UPDATE: Atlantic City’s renowned Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa has just unveiled a significant expansion of its gaming offerings, launching a new 25,000-square-foot gaming floor dedicated exclusively to popular Asian casino games. This major development comes as the global casino market is projected to grow by $132.17 billion between 2024 and 2028, signaling a robust shift towards attracting Asian gamblers.
As the summer season approaches, the Borgata aims to capture the interest of travelers from Asia who frequently visit casinos. This new gaming section features beloved games like Pai Gow Poker, Sic Bo, and Baccarat, catering to the preferences of Asian gamblers.
In a strategic move, the resort, operated by MGM Resorts International, has hired casino workers fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, and Vietnamese to enhance the guest experience. The redesign, executed by KNA Design, incorporates traditional elements such as red and gold, colors believed to symbolize good fortune in Chinese culture.
“From lucky colors and patterns to symbolic imagery for good fortune, our design team took every element into consideration to deliver the splendor our guests expect,” said Niklas Rytterstrom, President and COO of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.
Additionally, a newly opened pan-Asian fusion restaurant, Noodles, is now located directly on the casino floor, allowing guests to enjoy delicious Chinese barbecue and seafood dishes during gaming breaks. Previously, this popular restaurant operated at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas before closing for renovations.
The entryway to Noodles is adorned with Qing Dynasty-era porcelain rice jars, and the menu features a range of traditional dishes, including dim sum and hand-pulled noodles. Drink offerings include traditional Asian flavors such as sake and an innovative twist on boba tea.
The casino also introduces the B Bar, featuring tableside game machines and an exclusive selection of premium Japanese whiskies, including Shibui 23 and Yamazaki 18. This vibrant environment aims to create an immersive experience for all visitors.
Recent data indicates that the Asian gambling market, encompassing regions such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, is valued at over $104 billion, accounting for 23% of global gambling revenue last year. This emerging trend is expected to significantly influence U.S. casinos, particularly in hotspots like Atlantic City and Las Vegas.
After its transition to Chinese rule in 1999, Macau has witnessed a surge of major U.S. casino chains entering the market, further solidifying its status as a premier gambling destination. As competition heats up, Atlantic City hotels are adapting to capture this lucrative segment.
In a recent earnings report, Las Vegas Sands revealed that $7.1 billion of its $11.3 billion revenue in 2024 came from its operations outside of Las Vegas, underscoring the shifting dynamics of the gambling landscape. CEO Robert Goldstein expressed optimism about the future, projecting gross gaming revenue in Macau to exceed $30 billion in 2025.
As developments unfold, the Borgata’s strategic initiatives aim to cater to the evolving preferences of luxury gamblers, ensuring that Atlantic City remains a competitive player in the global casino market. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting transformation.