Atlantic City’s Ocean Casino Resort had everyone doing a double-take this April Fools’ Day with a clever prank that briefly transformed the iconic establishment into “Oceans Casino Resort.” The playful stunt, which involved temporarily replacing their famous signage, delighted visitors and sparked conversations across social media.
The casino’s humorous explanation for the name change cited guest feedback and frequent mispronunciations as the catalyst. Many visitors from Gloucester City and throughout South Jersey were amused by the casino’s lighthearted approach, with some even wondering if the change might become permanent.
Interestingly, the prank extended only to the physical resort, while Ocean’s online casino platform remained unchanged. This contrasts with the digital casino space, where promotions typically drive engagement. Many online gambling platforms entice new players by matching deposits by 100%, essentially doubling a player’s initial funds as a welcome bonus.
Ocean Casino Resort, however, chose a different path to customer engagement, winning over fans with this creative marketing strategy that cost relatively little but generated significant buzz across social media and news outlets.
Behind the April Fools’ joke lies a genuine transformation taking place at the Atlantic City hotspot. The temporary sign swap coincides with a major upgrade to the resort’s exterior signage, replacing the old display with cutting-edge LED technology. The new installation will feature over 7,000 programmable puck lights capable of displaying dynamic colors and patterns, creating a visual spectacle visible throughout the boardwalk.
Eastern Sign Tech of Burlington is handling the installation, bringing South Jersey expertise to this high-profile Atlantic City project. The new LED lights aren’t just for show—they’ll consume 70% less power than traditional neon signs, aligning with the resort’s commitment to modernization and sustainability.
For residents of Gloucester City, located just under an hour’s drive from Atlantic City, these developments represent another reason to make the trip down the shore. Many Gloucester City locals regularly visit Atlantic City for entertainment, dining, and gaming opportunities, and Ocean’s continued investments enhance the appeal of these excursions.
The timing of the prank and sign upgrade couldn’t be better, as Ocean Casino Resort prepares for the summer season when many South Jersey residents, including those from Gloucester City, flock to the shore. The resort has weathered significant changes since its original opening as Revel in 2012, including closures and ownership changes before reopening under its current name.
The April Fools’ prank demonstrates the casino’s understanding of effective engagement in today’s social media landscape. By creating a moment of surprise and amusement, Ocean connected with its audience in a way that traditional advertising often fails to achieve.
Ocean’s sign upgrade is part of a broader series of improvements at the property, which spans 20 acres on the Atlantic City Boardwalk and features over 130,000 square feet of gaming space. The resort has also recently announced a partnership with famed restaurateur Stephen Starr, promising new dining experiences for visitors later this summer.
Financially, Ocean Casino Resort has improved significantly since its troubled days as Revel. Under the ownership of Luxor Capital Group, the casino increased slot revenue by $41.1 million (up 54%) and table game revenue by $6.4 million (up 17%) during a comparable period from July 2019 to February 2020.
In 2019, Ocean generated $238.2 million in gambling revenue, ranking ninth out of Atlantic City’s nine casinos. These financial gains reflect the resort’s commitment to modernization and customer engagement, motivating them to climb to the top 5.