The last night of the year has historically been a major bottom-line booster for casinos as their most opulent annual bacchanals typically have been New Year’s Eve bashes for what are commonly called “high rollers.”
But the hoi-polloi are never ignored: Non-gamblers (and those with modest budgets) have always availed themselves of parties and/or headliner performances. And while last year’s festivities were torpedoed by COVID-19, this Dec. 31 will see a return to the old ways.
Below is a sampling of public offerings at regional casinos:
Bally’s Atlantic City
Legendary Philly radio deity Jerry Blavat hosts a soiree that includes an open bar, surf-and-turf dinner, dancing, a performance by “Sound of Philadelphia” stalwarts, the Blue Notes (“If You Don’t Know Me By Now”), and a midnight champagne toast.
$150 per person; tickets must be purchased by 8 p.m. Dec. 24.
Golden Nugget Atlantic City
The party at The Wave nightclub features a three-hour open bar (8-to-11 p.m.), party favors, midnight toast and music by The Exceptions.
Tickets: $75 per person.
Hard Rock Hotel Casino Atlantic City
Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Chicago hit the stage at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena at 10:30 p.m. Tickets here.
Priceless performs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Lobby Bar. No cover charge.
Caesars Atlantic City
The Go Wild NYE revelry begins at 9 p.m. at the Wild Wild West Casino, with partiers enjoying an open bar, photo booth, dancing to the sounds of Lost in Paris and Garden State Radio! and mechanical bull riding.
Tickets are $60 per person.
Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack
A no-cover-charge party featuring Kristen and the Noise begins at 10 p.m. at the C-Bar.
Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
The Pool After Dark is Party Central at the bayside gambling hall as DJ Chris Divine gets the party started (and keeps it going) with the help of DJ Dnial. There are three packages available:
Early Bird Open Bar offers revelers unlimited libations between 8 and 11 p.m. $75 per person.
Prix Fixe Dinner provides the Vibe Dining experience in addition to the 8 to 11 p.m. open bar. $195 per person.
General Admission gets you in at 11 p.m. $50 per person.
Tickets here.
Live! Casino-Hotel Philadelphia
The NYE Red & White Gala at the Live! Event Center features a dinner buffet, open bar and dancing to the area’s most popular “party band,” Don’t Call Me Francis. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $500 per person (two-ticket minimum).
The revelry begins at 9 p.m. at Sports & Social: General Admission includes food and a selection of bottled and draft beers, cocktails (no shots), wine and midnight toast. $89 per person.
VIP Booth Package includes the General Admission offerings as well as sofa/table seating for six, two bottles of champagne and a dedicated server. $235 per person.
Tickets here.
Ocean Casino Resort
The recently opened Nola’s Bar & Lounge is hosting a party that begins at 6 p.m. From 7 to 11 p.m., The Rockets perform, followed by 3AM Tokyo. A complementary midnight champagne toast is included in the $50 per person admission fee. Tickets here.
Parx
360 Lounge party features the bands Sidearm and Fish Out of Water and DJ Tonka from 7 p.m.
General admission: $25; table for two: $100; table for four: $200. Tickets here.
Resorts Atlantic City
Tony Orlando performs at 10:30 p.m. Tickets here.
Rivers Philadelphia
The Event Center hosts a party, beginning at 10 p.m., featuring the Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band, Let’s Groove Tonight. The $89-per-person cover includes an open bar, food stations, and a midnight champagne toast.
The $149-per-person ticket includes the above plus access to the balcony for the midnight fireworks display. Tickets here.
Tropicana Atlantic City
The popular retro-focused danceteria, Boogie Nights, is offering an open bar and hot hors d’oeuvres between 9 and 11 p.m. and a midnight toast, as well as entertainment by the Boogie Nights characters. Individual admission is $200, $150 and $100. VIP table packages are also available. Tickets here.