Poker is returning to Atlantic City! The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa has plans to reopen its large poker room this Wednesday at 10 am. The poker room has been shut down since March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Players can return to the felt this week but should expect changes based on state health and safety requirements.

Reopening the Poker Room

Originally, the poker room of the Borgata had 77 gaming tables. Now, it will house just 30, each spaced out to promote social distancing. The tables will have dividers in place between each seat so that players have a barrier between them.

The poker room will only offer cash games right now with seven players per table. There are no plans to resume tournament gaming. Players can access other options aside from the cash games, like the Bad Beat Jackpot. The Borgata will start this jackpot at $100,000.

Every player in the poker room will be required to wear a mask. This is also required in the casino in general. Beverage service will be offered to players, but food will not be provided. Throughout the poker room, players will be able to access hand sanitizing stations.

Spectators will not be allowed to watch as games take place. High touchpoints in the room will also be disinfected on a regular basis.

President and chief operating officer for the Borgata, Melonie Johnson, commented on the reopening by stating that the casino is happy to welcome back its loyal players as the market-leading East Coast Poker destination gets back to work. Johnson pointed out that the changes were made inside the poker room to enhance the experience of the guests.

The Borgata Casino poker room will be the first to reopen in Atlantic City. It is unclear as to if other casinos will start offering poker again in the region or will be waiting longer to start back up.