Ilitch Gaming Invests $14M in Ocean Casino’s Cove Expansion

• Ocean Casino Resort is investing $14 million to transform The Cove at 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ, expanding the high-limit slot area by roughly 60% ahead of an early 2027 opening.
• The redesigned Cove will span 11,935 square feet and feature more than 192 high-limit slot machines, along with private seating, dedicated restrooms, cashier booths and specialized cocktail service.
• Ilitch Gaming now fully owns Ocean Casino Resort after acquiring the remaining 50% stake in August 2026, positioning the Detroit-based gaming company behind the latest property investment.

What Ocean Casino Is Building

Ocean Casino Resort is expanding and redesigning The Cove, its high-limit slot destination, as part of a broader effort to increase gaming capacity at the Atlantic City property. The $14 million project will create a larger, more upscale gaming environment adjacent to Ocean's Asian Table Games area. The new design draws inspiration from the Atlantic Ocean, using wave-inspired architectural elements, light oak, marble, brushed gold and ocean-blue tones.

What The 11,935-Square-Foot Cove Will Offer

The expanded space will feature more than 192 slot machines from manufacturers including Aristocrat, Light & Wonder and IGT. The gaming mix will include traditional slots, linked games, progressive-style experiences and video poker. The Cove will also introduce amenities designed around high-limit players, including comfortable lounge seating, dedicated restrooms, cashier booths, enhanced beverage service and specialized cocktail service.

What Ilitch Gaming’s Ownership Means

The expansion comes shortly after Ilitch Gaming completed its acquisition of Ocean Casino Resort's remaining 50% ownership interest, giving the company full ownership of the property. The transaction was finalized in August following regulatory approval. Ilitch Gaming also owns MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit, making Ocean part of a growing national gaming and hospitality portfolio. The company has emphasized continued investment in Ocean and the Atlantic City market.

What Ocean’s Premium Gaming Strategy Looks Like

The Cove is part of a broader push by Ocean to expand higher-end gaming experiences. The resort already operates a High Limit Table Games area and The Loft, a 2,000-square-foot luxury gaming suite located 44 stories above Atlantic City. Ocean has also expanded its Asian gaming space to approximately 8,000 square feet, with 32 gaming tables offering games including Baccarat and Pai Gow Poker.

What Comes Next For The Cove

Construction and the transformation of The Cove are moving toward an early 2027 opening. The project gives Ocean another premium gaming amenity while increasing the amount of high-limit slot capacity available on its casino floor. For Atlantic City, the investment is another sign that major casino operators are continuing to spend on premium experiences and property upgrades as they compete for higher-value customers.