From September 3 to September 17, 2024, the BetMGM Borgata Poker Open returns to the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, promising an action-packed poker tournament with a whopping $4 million in guaranteed total payouts. As one of the year’s most highly anticipated poker events, it offers both seasoned professionals and passionate amateurs the chance to compete for life-changing sums of money.
This year’s tournament includes a broad mix of events, from deep stacks to the high-stakes Borgata Poker Open Championship, which will culminate in a live-streamed final table. For players who can’t make it in person or prefer online gaming, BetMGM offers numerous ways to qualify online, further democratizing entry into one of the East Coast’s biggest poker events.
This blending of online and live poker experiences underscores BetMGM’s strategy to create an inclusive environment for players of all levels, reflecting the evolution of modern poker.
A Comprehensive Poker Event with Big Stakes
The Borgata Poker Open has built a reputation as one of the leading poker tournaments in the U.S., offering a diverse range of games and formats for all types of players. With $4 million in guaranteed prize money, the stakes are higher than ever, making this year’s event a marquee moment in the world of competitive poker.
At the heart of the event is the Kick-Off Deep Stack, which starts on September 3. With a relatively affordable $800 buy-in, this tournament still offers a massive $1 million guaranteed prize pool, drawing players of all skill levels who are eager to make their mark early in the series. This opening event is a testament to Borgata’s ability to attract both casual and professional players alike, blending accessibility with high-stakes excitement.
The climax of the series is the Borgata Poker Open Championship, taking place from September 15 to 17, with a $3,500 buy-in and a $1.5 million guarantee. As the tournament progresses over several days, the competition will be fierce, with the final table set to be broadcast live. The live-streamed final adds another layer of intensity, as players get the chance to showcase their skills to a global audience, further cementing the event’s prestige.
But it’s not just these headline events that define the Borgata Poker Open. The schedule includes a variety of other tournaments that cater to different playing styles and bankrolls, from deep stacks to smaller buy-in games. This variety ensures that everyone, regardless of experience or resources, can find a tournament suited to their skills and ambitions.
The Integration of Online and Live Poker: A Game-Changer for Players
One of the most innovative features of this year’s Borgata Poker Open is the seamless integration of online and live poker. BetMGM Poker has worked hard to ensure that the tournament is as inclusive as possible, offering players the opportunity to win seats through weekly seat-only qualifiers for as little as $2. These online qualifiers run until September 12 and offer a low-risk, high-reward path to the live tournament for online players.
By opening the doors to players who might not typically be able to afford the higher buy-ins of a prestigious event like the Borgata Poker Open, BetMGM is broadening its appeal. This inclusive approach is a reflection of the broader trends in the poker world, where online platforms are playing an increasingly important role in attracting new players.
In addition to the online qualifiers, BetMGM is also offering chances to win packages for in-person events, allowing players to experience the excitement of a live poker tournament at one of the most iconic poker venues in the world. This approach reflects the growing demand for hybrid poker experiences that combine the accessibility of online gaming with the thrill of live events.
Luke Staudenmaier, BetMGM’s Director of Poker, emphasized the significance of this year’s event, stating, “BetMGM Poker is proud to power another multimillion-dollar Borgata Poker Open with a wide variety of events for players to choose from. This is another opportunity to showcase the exciting blend of online poker with the East Coast’s premier poker destination.”
Staudenmaier’s comment highlights the evolution of the poker industry, where the line between online and live play continues to blur. The inclusion of low-stakes online qualifiers for such a high-profile event demonstrates BetMGM’s commitment to engaging players across all levels, from recreational players to professionals.
The Economic Impact: New Jersey’s Gaming Revenue on the Rise
While the Borgata Poker Open promises a thrilling competition for players, the event is also part of a broader success story for New Jersey’s gaming industry. According to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the state’s casinos and horse tracks that offer sports betting recorded a total of $491 million in gaming revenue in June 2024.
This figure represents continued growth in the state’s gaming sector, and a deeper look into the numbers reveals some fascinating trends:
The casino win for Atlantic City’s nine casino properties reached $244.1 million, representing a 1 percent increase compared to June 2023. This growth reflects the enduring appeal of traditional casino gaming, particularly in a major tourist destination like Atlantic City.
Even more impressive was the growth in online gaming, where revenues soared by 25.2 percent year-on-year, reaching $186.8 million in June 2024. This surge in online gaming revenue demonstrates the increasing popularity of digital platforms, as more players turn to online casinos for convenience and accessibility.
However, not all sectors saw growth. Sports wagering gross revenue fell by 9.5 percent, with $60.1 million generated in June 2024 compared to $66.4 million the previous year. This decline may be a result of seasonal fluctuations or changes in betting habits, but it is a reminder that the gaming industry is not without its challenges.
These revenue figures paint a picture of a dynamic and rapidly evolving gaming landscape in New Jersey. The rise of online gaming, in particular, is reshaping the industry, with players increasingly embracing digital platforms to satisfy their gaming needs. This shift has broad implications for the future of events like the Borgata Poker Open, as online qualifiers and tournaments become a bigger part of the poker ecosystem.
The Future of Poker: Blending Online and Live Experiences
The BetMGM Borgata Poker Open exemplifies the direction in which the poker industry is heading—toward a blended model of online and live poker. With the proliferation of online platforms, more players than ever before can engage with poker from the comfort of their own homes. But the allure of live poker remains strong, and for many, the experience of competing in a live tournament at a venue like Borgata is the pinnacle of their poker journey.
By offering online qualifiers for as little as $2, BetMGM is tapping into this desire for accessibility. Players who may never have dreamed of participating in a major live event now have a clear path to do so. The live-streamed final table further adds to this experience, bringing the game to fans and enthusiasts around the world.
This blending of formats is not only a reflection of player preferences but also a strategic move by BetMGM to enhance engagement across both its online and physical platforms. As the poker landscape continues to evolve, hybrid events like this will likely become the norm, offering players and fans the best of both worlds.
The BetMGM Borgata Poker Open is more than just a poker tournament; it represents the future of competitive poker in the U.S. With $4 million in guaranteed payouts, the event is a major draw for players of all skill levels, offering a mix of online accessibility and live excitement.
At the same time, the success of this event underscores the broader trends in the gaming industry, particularly the rise of online gaming and the sustained popularity of live casino events. The growth in New Jersey’s gaming revenues, especially the 25.2 percent increase in online gaming, reflects how digital platforms are reshaping the industry.
As poker continues to grow both online and live, the future looks bright for events like the Borgata Poker Open. By offering players more ways to participate, from low-stakes online qualifiers to high-stakes live tournaments, BetMGM is positioning itself at the forefront of this exciting evolution. The combination of inclusivity, high stakes, and digital engagement ensures that poker remains as vibrant and dynamic as ever, with its future firmly rooted in both the online and live realms.