Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin celebrated the grand opening of the Fanatics Sportsbook at Ocean Casino Resort, situated on the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk. This marks the first Fanatics Sportsbook in New Jersey and introduces a fresh destination for sports betting enthusiasts in Atlantic City.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by JAY-Z and Michael Rubin, who hosted a football watch party to commemorate the occasion. Professional golfer Justin Thomas placed the ceremonial first bet of the day—$100 on Alabama to win the National Championship at +950 odds. The event was attended by notable figures such as basketball legend Jalen Rose, hip-hop artist Quavo, and former NFL player Ryan Clark, who also hosts the popular “PIVOT Podcast.”
An Immersive Sports Betting Experience
The Fanatics Sportsbook at Ocean Casino Resort is a highlight within The Gallery, offering a 100-foot elevated bar and lounge area with seating for sixty guests. Surrounded by slot machines and gaming tables, the venue features 140 feet of LED walls that provide an unparalleled sports viewing experience. Patrons can place wagers at betting windows or utilize self-service betting terminals scattered throughout the space. A 17-foot open-air staircase leads to the Balcony Bar, a mezzanine lounge offering additional seating and views.
Michael Rubin’s affinity for Atlantic City dates back to his childhood. “The gambling age was 18 when I was a kid,” the Philadelphia native reminisced, cited by Press of Atlantic City. “I remember when I was 12 years old, I went to an Atlantic City casino, to Caesars. It was 40 years ago. I won $2,500. I called my mom from a pay phone and said, ‘Mom, I got great news! I just won $2,500!’ She asked how, and I said, ‘I’m in a casino in Atlantic City,’ and she goes, ‘You’re grounded, get home.’ That’s my favorite story.”
Now 52, Rubin has built Fanatics into a global sports enterprise encompassing sports apparel, collectibles, and now sports betting. The Atlantic City sportsbook represents the company’s first comprehensive sportsbook experience in the country, complete with dining, bar services, television viewing, and gaming options. While Fanatics operates 21 smaller pop-up kiosks nationwide, this venue is a significant expansion.
Strategic Partnership with Ocean Casino Resort
The partnership between Fanatics and Ocean Casino Resort was cultivated through a conversation between Rubin and Ocean’s General Manager, Bill Callahan. “There are very few places in the United States like Ocean, so this is a great spot to be,” said Matt King, CEO of Fanatics Betting and Gaming. “I think Atlantic City is an amazing place where a lot of people go for entertainment, a lot of people go for gambling.”
Callahan expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “My relationship with Michael has been a long time running. We both want to be very successful in what we do. And we think the journey for the customers is the most important thing, and I think we can both accomplish it without stepping on each other’s toes. It’s a perfect marriage at this point.”
Enhancing the Atlantic City Experience
The new sportsbook officially opened to the public on September 5. Its prominent location within the casino’s Gallery offers patrons a variety of experiences, whether they are seated at the bar, engaging in gaming, or relaxing in the upstairs lounge. “Whether you’re sitting at the bar or you’re gambling, there’s so many things you can do in this space,” Callahan noted. “They’re all watching games and just experiencing it differently.”
Rubin sees the partnership as a way to contribute positively to Atlantic City. “I don’t think Atlantic City has seen more stars in the history of Atlantic City than last September when we brought the Reform event for charity,” he said, referencing a previous event hosted at Ocean Casino Resort.
Michael Rubin emphasized the significance of launching the sportsbook in Atlantic City, given its importance in the online gaming space. “New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania are three of the most important markets in the entire online gaming space,” he stated. “It’s natural. It would almost be wrong not to start it in Atlantic City.”
