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Gambler’s guide to betting on sports in Atlantic City

Our guide to the best sports betting options down the Shore.

Customers watch NCAA March Madness games at the Hard Rock Casino's sportsbook in Atlantic City. In-person sports betting is expanding in New Jersey and other states.
Customers watch NCAA March Madness games at the Hard Rock Casino's sportsbook in Atlantic City. In-person sports betting is expanding in New Jersey and other states.Read moreWayne Parry / AP

Atlantic City’s sportsbook scene is about to see some major changes this summer.

Bally’s is opening a massive facility in the back of its Wild Wild West casino that will be “Vegas-esque,” said Lou DeFeo, who is overseeing construction. At 15,000-plus square feet, it will be more than twice the size of the Ocean Casino Resort sportsbook, currently the largest in A.C.

With more bells and whistles than a Mardi Gras parade, the Bally’s sportsbook will include five fan caves, 14 betting kiosks and windows, plus a high-limit line for those betting $25,000. Expected opening: early June.

Besides Bally’s, here’s a look at other top sportsbook options in Atlantic City:

The bet: The only A.C. sportsbook located smack in the middle of the casino floor. A circular room with a dizzying array of TVs, tickers, and oddsboards run by William Hill-US. Only had two betting kiosks as of mid-May, so in-game betting is a challenge. Beware of the signage on the Atlantic City Expressway. It’s still erroneously called the Ocean Beach or Ocean Beach Resort in a couple of places. It’s the Ocean Casino Resort, and it’s located next to the Hard Rock. TheOceanAC.com

Insider tip: If self-parking, try to get on the sixth floor of the garage. That’s where the sportsbook (and casino) is located.

The bet: DraftKings runs this sportsbook, which has plenty of theater-style seating and the most kiosks in Atlantic City. It’s also the closest sportsbook to the Boardwalk, which will be clutch for sunbathers. ResortsAC.com

Insider tip: There are plenty of electrical outlets and USB ports to recharge phones.

The bet: Harrah’s broke down some walls to transform its sportsbook into something really nice. Kiosks are coming in the summer, so be patient with the tellers if making in-game bets. Counted 57 couches with more seating at high-top tables and a long countertop. Caesars.com/Harrahs-AC

Insider tip: The best spot in Harrah’s to watch sports, at least during the day, is at a poolside cabana.

The bet: Quaint little area that is targeting casual bettors. Smoking is permitted at the bar, so bring the cigars. Hoping to have kiosks by football season. Running a unique promotion through the end of May. Bettors who wager $100 get a voucher for a free burger. hardrockhotels.com/atlantic-city

Insider tip: The Hard Rock’s property is massive. Use the entrance for the Sugar Factory restaurant if coming in from the Boardwalk.

The bet: Good-looking room with plenty of seating and TVs. One problem, especially at this time of the year, is that the Nugget is not allowed to offer NBA wagering because its owner, Tilman Fertitta, also owns the Houston Rockets. HardRockHotels.com/Atlantic-City

Insider tip: Self-parking is free.

The bet: Mostly high-top table seating, which gets a little cramped when it’s busy. The Trop has other viewing options, including a Chickie’s & Pete’s franchise 100 feet away. Another William Hill-run sportsbook, the wait to bet is almost always quick. Had two kiosks as of mid-May. Tropicana.net

Insider tip: When it’s too nice to stay indoors, Warsteiner’s outdoor beer garden and beach bar is a block up the Boardwalk.

The bet: They’ve long outgrown the cramped horse-racing parlor and will move into a renovated sportsbook in the summer. Should be sharp. They accept Borgata players’ cards, which will boost comps. Use the surface lot for self-parking. It’s the closest entrance to the sportsbook. No kiosks as of mid-May. TheBorgata.com

Insider tip: Bobby Flay’s steakhouse is arguably the best down here. But, for a quick bite, the nearby food court has plenty of decent options.

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