Ocean Casino Tees Up Holographic Mini Golf in Bold Non-Gaming Play

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – January 19, 2026 – Ocean Casino Resort has dramatically reimagined its entertainment portfolio, trading playing cards for putters with the grand opening of Ocean's 18 Mini Golf & Bar. The multi-million-dollar attraction, which officially opened its doors on January 17, is the first-ever mini golf course to be built inside an Atlantic City casino, signaling a significant investment in experiences that extend far beyond the traditional gaming floor. The launch event was a star-studded affair, with actor Christopher McDonald, famously known as "Shooter McGavin" from Happy Gilmore, sinking the ceremonial first putt alongside stars from MTV's Jersey Shore.

A Strategic Play in Atlantic City's Diversification Game

The arrival of Ocean's 18 is more than just a new amenity; it's a calculated move within a city-wide transformation. Atlantic City's casinos are increasingly investing in non-gaming attractions to broaden their appeal and create more resilient business models. This strategic pivot is paying dividends, with recent industry reports from 2024 indicating that non-gaming revenue now accounts for over half of the total net revenue for the city's resorts, a substantial increase from just a few years prior. Ocean's 18 enters this market as a high-profile example of this trend. While competitors offer arcades, high-end retail, and sprawling pool complexes, Ocean has placed its bet on an interactive, tech-infused social experience. The venue is designed to capture a wide demographic, from families on vacation to conventioneers looking for a team-building activity and couples on a first date. By creating an attraction that is not dependent on gambling, the resort aims to increase foot traffic, lengthen guest stays, and capture a larger share of visitors' entertainment budgets. This diversification is crucial for long-term growth in a competitive East Coast market, positioning the resort not just as a place to gamble, but as a comprehensive entertainment destination.

Fusing Nostalgia with Next-Generation Technology

At its core, Ocean's 18 taps into a beloved Jersey Shore tradition: mini golf. Yet, this is far from the classic boardwalk course. Described as a "Sip Swing Social," the 8,000-square-foot, two-level facility blends nostalgia with a distinctly futuristic edge. The main draw is its groundbreaking use of holographic technology from HYPERVSN, the same firm behind visual marvels in other major entertainment hubs. Upon entering, guests are greeted by "Ava the Avatar," a virtual human hologram who can interact with visitors in over 15 languages, offering tips and answering questions. This feature alone elevates the experience, providing a personalized and futuristic welcome. Dominating the space above the full-service bar is an even more impressive spectacle: a 12-foot Great White Shark hologram that appears to swim in mid-air, a nod to the region's coastal identity. According to the developers, it is the largest hologram ever installed inside a casino or mini golf course anywhere in the world. This technological integration is designed to create a "wow" factor, transforming a familiar pastime into an immersive and highly shareable social media moment. The two distinct nine-hole courses are designed to challenge players of all skill levels, ensuring the core activity remains engaging amidst the high-tech flourishes.

Designing an All-Ages Experience with a Nightlife Twist

The venue's operational model is a key component of its strategy to maximize appeal and revenue. From its morning opening until 9 p.m. nightly, Ocean's 18 welcomes guests of all ages, providing a much-needed family-friendly entertainment option within the casino environment. This allows the resort to cater to parents with children, multi-generational groups, and daytime visitors. However, as evening descends, the space undergoes a transformation. After 9 p.m., it becomes a vibrant, 21-and-over sports bar, with large-screen TVs broadcasting games and the bar serving a curated menu of signature cocktails like the "Jaws 18" blue martini and the "Pineapple Par." This dual-identity approach allows the business to tap into two distinct markets, ensuring the facility remains a high-energy destination throughout its operating hours. The experience is further modernized with digital gameplay features. Guests use QR codes on their phones for scoring, and a real-time leaderboard displays the day's top players, fostering a sense of friendly competition. The space is also fully adaptable for private and corporate events, with options to rent out one or both courses and even customize the holographic displays with company logos, adding a valuable revenue stream.

A Grand Opening and a Glimpse of the Future

The grand opening on January 17 was a testament to the venue's intended blend of pop culture and entertainment. Christopher McDonald, embracing his iconic "Shooter McGavin" persona, mingled with guests and took on the course, while MTV's Jersey Shore stars Sammi "Sweetheart" Giancola and Jenni "JWoww" Farley also made an appearance, drawing crowds and generating significant media buzz. The celebrity presence underscored the venue's goal to be a destination in its own right. "Ocean's 18 Mini Golf & Bar represents everything we strive for at Ocean Casino Resort, innovation, energy, and experiences that bring people together," said Bill Callahan, General Manager for the resort, in a statement. Mark Benevento, the venue's Owner/Operator, added that the attraction "reimagines what entertainment in Atlantic City can be" by blending "Jersey Shore culture and innovation." Looking ahead, this new attraction is just one part of a broader strategy. The resort has announced plans to launch a "Stay and Play" hotel package later this year, which will create partnerships with local full-size golf courses to attract serious golfers from the Northeast, further cementing its status as a multifaceted resort destination.