casino, open tonight but grand opening tomorrow.
