Atlantic City casinos to increase capacity to 50%, optimistic about March Madness

Starting Friday, the casino floor will be allowed to increase its capacity to 50% and remain open 24 hours a day. The measure also applies to indoor dining.

In addition to the return of the NCAA Tournament, one of the biggest sports gambling events of the year, casinos hope the ease of restrictions will bring a big crowd next weekend.

Steve Callender, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey, said Atlantic City casinos have exciting offerings to enhance fans’ experience watching the tournament, ROI-NJ reports. “Atlantic City casinos are excited to safely welcome back fans to enjoy one of the biggest sporting events of the year,” he said.

The casinos hope they can pick up where they left off when the pandemic hit, Callender said. “Leading up to the basketball tournament last year, Atlantic City seemed to be unstoppable,” he said. “We were on a 21-month winning streak of revenue growth, our sportsbooks topped Nevada’s, and our diverse offerings were attracting new visitors. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the national college basketball championship was canceled, stay at home orders were issued and our casinos were closed for almost four months.”

Callender said the industry is ready with top health and safety precautions. “We look forward to providing a sense of normalcy for our guests during this difficult time, while continuing to prioritize their health and safety through continued enforcement of mask and social distancing requirements,” he said. “As the spring and summer seasons approach and the vaccine is distributed, we are optimistic about the future as we work to bring more people back to work and continue revitalizing Atlantic City’s economy.”

Atlantic City casinos will be hosting various events, drink and food specials, as well as featuring their premier sportsbooks to create the ultimate experience for fans.