By Andrew DeCredico
On the promenade of Sea Isle City folks can see many family owned businesses that date back generations. Owners have made businesses into generational commitments and families try their hardest to make each summer better than the last. One familiar view to anyone who has walked the promenade in the past 40 years is Boardwalk Casino Arcade. After the brutal storm in March of 1962, the town was left to rebuild their homes and businesses.
Although built in 1976 by Dick DeCredico, to replace a dilapidated miniature golf course, the original configuration of what is now Boardwalk Casino then included six new individually run retail ventures on Sea Isle City’s Promenade. The arcade, then known as Danny’s, was only 625 square feet. The building was the first “new” venture on the promenade south of John F. Kennedy, Boulevard in quite some time.
In the summer of 1978, much had transformed from the previous two years. Boardwalk Casino Arcade, Richard’s Place Restaurant, The Ice Cream Barn, and The T-Shirt Shack were all under one family ownership and management at 42nd and the promenade. The arcade doubled its size too, to 1350 square feet. Times were different back then and the games were too. Classic games seen at the arcade included Skeeball, pinball machines, foosball, a few claw machines called cranes, and the newest hit: a video game called Space Invaders.
In 1979 the arcade further expanded, absorbing the space of The T-Shirt Shack. This change was necessitated by the growth of the video game era. Games like Asteroids and Galaxian were the newest and best thing, which almost eliminated demand for games like pinball. Skeeball however was still a prime source of family entertainment.
The following years saw the next expansion of Boardwalk Casino. Approximately 1000 square feet was added to the south west part of the building. Richard’s Place grew by 450 square feet, and the arcade gained 550 square feet. This is where classics like Pac Man and Millipede were introduced.
Continued growth of the arcade business prompted another addition of approximately 550 square feet to the arcade space in 1985. Between the 1980’s and 1990’s the arcade industry grew, and with that Boardwalk Casino Arcade also grew. The remaining food operations got smaller and smaller. By 1992 the restaurant operation on the south end of the building, and the ice cream business on the north end had no indoor seating and were directly accessible from the arcade.
From 1992 through 1997 the south end of the building turned into a haunted house themed shooting gallery. The arcade industry continued to evolve and this time period saw the growth of crane machines as well as entertaining redemption (prize) games such as Basketball, Cyclone, Skeeball, and slot machines.
Through the 1990’s the arcade continued to grow; for two years eliminating the food operations within the building. Video games were increasingly played at home, and in the arcade games grew in complexity toward all forms of prize opportunities. Games like Raptor Captor, Wonder Wheel, SpIndependence Day, Big Bass Wheel, Pirates Treasure, and Skeeball, the emphasis was on the prizes. Prizes included everything from the “classic” spider rings and army men to jewelry and licensed collectibles from companies such as Lenox, Disney and Vera Bradley.
In 2012 the “old” Boardwalk Casino building was torn down, and a new heated and air conditioned building was erected in its place. Approximately 3100 square feet of family based entertainment, the new Boardwalk Casino building hit its mark. With games like The Wizard of Oz, and Down The Clown inside, families could have a blast for hours. On the outside, the story was no different with kiddie rides such as an interactive ice cream truck, and a carousel. In 2015 the new building was given brand new wall to wall carpet, which added to the family friendly look as well as the feel.
Looking ahead to the summer of 2017 the arcade will be opening its doors for Easter weekend and remaining open weekends until summer really kicks off on Memorial Day. The arcade will be getting some new kiddie rides out front as well as some new games inside. Games like DC’s Super Heros, Crusin’ Blast, and The Walking Dead will be the new stars expected this year. In addition the favorite of the past few years, The Wizard of Oz, is getting some updated game play.
After many years of entertaining adults and children alike Owner/operators Steve and Tracey DeCredico are confident that this year will be the best one yet. New games like DC’s Super Heros will be balanced with classics like Skeeball and Slot Machines for a truly great summer. Here is to an amazing 40th summer season at Boardwalk Casino Arcade!
