The Casino File: Atlantic City’s Ocean establishes high-end slots beachhead; Bally’s Corp. enters PA market

Ocean Casino Resort has cut the ribbon on The Cove, a high-limit slots lounge.

Located next to Wahlburgers in the property’s dining-and-retail area, the 7,450-square-foot salon boasts more than 140 machines — both new concepts and old favorites — including the Lightning Cash, Dragon Cash, Dollar Storm, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. The luxury lounge also features exclusive cocktail service, private restrooms and its own “cage”

“It is so exciting to be able to offer this high-limit slot experience for our guests,” said Ocean CEO Terry Glebocki. “We could not be happier with the results, as we welcome this latest addition to our growing property.”

From Rhody to Pennsy

Bally’s Corp. has been dealt in on the Pennsylvania casino game. The Rhode Island-based gambling chain is partnering with the original developer-owner of Valley Forge Casino Resort to create and operate a planned gaming hall in rural Centre County.

Bally’s — which recently bought Bally’s Atlantic City--and Ira Lubert are planning a facility that will sit on a to-be-determined site somewhere within a 15-mile radius of Unionville Borough. The gambling den — which has a price tag in the $120 million range — will operate under a “Category 4” license, which limits a so-called “satellite casino” to an inventory of 300-750 slot machines and up to 30 gaming tables (with a maximum expansion to 40 after the first year of operation). In addition, a Category 4 property must be located at least 25 miles from an existing casino licensed under one of the other three categories.

The as-yet-unnamed adult playpen is expected to file for licenses that will allow it to offer retail and online sports betting/iSports and online gaming.

Shovels are expected to be in the ground by the end of June, with the opening targeted approximately 12 months after construction commences.