UPDATE: Rock on! Hard Rock Hotel & Casino blasts into Atlantic City with grand opening

Place your bets!

The much anticipated Grand Opening of two revitalized properties on the Atlantic City boardwalk, set for Thursday, came just a little bit early, with both the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Ocean Resort opening their doors to gamblers a day early.

The casinos both received permission Wednesday afternoon from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement to begin full operations, and they did just that.

David Rebuck, director of the gaming enforcement division, said Hard Rock was cleared for full operations as of 3 p.m., and Ocean Resort was given approval at 5:45 p.m.

We just couldn’t wait any longer… Come see us NOW! #TheOceanAC pic.twitter.com/Z6AxohC5x5 — Ocean Resort Casino (@TheOceanAC) June 27, 2018

Both wasted little time letting gamblers inside -- even as they pleaded for people to come to their scheduled Grand Openings.

The busy Thursday kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with a press conference in the Fort Pierce Room of the Hard Rock followed by a guitar smash opening in the Etess Arena at 11 a.m.

The Hard Rock will then officially welcome guests into the former Trump Taj Mahal property, offering a tour at 1 p.m.

Two doors down, Ocean Resort will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at the former Revel, featuring appearances from Governor Phil Murphy, Atlantic City Mayor Frank Gilliam, and Ocean Resort owner Bruce Deifik.

The Ocean Resort ceremony will take place at the Porte Cochere.

In May, Ocean Resort announced that they'd be joining the Hard Rock's big opening day, however since then, executives have said that the date was merely a coincidence.

Ocean Resort was granted a casino license for gaming just eight days ago, and promised to offer sports betting.

However, reports have circulated that the Hard Rock's 19,657 sq. foot gaming floor will not include sports betting just yet.

The Rock & Roll entertainment brand will host Carrie Underwood and Pitbull as headliners for opening weekend.

Guests also have the option of heading to Ocean Resort's two-story nightclub, HQ Squared, that will host DJ Diplo, DJ Cascade Jermaine Dupri, DJ Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano over the weekend.

Hard Rock also announced a fireworks show on the boardwalk set for 9 p.m. Thursday evening.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Alexis Johnson may be reached at ajohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @alexisjreports. Find nj.com on Facebook.