UPDATE: The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City has just unveiled a stunning new 25,000-square-foot gaming floor dedicated to popular Asian casino games, including Pai Gow Poker, Sic Bo, and Baccarat. This urgent move comes ahead of the summer season as the global casino market is projected to grow by $132.17 billion between 2024 and 2028.
This strategic expansion aims to attract Asian travelers who frequent casinos, enhancing the gaming experience with staff fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, and Vietnamese. The design incorporates cultural elements like red and gold, colors thought to symbolize good fortune in Chinese culture. “From lucky colors to refined craftsmanship, we considered every element to deliver the splendor our guests expect,” stated Niklas Rytterstrom, President and COO of Borgata.
In addition to the gaming floor, a new pan-Asian fusion restaurant, Noodles, has opened right on the casino floor, allowing visitors to indulge in dishes like Chinese barbecue and hand-pulled noodles during gaming breaks. Previously located in the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, the restaurant’s décor features Qing Dynasty-era porcelain rice jars, creating an immersive dining experience.
Borgata’s new casino space also includes the B Bar, offering premium Japanese whiskies such as Shibui 23 and Yamazaki 18, and tableside gaming machines for added entertainment.
The move is backed by significant data; a recent report from Inpay reveals that the gambling market in Asian countries—China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea—is valued at over $104 billion, accounting for 23% of global gambling revenue last year. This influx is expected to significantly impact U.S. casinos as they adapt to the preferences of Asian gamblers.
As Atlantic City hotels and casinos attempt to capture this lucrative market, competition is heightened. Major players like Las Vegas Sands reported that $7.1 billion of their $11.3 billion revenue last year came from their Asian operations, highlighting the growing trend of elite gamblers traversing major cities and luxury hotels.
With the gambling landscape evolving, all eyes are on Borgata as it embraces this opportunity to attract a new clientele. The strategic focus on Asian traditions and preferences is not only a business decision but also a recognition of the cultural richness that influences global gaming.
This announcement marks a significant shift in Atlantic City’s approach to gaming, aligning with broader trends in the luxury gambling market. As the summer season approaches, stakeholders will closely monitor how these changes affect foot traffic and revenue.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Borgata positions itself at the forefront of this exciting market shift.
