Bally’s Atlantic City Goes Adults-Only After Customers Complain About Unruly Kids

Posted on: August 9, 2023, 12:38h. 

Last updated on: August 8, 2023, 11:41h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

Bally’s Atlantic City no longer allows guests under the age of 21 from accessing parts of its resort.

Bally's Atlantic City pool fitness center
The Bally’s Atlantic City indoor pool is now reserved for guests aged 21 and older. Casino officials say after numerous complaints, the resort is hoping to offer a more serene atmosphere in the glass-domed facility. (Image: Bally’s Atlantic City)

The Atlantic City Boardwalk property recently announced on its social media channels that only adults aged 21 and older are now allowed in the casino’s indoor pool and fitness center. Resort officials say the change comes after numerous customers complained about unruly children and teens ruining their guest experience.

Bally’s Atlantic City is undergoing a more than $100 million renovation that will result in a new hotel lobby, a new carousel bar that rotates 360 degrees, a new high-limit gaming room, an indoor/outdoor beer garden, and over 400 of the latest slot machines coming to the main gaming space.

The $100 million update additionally includes Bally’s renovating all 750 standard guest rooms, plus incorporating 112 corner suites and 16 penthouse-style occupancies into the property. Bally’s is the third-oldest casino in Atlantic City, behind Resorts and Caesars. Bally’s opened as Bally’s Park Place on Dec. 29, 1979.

Adult Swim

Bally’s officials reported that many guests have found the resort’s pool and fitness center to be unenjoyable because of loud kids.

“After receiving many complaints, Bally’s changed its pool accessibility to guests 21 years or older, and it has been well-received,” said Michael Monty, Bally’s Atlantic City general manager.

The casino’s social media posts took a more promotional tone.

Due to customer demand, Bally’s Pool & Fitness will be available to ADULTS ONLY (21+),” an Instagram post read. “Kick back, relax, and take a dip!”

Many online responses to the Bally’s pool and fitness center age change celebrated the news, with many saying Atlantic City now has a more appropriate destination for younger guests.

“Go take kids to the Showboat,” said one Instagram user.

The Showboat opened its $100 million Island Waterpark on June 30. The 120,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor complex features 11 water slides, a wave and surf simulator, a waterfall, a lazy river, and an adventure pool, among other attractions.

The Island Waterpark, however, isn’t cheap. Day passes begin at $89. For a family of four, that comes to $404.96 after taxes and a processing fee. Island Waterpark is currently offering a buy three, get one promotion with the online code, “BUY3GET1.”

Bally’s isn’t close to the Showboat, as the Boardwalk properties are nearly a mile apart.

Underage Movement

All persons under the age of 21 years old are prohibited from gambling in Atlantic City. Underage persons are also not to have access to the nine casino floors.

Though each of the nine resorts allows people aged 18 and older to book a hotel room and stay at the resorts, such guests aren’t to hang in or around the casino spaces.

Atlantic City casinos do allow guests aged 18 and older to patronize their many restaurants, retail shops, arcades, and other attractions. Casinos typically have designated corridors that allow underage guests to traverse the casino area without conflict.

Persons under 18 aren’t supposed to book casino hotel rooms or be on the properties unless accompanied by an adult.