Updated by Matt Bridger
Writer
Fact Checked by Michael Graham
Content Editor
Sitting proudly on the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, Caesars Atlantic City brings opulence and the full Roman theme to New Jersey.
I initially booked my stay here on the back of my love of its Las Vegas older brother Caesars Palace, and it is safe to say I was not left disappointed. Caesars has transported everything that makes the Palace a long-standing Vegas icon and replicated it on the East Coast, albeit on a smaller scale.
In this review I’ll take you through all you need to know about the Caesars Atlantic City experience, from the rooms, the gambling, to the entertainment and dining options.
Caesars Atlantic City initially opened as Howard Johnson’s Regency Motor Hotel in 1966, with Caesars purchasing the property in 1977. That same year the resort opened as the Boardwalk Regency, with the casino added in 1979.
The casino became the second in Atlantic City history following the opening of the Resorts International casino in 1978. In 1983 the Caesars name was added, becoming the Caesars Boardwalk Regency, and in 1987 it was renamed a second time to its present title of Caesars Atlantic City.
Over the years Caesars Entertainment has made many improvements and renovations so that it truly befits its status as a flagship Caesars destination, and its status as an icon of the Atlantic City Boardwalk compliments this perfectly.
With its exciting Roman theme and prime position, you really do get the full Vegas experience whilst also enjoying the thrill of its beachside location. It’s a combination that is hard to beat, certainly in the summer months.
When deciding on the casino for your Atlantic City adventure, you have two choices – a resort located directly on the Boardwalk, or one of three resorts set further inland in the Marina District. Being a first time Atlantic City visitor, along with a lover of beachside locations, I decided the Boardwalk would be the perfect base for me. It’s a decision I am glad I made.
Prior to booking I had heard some negative feedback about Atlantic City in general. Many people told me not to expect too much, that the Boardwalk had long since seen better days, and to be careful with some of the characters when exploring the city on foot.
However, I am delighted to say that during my stay I found both the Boardwalk and the beach to be clean and tidy, well patrolled by Security staff, and at no time did I feel unsafe. In fact quite the opposite. Granted there are some shuttered buildings and casinos from yesteryear, but this did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the city.
Caesars Atlantic City is located at the southern end of the Boardwalk, between Tropicana and Bally’s, and is ideal for exploring the area with ease. It also allows for some stunning ocean views from many of the hotel rooms in the property.
I made full use of the Boardwalk Tram Service to explore the casinos on offer and found this service to be extremely convenient, with trams regularly running up and down the entire Boardwalk.
Tickets start at $4 for a single ride ($2 for children under 12) and $10 for an all-day pass. The hop on hop off tram will pick you up and drop you off directly outside Caesars. Operating hours vary by season, so check the current timings before you arrive.
Of course, you could just get a traditional taxi but where is the fun in that? The tram service comes thoroughly recommend, with optional ice cream accompaniment during the summer season!
Caesars is my favourite place to gamble whilst in Atlantic City. The casino floor, set over 2 levels, has 145,000 square feet of gaming space, more than 3,000 slot machines, and 150 table games. The vibe is pretty lively and upbeat, probably more so than I’ve experienced at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, but that may be due to the compact casino space in comparison. One thing was certainly clear during my visit is the players were there to have fun while they were gambling!
The casino is separated into several areas;
Caesars also operates Wild Wild West, a small casino which connects Caesars with Bally’s. As the name suggests this area sports an Old West theme and houses a small selection of slot machines, table and arcade games, along with a mechanical bull should you have the desire to ride it.
Whilst not technically part of the Caesars property it is directly attached and worth a visit to see the alternative theming. When I visited during midweek the casino was extremely quiet, although I am told when the live bands play on “Country Thursdays” or at weekends the space is a lot livelier.
Overall, I would say that the casino at Caesars Atlantic City is a great place to gamble. The second floor casino space is especially great to look at, is incredibly well maintained and the atmosphere upbeat. The first floor is slightly older, and I hope it will benefit from the same treatment in the future. I found the cocktail waitresses and gaming staff to be both friendly and approachable.
If you are a table game enthusiast then there is plenty of choice at Caesars Atlantic City, with approximately 150 on offer.
Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and Baccarat can all be found easily plus various poker games, although the dedicated poker room at Caesars is no longer open.
Tables are well-maintained, dealers are fun, and there’s usually a good atmosphere to be found.
Classic table games:
Variants:
The Blackjack minimums start at $10 or $15, Craps is typically $15, double zero Roulette is $10 or $15 and Poker games start at $10. Pai Gow & Baccarat start at $25. In addition, there is a single zero Roulette table in the high limit room with a minimum bet of $100.
Now I am predominantly a slots player and found the slot selection excellent overall. As with most US casinos these days, there are denominations and bet levels to cater to everyone’s wallet.
In Caesars Atlantic City you will find around 3000 slot machines in total with most modern games featured. That's comparable to even the best online casinos. The majority of slots can be located on the second floor, although a few of the older machines are downstairs too.
During my stay at Caesars Atlantic City, I particularly enjoyed playing the following games;
My luck during the stay was pretty good and the slot variety diverse enough to keep me entertained throughout all three days.
For me, one of the main pleasures while gambling is to indulge in a beverage or two, and naturally I expect the waitress service to be regular during one of my gambling sessions.
In reality, though, this can be incredibly hit or miss. Having said that, I have to say that my experience at Caesars Atlantic City was one of the best I have ever had. The reason? The comped drinks light system!
Now I’ve only ever seen this method of ordering drinks while playing slots in action once before and that was at Westgate in Las Vegas. Sadly it was not offered there for long.
The idea is that you are only offered a complimentary drink once you have “qualified” for one, meaning you have gambled sufficiently since your last drink.
This is tracked by your players card and indicated by a green light on the slot machine you are playing. On average I was gambling between $3.50 - $5.00 a spin and the green light lit after half a dozen spins or so. The only other restriction I found was that you are only permitted to order a drink once every 20 minutes.
The benefit of this system is that you order the drink you want at the machine (in fact the system has the ability for you to save your favourite drinks for easy selection next time) and the order is automatically sent directly to the bar. Once the drink has been made and the order picked up the system is updated to say the order is on its way. Ideal, and in practice it worked like a dream with each order delivered within minutes.
For me this system is the best way to manage the whole comped drinks process in casinos as it benefits all parties. The casino is happy as they are only rewarding gamblers, the gamblers are happy as they are getting regular service and, hopefully, it results in better tips for the cocktail waitresses. Ultimately, it’s a win win all round.
The only note of caution I’d add is that couples used to gambling together at slots machines won’t be able to get a comped drink each with this system, so that’s something to consider.
In terms of types of drinks on offer, you can order a selection of beers, spirits, cocktails, or wine using the automated system. My go to drink is a Budweiser so they had little problem catering to my needs!
As with most modern resorts, bar-top gaming is available at Caesars Atlantic City.
If you pull up a stool at a bar-top game, you don’t have to play it. However, you should maybe consider it as you can receive comped drinks in return. As with the slots, this works on the same green light system, with the machine telling you when you have qualified for a drink.
Bar-top game options are usually quite limited - Video Poker, Blackjack, and a few fairly basic slot games. It’s still a lot of fun, though, and can often be a more sociable way of gambling due to regular interactions with bar staff as well as adjacent players.
The casino was well maintained, had a lively vibe as well as a comprehensive slot selection. The complimentary drinks service was also second to none. My room in the Centurion Tower was spotless and I thoroughly enjoyed the ocean view.
If sports betting is your thing then you’ll find a great Sportsbook located in the Wild Wild West Casino between Caesars and Bally’s. As with many Sportsbooks in Atlantic City the Caesars Sportsbook is operated by William Hill.
This area boasts over 15,000 square feet of sports betting space, with more than 100 leather recliners and five fan caves. Each cave features a 100-inch screen, a games table, sofa seating and an Xbox. There is also a full-service bar with a ‘Beer Yourself’ wall. Here, you buy a pass from the bar, select your beer from one of the 16 taps available and serve yourself.
You will need to show a betting slip to gain entry into the Sportsbook, and there is additional waitress service provided at weekends.
Sportsbooks at brand new casinos have definitely raised the bar, but Caesars' is exceptional by any standards.
For those that are seeking the thrill of higher limit gaming, there is a superb high limit room at Caesars Atlantic City. This includes a single zero Roulette table along with Blackjack and Baccarat tables with the same $100 minimum.
High limit slots are also featured, with a good selection including Dragon Link, All Aboard, and Pinball. Minimum bets on many machines are $5 and upwards (depending on denomination) so you don’t necessarily need to be a high limit player to play.
It is important to note that with many of the high limit Link games the, $5 bet does still qualify you for the high limit Major and Grand jackpots, which are significantly higher than the machines you will find on the main casino floor.
As with most high limit areas, the gaming is a lot quieter than on the main casino floor, so I tend to head there when I just want to relax, enjoy a drink, and gamble without any distractions. There is dedicated waitress service and a private bathroom, which makes for a nice alternative to the main casino area.
Cash is king in Atlantic City. While everywhere else in the world is moving towards more electronic spending and digital money, cash is still very much the predominant spend, certainly when it comes to gambling.
Of course, restaurants, bars, shows and attractions are happy to accept electronic payments as you would expect. However, when it comes to playing on slot machines or laying down bets on table games, it’s cash that you need.
My advice for gambling in Atlantic City is to arrive with the cash you want to spend. ATM services are offered, but withdrawal fees are high across the city. This is particularly the case for foreign travellers as charges for withdrawing sums of money over and above the usual ATM limits can run to $100 or more.
Land based casinos still best fast payout online casinos in terms of how quickly you can withdraw your winnings. Just take you chips to the cashier's cage or your TITO (ticket in, ticket out) to a redemption terminal and you;ll get money in your hand immediately. Obviously jackpots take a little emore time, though.
Caesars Atlantic City has 1,144 rooms spread over 3 hotel towers, namely the Centurion, Ocean & Forum Towers. There is also a Nobu Hotel occupying 85 rooms on the top three floors of the Centurion Tower.
Rooms start from a standard 400 square foot Forum Deluxe King right up to a 1,350 square foot Emperor Suite. Standard rooms feature all the usual amenities you would expect including ensuite bathroom, television, fridge, safe, shampoo/conditioner, iron/ironing board and hairdryer.
For my stay I opted for a Centurion Premium King with ocean view and found this to be a great choice. My understanding is that the Centurion Tower is the nicest of the three and my room looked newly remodelled.
I was also very impressed with the view from my window which looked out over the beach and Atlantic Ocean…so much so that every time I walked past the window I couldn’t resist a peak! Should your budget not stretch to the Centurion, the next best option is the Ocean, with the entry level rooms found in the Forum Tower.
Caesars Atlantic City has a number of bars with different themes to appeal to a wide range of visitors. Some highlights include:
Caesars Atlantic City has a great selection of restaurants, from celebrity chefs to quick bites.
Higher end dining options include Gordon Ramsay’s Bar & Grill as well as Hell’s Kitchen, world-renowned Japanese restaurant Nobu, and Superfrico which serves classic Italian American dishes.
Mid-level options include Kiwi Noodle House, Slice Pizzeria, Morton’s Steakhouse, and Guy’s Bar-B-Que Joint. Meanwhile, if you want a quick bit, AC Snack Attack and the Tazza Café should prove more than sufficient.
During my stay I tended to eat my breakfast at Gordon Ramsay’s Bar & Grill, which happens to be my favourite Ramsay restaurant. The meals were excellent and the cost very reasonable. I also enjoyed Tazza Café for its deli options along with their delicious ice cream.
Caesars Atlantic City no longer offers a buffet option.
Caesars Entertainment has had a partnership with Spiegelworld in Las Vegas for a number of years now, putting on a number of circus inspired shows at their properties all over Sin City. Now Caesars has brought Spiegelworld to Atlantic City with an all-new show called ‘Hook’.
The show is billed as “an adults only homage to Atlantic City’s glorious (and notorious) golden age”. Now, based on previous Spiegelworld shows I’ve seen (Absinthe, Atomic Saloon and Opium) I have no doubt that I would thoroughly enjoy this new show.
Sadly I was unable to see this during my visit so whilst I can’t directly recommend it, I will recommend Spiegelworld’s productions in general. Expect a lot of adult humour and spectacular acrobatics and I look forward to catching the show during my next visit.
Tickets are priced from $68, with show times as follows:
Caesars Atlantic City has a small pool located on the rooftop of the Qua Baths and Spa, which is nice spot for relaxing during the summer. Unfortunately, all seats are chargeable – a $15 daily charge for a regular seat up to $350 for a Premium Cabana.
Whilst I wasn’t necessarily looking to use this pool during my stay, the $15 seat charge, which is not included within the $39 daily Resort Fee, would have put me off. For a pool that is quite modest this seems excessive and somewhat unnecessary.
It is also worth noting that there is no indoor pool for use during the winter months.
Caesars Atlantic City has a Qua Baths and Spa which is very similar to the one at Las Vegas sister property Caesars Palace.
It is slightly smaller, although is boasts all the same treatments, plus a few different ones, and has the same outstanding Roman Baths theming throughout.
A fitness center in included as well, as is a Salon for all your hair, nail, and makeup needs.
Caesars Atlantic City is one of three Caesars owned properties in Atlantic City, the others being Tropicana (also on the Boardwalk) and Harrah’s (located in the Marina District). One benefit of this is that all of these properties operate under one rewards programme called Caesars Rewards.
If you are a gambler, the Caesars Rewards programme is a must join and provides great rewards and benefits, depending on your tier level. Of course,
the higher the level, the better rewards you receive, as can be shown below:
To sign up you need to be at least 21 years of age and have some photographic ID. Just go along to the Caesars Rewards desk at any Caesars resort to register.
It is then in your best interests to show or use this card anytime you spend money in any Caesars resort.
With gambling, this means inserting it into a slot machine before you spin or handing it to your dealer when you play at a table.
But that’s not all, lots of other spend can also be included too. Make sure you show your card in shops, restaurants, bars, and shows when you purchase anything in any Caesars resort including Caesars Atlantic City. This goes for your room costs too.
Every time you spend money, Reward Credits will be added to your card to help you climb the tiers and receive better benefits.
One of the mistakes I made in my first few years of gambling was to never join the various reward programmes on offer. If you gamble, no matter at what level, there are benefits to be had.
I find Caesars Rewards to be very generous in relation to free hotel rooms, although you will need to attain Diamond status to avoid paying Resort Fees, which total $39 per day at Caesars Atlantic City. It is however worth noting that these fees can be waived at the back end of your stay regardless of your tier status based on your play. A visit to the rewards desk before you leave is always recommended!
Of course, the benefits are specifically designed to entice and encourage you to return to a Caesars property, but assuming you were planning to do that anyway you may as well enjoy some benefits for doing so.
With Caesars Rewards you receive one Reward Credit for every $5 you play at their slot machines. Credits at table games are based on your average bet along with how long you play. You will also receive bonus Reward Credits for achieving certain daily targets.
But that is not all, you also receive one Reward Credit for every $1 spent at participating resorts, restaurants, and shops, including their Las Vegas properties. All this is tracked on the Caesars Rewards app and updated in real time.
My advice would be to sign up, use the card at every opportunity and just see what offers you receive. You may well be surprised!
This was my first ever visit to Atlantic City, and despite some negative opinions I had heard prior to arrival I loved it. The beach was beautiful, the Boardwalk exceptionally clean (not to mention easy to explore via the tram service), and I felt safe everywhere I went. In short, it exceeded my expectations.
Caesars Atlantic City was also the perfect base. The casino was well maintained, had a lively vibe as well as a comprehensive slot selection. The complimentary drinks service was also second to none. My room in the Centurion Tower was spotless and I thoroughly enjoyed the ocean view. Food was tasty throughout the resort, with a special shout out to Ramsay’s Bar & Grill.
Whilst I must acknowledge that my visit to Atlantic City was during the summer months, so was timed perfectly to explore all that the Boardwalk area had to offer, I will certainly be back and I can’t see myself staying anywhere else.
Matt Bridger has been a regular visitor to Las Vegas since 1998 and has enjoyed over 50 trips to Sin City since then. He is an experienced slot player in both the UK & US, and recently completed a three-week gambling road trip frequenting casinos across America from the east to west coast. Matt also has a successful YouTube channel and has been vlogging his gambling trips in Las Vegas since 2014.
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