Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin celebrated the grand opening of Fanatics Sportsbook at the Ocean Casino Resort, located on the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk. This marks the opening of the first Fanatics Sportsbook in New Jersey, bringing a new destination for sports betting enthusiasts in Atlantic City.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted by JAY-Z and Michael Rubin, who also held a football watch party to celebrate the occasion. Professional golfer Justin Thomas placed the first bet of the day—a $100 wager at +950 odds on Alabama to win the national championship. Celebrities in attendance included basketball legend Jalen Rose, hip-hop artist Quavo, and former NFL player Ryan Clark, who is also the host of the popular “PIVOT Podcast.”
An Immersive Sports Betting Experience
The Fanatics Sportsbook at Ocean Casino Resort is a highlight of The Gallery, featuring a 100-foot bar and lounge area that accommodates 60 guests. Surrounded by slot machines and gaming tables, the venue boasts a 140-foot LED wall, providing an unparalleled sports viewing experience. Customers can place bets at the betting windows or use the self-service betting terminals spread 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 fondness for Atlantic City dates back to his childhood. “The gambling age was 18 when I was a kid,” the Philadelphia native recalled, as quoted by the Atlantic City Press. “I remember being 12 years old, going to a casino in Atlantic City, Caesars. That was 40 years ago. I won $2,500. I used a payphone to call my mom and said, ‘Mom, I have good news! I just won $2,500!’ She asked what happened, and I said, ‘I’m at a casino in Atlantic City,’ and she said, ‘You’re grounded, come home.’ That’s my favorite story.”
Now 52, Rubin has built Fanatics into a global sports enterprise, covering sports apparel and collectibles, and now venturing into sports betting. Atlantic City sports betting represents the company’s first comprehensive sports betting experience in the U.S., including dining, bar service, TV viewing, and gaming options. While Fanatics operates 21 smaller pop-up kiosks nationwide, this venue represents a significant expansion.
Strategic Partnership with Ocean Casino Resort
The collaboration between Fanatics and Ocean Casino Resort stemmed from a conversation between Rubin and Ocean General Manager Bill Callahan. “There are few places in America like Ocean, so this is a good place,” said Matt King, CEO of Fanatics Betting and Gaming. “I think Atlantic City is a great place, a lot of people come here for entertainment, a lot of people come here to gamble.”
Callahan expressed great enthusiasm for the partnership: “My relationship with Michael goes back a long way. We both want to succeed in our work. We believe the customer journey is the most important, and I think we can both achieve this goal without interfering with each other. Currently, this is a perfect union.”
Enhancing the Atlantic City Experience
The new sportsbook officially opened to the public on September 5. Located in a prominent position within the casino gallery, it offers various experiences, whether sitting at the bar, playing games, or relaxing in the upstairs lounge. “Whether you’re sitting at the bar or gambling, you can do a lot in this space,” Callahan noted. “They’re all watching the game, just experiencing it differently.”
Rubin believes this collaboration is a positive contribution to Atlantic City. “I think there have never been more stars in Atlantic City than at the reform charity event we held last September,” he mentioned a previous event held at the Ocean Casino Resort.
Michael Rubin emphasized the importance of launching sports betting in Atlantic City, as it holds a significant position in the online gambling sector. “New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania are the three most important markets in the entire online gambling sector,” he said. “It’s natural. It would be almost wrong not to launch in Atlantic City.”
