The rumors from the last few months or so are true: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City is building a permanent sportsbook.
The official construction announcement of the new Borgata Sportsbook is hot off the press release.
Parent company MGM International doesn’t seem to be sparing any expense either. We’re talking “an entertaining bar experience with sports wagering.” Numbers wise, it will add more than $11 million in development to the property.
Think summer 2019. Yes, prime season at the Jersey Shore if not NJ sports betting.
A new sportsbook at Borgata Atlantic City
Borgata generated its share of sports betting buzz back in June by becoming the first Atlantic City Casino to accept a legal sports wager.
The first actual bet was made at Monmouth Park by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. NBA Hall-of-Famer Julius Erving placed the first bet at the temporary Borgata space on June 14.
It came three days after the state’s sports betting bill was signed.
A word from Marcus Glover, president and COO for Borgata:
“Since Borgata arrived in the Atlantic City market more than 15 years ago, we have maintained a steadfast dedication to property growth and development, with our new concept exemplifying this objective. We are proud to have been at the forefront of legalized sports betting in New Jersey and look forward to advancing our product with an innovative gaming and entertainment experience for our guests to enjoy.”
Borgata transformed a space dedicated to the horse racing into the Borgata Race & Sports Book.
Borgata + NJ sports betting
The current temporary space features:
- 10 betting windows
- 100 seats with individual flat-screen monitors
- Video wall with screens to view live sporting events
- An in-venue bar offering a variety of cold beers and cocktails
Specifics on the new space have yet to be announced, but one can imagine with $11 million in play that it will be something expansive.
MGM, for its part, has more than one skin in the New Jersey sports betting game.
On Aug. 22, Borgata launched the playMGM NJ mobile sports betting app. It offers a full range of US and international sports and betting options.
MGM knows sports betting
Parent company MGM International brought a wealth of sports betting experience to the Garden State. We’re talking 25-plus years of sports wagering in Nevada.
According to the Borgata press release, the company’s resorts combine to write more than four million sports wagers each year with annual handle that exceeds $1 billion.
With sports betting becoming big-time business across the country, MGM isn’t resting on its laurels.
In the last months of 2018, MGM established strategic relationships with professional sports teams and leagues. Deals are in place with the NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLB and the New York Jets.