The poker landscape in Atlantic City hasn’t seen a drastic change in a while. Some rooms have moved, expanded or contracted, but there hasn’t been a new kid on the block since the Borgata opened in 2003. That’s all about to change as two poker rooms are set to open within months of one another.
The Golden Nugget recently bought the Trump Marina and renovations have been under way to give the casino a big makeover, including a new poker room. With Goliath, (a.k.a. Borgata) right next door, the Golden Nugget is starting things on the low-key end with a 20-table room that will spread low-limit hold’em and other games upon request. Daily tournament schedules are yet to be put together but the Golden Nugget is expected to be another destination where tournament grinders can get their fix.
Not a day goes by here when a player doesn’t mention the Golden Nugget. The room was slated to open around press time for this issue, and should be a good draw for the casino as it continues some interior construction.
Speaking of construction, the Revel is still in the process of being erected next to the Trump Taj Mahal. While most of the outer structure looks like it’s nearing completion, there’s still a lot of work to be done before its projected May 2012 opening. Speculation and word of mouth is running rampant as to what the poker room at the Revel will be like and the consensus is it will rival the Borgata.
Atlantic City poker is closing out the year with a bang with two big tournament series. The Borgata’s Fall Poker Open (with a $1 million main event guarantee) wrapped up just as we were going to press. This month Harrah’s hosts its World Series of Poker Circuit stop (Dec. 1-12) with 12 chances at a coveted WSOPC ring.
With new poker rooms and new tournaments, the poker landscape in Atlantic City is changing for the better.
— Cris Belkewitch is the Ante Up Atlantic City Ambassador. A member of Team Bustout, his insight can be found at thepokerjourney.net.
