Borgata Hotel Finally reopens their Poker rooms

Current state of poker scene in Atlantic City

In Atlantic City, New Jersey, the poker scene has been awfully silent since the casino operations’ closure in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with the reopening of casinos in July, the poker rooms are yet to resume work. However, this will change on Wednesday this week. Borgata Hotel, Casino, and Spa management have announced that they will be reopening the poker room.

Precautions Against Coronavirus Spread

Although the Borgata poker room is ready to welcome players, the business will not be as usual. The 77- poker room will reopen with several restrictions to safeguard the customers from coronavirus spread. Melonie Johnson, the Borgata COO, expressed their delight in welcoming back the players as they reopen Atlantic City’s leading poker destination.

Out of the 77 poker tables available on the premise, only 30 are opened to the public. This is to ensure social distance. Normally, the tables would consist of nine players and spectators. But with the new guidelines, the games will be seven handed with no spectators allowed to watch the action. During the reopening, only cash games will be provided

The tables have been partitioned with plexiglass, and hand sanitizers are available all over the room. Players and staff are further required to wear masks in all shared areas. The management is taking necessary precautions against the COVID-19 situation.

The Delayed Reopening Timeline

New Jersey has been among the most cautious states when it comes to reopening the economy. Phil Murphy, the Governor of New Jersey, permitted the reopening of brick and mortar casinos as of 2 July. However, he prohibited food and drinks from being served in the poker rooms. This move made Borgata re-strategize its reopening plan. Food is banned in the game room, while beverages will be served.

The ban caused the delayed timeline, making New Jersey among the last states to resume live poker. New York and Massachusetts are yet to reopen the commercial casinos. The California regulators allowed outdoor poker games to prevent the spread of the virus.

Bottom Line

Borgata is the largest casino in Atlantic City. Even with its 30 table capacity, it would still generate the highest revenue in the New Jersey poker scene. The Borgata poker room reopening reassures players that the Atlantic City casino scene is making a comeback. Players can also rest easy knowing that necessary measures are in place for a safe gaming environment.