Christie tours Revel as countdown to casino opening continues

March 27, 2012
  • <p><p>A view from the spa at Revel. (Photo courtesy of Revel Entertainment)</p></p>

    <p>A view from the spa at Revel. (Photo courtesy of Revel Entertainment)</p>

  • <p><p>One of the rooms in Revel with an ocean view. (Photo courtesy of Revel Entertainment)</p></p>

    <p>One of the rooms in Revel with an ocean view. (Photo courtesy of Revel Entertainment)</p>

  • <p><p>A look at one of the 10 pools at Revel. (Photo courtesy of Revel Entertainment)</p></p>

    <p>A look at one of the 10 pools at Revel. (Photo courtesy of Revel Entertainment)</p>

  • <p><p>A look at one of the beer fridges in the casino-hotel. (Photo courtesy of Revel Entertainment)</p></p>

    <p>A look at one of the beer fridges in the casino-hotel. (Photo courtesy of Revel Entertainment)</p>

  • <p><p>A look above some of the slot machines at the new Revel casino-hotel. (Photo courtesy of Revel Entertainment)</p></p>

    <p>A look above some of the slot machines at the new Revel casino-hotel. (Photo courtesy of Revel Entertainment)</p>

  • <p><p>Revel sits right outside the ocean in Atlantic City. (Photo courtesy of Revel Entertainment)</p></p>

    <p>Revel sits right outside the ocean in Atlantic City. (Photo courtesy of Revel Entertainment)</p>

  • <p><p>Revel opens April 2. (Photo courtesy of Revel Entertainment)</p></p>

    <p>Revel opens April 2. (Photo courtesy of Revel Entertainment)</p>

  • <p><p>The Revel casino-hotel stands 47 stories tall. (Phil Gregory/WHYY)</p></p>

    <p>The Revel casino-hotel stands 47 stories tall. (Phil Gregory/WHYY)</p>

  • <p><p>A view of the Altantic Ocean from Revel in Atlantic City. (Phil Gregory/WHYY)</p></p>

    <p>A view of the Altantic Ocean from Revel in Atlantic City. (Phil Gregory/WHYY)</p>

  • <p><p>A look at one of the tables at Revel. The new casino-hotel boasts 130,000 square feet of casino space. (Phil Gregory/WHYY)</p></p>

    <p>A look at one of the tables at Revel. The new casino-hotel boasts 130,000 square feet of casino space. (Phil Gregory/WHYY)</p>

During a tour of the sparkling new building on the ocean’s edge, Gov. Chris Christie said the new Revel casino-hotel represents the key to the revitalization of long-struggling Atlantic City.

The governor said Tuesday the $2.4 billion Revel is one of the most spectacular resorts he’s ever seen and expects it will motivate other Atlantic City casinos to revitalize their properties.

“I think that one of the things that Revel will be is a catalyst for additional modernization and investment by the other casinos to say, listen, if we grow more people here coming to the region and we’re offering something that looks nice further down the boardwalk, maybe people will want to look there as well, ” Christie said.

The state provided $260 million in tax incentives to get the project completed.

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CEO Kevin DeSanctis expects Revel will attract more than just avid gamblers. He says its restaurants, pools, and beach will boost the overall tourist trade in Atlantic City.

“We haven’t made one dollar yet, but our first goal is not to worry about that part of it. Our first goal is to make sure that people come and they have the type of experience that we’ve promised,” DeSanctis said. “If that happens, then I’m not worried about the money. The money will come.”

The new casino will open to the public Monday.

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