Fanatics Sportsbook at Ocean Casino – Everything You Should Know
Everyone is using online sportsbooks these days, it’s just how things are.
But no matter how convenient they are, they just don’t come anywhere near the thrill of a decent betting lounge. For some people, at least. And from what we’ve heard through the grapevine, Ocean Casino’s new Fanatics Sportsbook in Atlantic City is as good as it gets.
In order to put the new sportsbook to the test, we put our phones away and made our way down to Ocean Casino and Resort to see if the hype was overblown – or if Fanatics was the new app-killer.
First Impressions – This Business Means… Business
Like most of Atlantic City’s gambling spots, the Oceans Casino sportsbook doesn’t really do ‘subtle.’
It grabs you by the eyeballs as soon as you step onto the casino floor with the 140 feet of LED screens that wrap around the room, flashing with live games, betting odds, and instant replays. It feels like some sort of neon command center from Star Trek – only for nerds who prefer jerseys over Starfleet pajamas.
At its center is the 100’ long bar, a wrap-around island on a raised platform where bettors can enjoy a drink and a laugh without worrying about some goofball walking in front of the screen.
It’s loud. It’s busy. It’s perfect.
Even for those who are used to brick-and-mortar sportsbook setups, Fanatics brings a special kind of energy. This isn’t some cramped corner that the casino has equipped with flickering TV screens and a couple of outdated touchscreen kiosks. This is a full-scale production.
At any given moment, you’ll find an excited mix of die-hard gamblers, casual fans, and more than a few groups who have wandered in for the drinks and atmosphere.
There’s also a clear hierarchy in seating. The main floor is where the real action happens – plenty of barstools, high-tops, and lounge chairs positioned for prime screen visibility. There are slot machines, clear access to the fully-stocked bar (complete with sports bar faves like mozzarella sticks and cheesesteaks), and plenty of foot traffic – making it perfect for socialites.
For a more intimate vibe, bettors can check out the Balcony Bar. It is just up a short staircase from the main floor and has comfortable couches, highbrow cocktails, and a more luxe vibe than the main floor.
From a first-look perspective, Oceans Fanatics Sportsbook NJ feels like it was designed with good times in mind, making it one of the best gambling companies out there. Big screens, big energy, and just enough high-end polish to make sports betting look classy.
Seating and Setup of Fanatics Sportsbook
A good sportsbook should have plenty of seating, and all of it should be positioned in a way that it’s easy to see the game.
Fanatics Sportsbook at Ocean Casino doesn’t just throw down some barstools and call it a day – it offers a layered setup that beautifully caters to the various kinds of bettors. Whether you’re there to lock in on the action, mingle at the bar, or just enjoy a few drinks with your buds, there’s a comfy seat meant for you.
The Betting Floor – Front and Center
The main floor is where the fun is. This is where you’ll find high-top tables and lounge chairs, all angled for prime screen visibility, as well as the 100-foot bar – which is always busy, but we didn’t have to wait too long to get our drinks.
There are also a variety of slots set up here to give players something extra to do. It is Atlantic City, after all.
The Betting Floor is packed, with a constant influx of foot traffic, so if you’re the sort of person who likes to make their evening out a social event – you’ll be rubbing plenty of elbows. If you’re a little more hardcore and can’t handle distractions, however, this might not be your ideal setup.
The Balcony Bar – VIP Without the Velvet Rope
The Balcony Bar is up and away from the main floor and is set up for a more upscale, laid-back experience. This mezzanine-level lounge feels a little more exclusive, almost like the VIP section at an upscale club.
Bettors looking for cushy couches and hand-crafted cocktails, with a bird’s-eye view of the sportsbook will feel right at home, here. It’s quieter, smoother, and ideal for a longer stay. If you live for looking down your nose at strangers but still want to be able to place a few bets, this is the way to go.
It’s important to note, however, that seating in both areas is first-come, first-serve. On slower nights, this isn’t going to present a problem – but on big game days? You’re going to want to get in early.
Betting Experience – Is It Worth Stepping Away from the Apps?
Online sportsbooks have made betting absurdly convenient. So much so that walking into a physical sportsbook almost feels old-school. But if a retail bookmaker is going to compete with the instant gratification of a mobile app, it has to deliver something grand.
Thankfully, the Ocean Resort sportsbook is powered by Fanatics and makes a strong case for why in-person betting is still worth it.
Even if you have to put your pants on.
Placing a Bet – Quick and Painless
The last thing anyone wants to deal with in a sportsbook is a clucky, outdated system that seems hell-bent on slowing you down.
Fanatics keeps it smooth by offering:
Self-Service Kiosks – Simple, fast, and everywhere. You find your game, punch in your bet, and confirm. That’s it.
Live Betting Counters – Fanatics offers a series of betting windows staffed by real people. Place your wagers with cash (or card) face-to-face with real people as nature intended.
On-Screen Odds Everywhere – No need to pull up your phone! There are live line updates displayed across the LED walls.
If you’ve ever struggled with the slow touchscreen kiosks at lesser sportsbooks, you know how frustrating it can be. That’s not the issue here. Fanatics keeps things moving with blazing-fast tech and betting counter staff that actually know their stuff.
Odds and Markets – How Does it Stack Up?
Having a host of ways to place your bets is one thing, but if the odds aren’t competitive – what’s the point? There’s nothing wildly unique about the betting markets here – Fanatics’ markets are solid and deep, but it doesn’t do anything to reinvent the wheel.
Which is fine by us.
The Fanatics brand integration is the real selling point here, linking retail and online betting under one umbrella, so if you’ve ever used a Fanatics Sportsbook kiosk or app, the experience will be a familiar one.
Just… bigger. And more immersive.
You’ll find:
Standard Moneylines, Spreads, Totals – Covers all the basics with no surprises.
Props, Parlays, and Live Betting – Plenty of action beyond just game winners.
All Major Leagues + Plenty More – NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, plus soccer, golf, MMA, tennis, and more.
But… Does it Feel Better Than Betting on an App? The short answer? Yes, but only if you want an experience.
If you’re the kind of bettor who doesn’t feed on the energy of the crowd, and only wants to place a quick wager from the bathroom, online is always going to be easier.
But if you want to watch the lines shift in real time and celebrate (or commiserate) with a crowd of people over a beer – Fanatics Sportsbook delivers that in a way no app can ever hope to achieve.
Drinks and Dining at Fanatics Sportsbook
A physical sportsbook is only as good as the experience it creates. Sure, the screens and betting odds are the stars of the show, but what about the vibe? The drinks? The food?
Because let’s be honest, here. Nobody wants to sit through four quarters of a football game with a flat beer and soggy nachos.
The 100-Foot Bar – It Turns Out That Size Does Matter
The Ocean Casino sportsbook didn’t just slap a bar along one wall and call it a day. Oh, no. The 100-foot wraparound bar is set in the dead center of the area and elevated on a stage. A beautiful, neon centerpiece the likes of which your grandmother would be thrilled to have set up on her dining room table.
The bar is perfectly set up for patrons to socialize and still be able to watch the game thanks to:
Plenty of Seats – No awkward standing around, waiting for a stool to open up.
Strategic Elevation – The raised platform keeps your view clear, even in a packed room.
TVs everywhere – No bad angles, no screen blocking.
Even if you’re just here for the drinks, it holds up as a solid sports bar option, even without the betting angle.
Cocktails, Beer, & Casino Pricing
Craft Cocktails – The Balcony Bar gets creative with fruit-infused and ginger-spiced drinks. Fancy.
Classic Sports Bar Options – Whiskey, highballs, and beers aplenty – nothing pretentious, just well executed.
Casino Pricing Applies – You’re not gonna see $5 happy hour specials — so be ready to pay premium drink prices.
Is it overpriced? Definitely — you’re at a casino. But at least The Gallery Bar, Book, & Games isn’t phoning it in with generic good drinks. If you’re dropping $13+ on a cocktail, it might as well be a good one.
Food – Standard Sportsbook Fare
You’re not here for a five-star meal (though if you want finer dining, it can be found elsewhere in the casino). But if you need something to soak up the drinks, you’ll find plenty:
Mozzarella Sticks, Smash Burgers, and Bar Snacks – Classic, simple, tasty.
Pizza by the Slice – Cheese, Pepperoni, and… Dill Pickle
Sports Bar Fare – If you’ve ever been to a casino sports bar, you know what to expect.
Overall, the crowd at Fanatics Sportsbook is a mix of serious bettors, social drinkers, and casino wanderers who get snared by the screens. Depending on the night, you’ll have a different crowd with its own vibe, but no matter what’s going on — it’s a far cry from what you’ll find with your nose buried in a phone app.
Final Verdict – Is Fanatics Sportsbook Worth a Visit?
So, does Fanatics Sportsbook at Ocean Casino live up to the hype? Yes – if you’re here for the full experience.
This isn’t just a place to make bets. It’s a high-energy, big-screen spectacle that turns sports betting into an event. With 140 feet of LED walls, a massive wraparound bar, and an exciting two-level setup, it’s built to pull you in and keep you there.
It’s perfect for sports bettors who want to breathe in the Atlantic City-style atmosphere, casual fans looking for a fun place to watch a game, and groups who just want a solid casino sports bar.
Fanatics Sportsbook at Ocean Casino delivers big screens, big energy, and just enough luxury to make your sports betting feel high-end. Whether you’re there to bet, drink, or just soak up the atmosphere, this might be the best sportsbook in Atlantic City.
Fanatics Sportsbook at Ocean Casino – FAQs
What Is Fanatics Sportsbook?
Fanatics Sportsbook is a sports betting brand that offers both retail and online wagering.
Known for its Fanatics merchandise empire, the company has expanded into the sportsbook space, providing betting on all major sports, competitive odds, and a seamless online-to-retail experience.
Where is Fanatics Sportsbook at Ocean Casino Located?
You’ll find the Fanatics Sportsbook inside Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, housed within The Gallery Bar, Book & Games.
Just look for the massive LED screens, 100-foot bar, and Fanatics Sportsbook logo – it’s hard to miss.
Can I Place Bets Online at Fanatics Sportsbook NJ?
Yes! In addition to the retail sportsbook at Ocean Casino, Fanatics Sportsbook also operates an online platform in New Jersey, allowing bettors to place wagers from their phone or computer when they’re not on-site.
Do I Need to Be a High Roller to Bet There?
Nope. Fanatics Sportsbook caters to all levels of bettors, from casual fans placing a small bet to high-stakes gamblers. Betting limits vary, but you don’t need deep pockets to participate.
What Sports Can I Bet On?
Fanatics Sportsbook covers all major sports, including:
- NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL
- College football and basketball
- Soccer, golf tennis, MMA, boxing
- Live in-game betting on select events
Can I Reserve a Seat at Fanatics Sportsbook?
No, seating is first come, first served.
On regular nights, finding a place to sit isn’t too difficult, but on big game days, expect a crowd. If you want prime seating at the bar or the Balcony Bar, come early.
How Does Fanatics Compare to Other Sportsbooks in Atlantic City?
Fanatics Sportsbook at Ocean Casino is easily one of the most high-end and immersive sportsbooks in AC. Compared to smaller, low-energy books it stands out for its huge screens, upscale seating, and lively atmosphere.
