Borgata reopened The Poker Room at 10am on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Borgata is the first resort in Atlantic City to return poker operations following the closure of New Jersey casinos earlier this year amidst the coronavirus crisis.
Borgata Poker returned with 30 socially distanced tables following the company’s comprehensive health and safety protocols designed to protect employees and customers. All poker play is live cash games on seven-handed tables with polycarbonate barriers. Masks are required in all public areas and spectators are not permitted. Additionally, hand sanitizing machines were installed throughout the Poker Room.
Earlier this year, Borgata implemented the MGM Resorts’ “Seven-Point Safety Plan,” a multi-layered set of protocols and procedures designed in conjunction with medical and scientific experts. The plan balances the high level of customer service guests expect from Borgata with policies that continually evolve based on data, science, and public health guidelines. Key initiatives from the plan include:
-
Employee screening, temperature checks and COVID-19 specific training.
-
Masks required in all public areas for both employees and guests (and provided free of charge).
-
Guest screening and temperature checks with limited casino entrance points.
-
A physical distancing policy with floor guides serving as reminders.
-
For areas where physical distancing presents challenges, polycarbonate barriers will be installed, or other measures will be used to reduce risks.
-
Standalone handwashing stations designed by MGM Resorts conveniently located on the casino floor.
-
Guestroom Attendants will wear masks and gloves while cleaning each room and will change gloves between guestrooms.
-
In addition to increased and enhanced routine cleaning of guestrooms and public spaces based on CDC guidance, electrostatic sprayers will be utilized in many large public spaces so that disinfectant is applied efficiently.
-
MGM has compiled its own internal team and processes to respond if a guest or employee tests positive for COVID-19. We ask that if a guest tests positive after visiting one of our properties, they alert us through a special email address (covid19@mgmresorts.com). We will immediately report any positive test results to the local health department and assist with contact tracing to support the health department investigators.