Casino Head in Atlantic City reinforces conviction that the city is on the brink of a 'Renaissance'
Atlantic City, the iconic seaside resort known for its casinos and boardwalk, is on the verge of a significant revitalization, as evidenced by recent investments and municipal approvals. Mark Giannantonio, President of Resorts Casino Hotel and the Casino Association of New Jersey, is leading the charge in promoting the city's investment potential.
Giannantonio, an Atlantic City native, believes that the city has never been a better time for businesses to invest. He points to packed beaches and upgraded amenities as evidence of the growth driven by these investments. Key investment developments include casinos collectively pouring tens of millions into upgrades and new amenities, such as the Showboat Hotel's $100 million transformation into a family-friendly destination with an indoor/outdoor waterpark and the world's largest arcade.
One of the most ambitious proposals is the "Renaissance at Bader Field," a massive development worth an estimated $3.4 billion. This project, which is under consideration by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), includes a Formula One-graded racetrack, 4,000 luxury residences, a hotel, restaurants and bars, retail shops, a marina, and a live entertainment venue. Homeowners in this development would even have the unique opportunity to speed around the racetrack in their race and sports cars before driving directly into their living rooms.
The CRDA is also supporting smaller-scale development projects through a $2 million microloan program, active through the end of 2025. This program offers loans up to $500,000 with flexible terms to stimulate diverse economic growth and community development.
The LandShark Beach Bar at Resorts Casino Hotel is another example of Atlantic City's ongoing revitalization. In partnership with an Orlando-based company, IMCMV Holdings, the beach bar has expanded, featuring a tiki bar and deck, a live music stage and dance floor, beachside lounge chairs, firepits, and private beach cabanas with bottle service. The LandShark Beach Bar is now open and is Atlantic City's only year-round beach bar.
As of mid-2025, the outlook for Atlantic City appears broadly positive. June marked the city's second consecutive month of year-over-year in-person casino growth, and the nongaming Showboat Hotel continues to attract visitors with its family-friendly amenities. The "Renaissance at Bader Field" venture received the blessing of the Atlantic City Council this week, further signalling the city's momentum towards a major renaissance.
These coordinated efforts reflect a strong confidence in Atlantic City's economic revival, spanning large-scale luxury projects to accessible small business funding. Giannantonio's optimism about the city's renaissance and investment potential aligns with this positive outlook.
[1] Source: Casino.org interview with Mark Giannantonio, April 2025 [2] Source: Atlantic City Council approval of "Renaissance at Bader Field" project, June 2025 [3] Source: CRDA launch of $2 million microloan program, January 2025
- Mark Giannantonio, President of Resorts Casino Hotel and the Casino Association of New Jersey, sees an opportune time for businesses to invest in Atlantic City, a seaside resort known for casinos and boardwalk, which is currently undergoing a significant revitalization.
- Giannantonio, an Atlantic City native, attributes the growth to recent investments and municipal approvals, citing packed beaches and upgraded amenities as evidence.
- Key investment developments include casinos collectively pouring tens of millions into upgrades and new amenities, such as the Showboat Hotel's $100 million transformation into a family-friendly destination with an indoor/outdoor waterpark and the world's largest arcade.
- One of the most ambitious proposals is the "Renaissance at Bader Field," a massive development worth an estimated $3.4 billion, which is under consideration by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA).
- This project includes a Formula One-graded racetrack, 4,000 luxury residences, a hotel, restaurants and bars, retail shops, a marina, a live entertainment venue, and an unique opportunity for homeowners to speed around the racetrack in their race and sports cars before driving directly into their living rooms.
- The CRDA is also supporting smaller-scale development projects through a $2 million microloan program, offering loans up to $500,000 with flexible terms to stimulate diverse economic growth and community development.
- The LandShark Beach Bar at Resorts Casino Hotel, in partnership with an Orlando-based company, IMCMV Holdings, is another example of Atlantic City's ongoing revitalization, featuring a tiki bar and deck, a live music stage and dance floor, beachside lounge chairs, firepits, and private beach cabanas with bottle service.
- As of mid-2025, the outlook for Atlantic City appears broadly positive, with June marking the city's second consecutive month of year-over-year in-person casino growth, and the nongaming Showboat Hotel continuing to attract visitors with its family-friendly amenities.
- The "Renaissance at Bader Field" venture received the blessing of the Atlantic City Council this week, further signalling the city's momentum towards a major renaissance, aligning with Giannantonio's optimism about the city's renaissance and investment potential.
