ATLANTIC CITY- The Golden Nugget Atlantic City has been operating under an interim casino license and last year the owner said the Casino Control Commission wouldn't be able to recognize the place when he was done. Now, 9 months later, he's kept his word and Wednesday, casino executives learned their fate.

Golden Nugget Atlantic City's Vice President and Treasurer, Richard Liem took the stand Wednesday to explain to the Casino Control Commission exactly why they deserved to be granted a casino license, after operating under an interim license since last may. "It is dramatically better than it was 9- months ago," explained Liem.

Since Houston based Landry’s Inc. bought the casino, formerly known as Trump Marina, for $38 million dollars, they've invested $150 million dollars to completely overhaul the property to re-brand themselves, proving the Golden Nugget is here to stay. Liem said while on the stand, "It's an outstanding property, as good as anything you would get anywhere else. From an old and tired and just sort of an older property, it's truly revitalized. Rooms are outstanding, casino floor, Gratto restaurant into the casino- it's stunning."

Owner Tilman Fertitta has pumped a lot of his own money into improving the casino, updating rooms, adding four new restaurants, a new poker room, and soon to be open spa and party pit... giving the Casino Control Commission full confidence that the property will continue to thrive.

The commission then unanimously voted to license the owners of the Golden Nugget. Casino Control Commission Chair, Linda Kassekert said, "So far, Mr. Fertitta has proven to be a man of his word and obviously meets our requirements for character, honesty and integrity... reached into his own pockets to put tens of millions of dollars into the property and demonstrated tremendous commitment to employees and to Atlantic City. Congratulations!"

The Golden Nugget was only one of two casinos to post a revenue increase in January and with so many changes, executives believe the Golden Nugget's future will be profitable. Tom Pohlman, Executive Vice President and Golden Nugget General Manager said, "Given the construction and the disruption that we've had over the past nine months, its amazing that our business has been as strong as it is…we're 85 percent complete with renovations, so we're looking forward to a new beginning."

Renovations at the Golden Nugget and are expected to be wrapped up by the end of April.

Casino executives are planning on holding a grand opening celebration sometime in May.

While Golden Nugget executives say there is no way to tell if the soon to be open Revel Casino will hurt their business, they do think revel will help because they will both be new and both be great properties to draw more people into Atlantic City.