The first thing that generally springs to mind when New Jersey is mentioned is undoubtedly Atlantic City. This iconic New Jersey hotspot has been bustling since the mid-1800s when it was a resort town — and it remains one of the top tourist attractions in New Jersey today, especially if you’re hoping for a gambling getaway with bright lights, casino thrills, and the potential for big wins.
Intrigued? Read on to discover why “The Garden State” is the ultimate destination for fans of traditional and online casino games.
The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
You won’t find a more lavish casino resort in Atlantic City than the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa — also home to the best casino in New Jersey, offering approximately 4,000 slot machines, 180 table games, and 50 poker tables. Since opening in 2003, the Borgata has become one of the top-grossing casinos in the region and hosts various poker tournaments, including high-stake tournaments in partnership with the World Poker Tour.
The hotel is home to the Race & Sports Book for sports betting fans — and if that wasn’t enough to tempt you into a visit, it also boasts an event center, festival park, music venue, spa, and a handful of the best bars in New Jersey. Gypsy Bar is a firm favorite (an eclectic tequila bar with live music), as is B Bar (set up right on the casino floor for your convenience).
If you love playing poker in person or at online casinos, then the most appealing aspect of the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa will undoubtedly be their renowned Borgata Poker Room — which is known as Atlantic City’s premier poker destination. It features an impressive 80-table poker room and offers a mix of classic and off-the-wall poker variants to suit every player’s budget and style, from traditional Texas hold’em to Omaha and more.
Tips For Making the Most of Your Gambling Getaway in New Jersey
Even if you’re well-versed in playing casino games at online casinos in New Jersey, playing these games in a brick-and-mortar casino can be an entirely different experience. Here’s how to make the most of your gambling getaway:
- If you’ll be playing casino games at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, don’t forget to capitalize on your BetMGM rewards — yes, you can put them to good use both online and in physical MGM-owned casinos.
- Always set a bankroll so you only wager money you can afford to lose.
- Boost your confidence by brushing up on your favorite casino games ahead of your trip — practicing online is easy, and there are plenty of free-to-play demos available for all sorts of games, including table games and slot machines.
- Start off slow while you get into the swing of things on the casino floor. Most slots and table games have different sections catering to casual players and high rollers. Choose something with lower stakes to help you warm up — especially if you’re trying out a new game.
- Unlike online casinos in New Jersey, you can’t see everything that’s on offer at a glance when gambling in person, so consider taking a lap around the casino before diving in. See what games spark your interest, where the high-energy tables are, and where you might find a quieter spot if that’s your vibe.
- Don’t be afraid to ask a dealer or floor attendant for a quick explanation if you’re unsure about a game or you’re looking for a specific slot machine or table game. They’re there to help and want you to have a good time.
New Jersey Gambling Facts
As you can see, “The Garden State” is a big gambling go-to in the U.S. Here are a few interesting facts about how New Jersey came to be the ultimate destination for casino fans:
- Back in the 1800s, horse racing was where the gambling action was in New Jersey. It wasn’t until 1976 that voters approved the legalization of casinos — specifically in Atlantic City.
- New Jersey became one of the first U.S. states to legalize online gambling in 2013. This revolutionized the industry and paved the way for other states to embrace online casinos and sports betting.
- The classic board game Monopoly features actual Atlantic City streets. Those iconic properties — like Park Place and Boardwalk — hold a special place in gambling history.
- The largest slot machine jackpot ever paid out in Atlantic City was $8.5 million, won by Frank Oliveto in 1994.
- Online gambling revenue in New Jersey surpassed 2022’s record by more than 15% in 2023.
Play Casino Games Online at BetMGM Casino
Can’t get to Atlantic City just yet? There’s no need to wait to play your favorite games — simply head to BetMGM Casino, register, grab your online casino Welcome Bonus, and get in on the action.
BetMGM Casino offers everything you’ll find on any traditional casino floor — from poker tournaments and live dealer casino games to online slots, variety games, and much more. Here’s to bucket loads of gambling fun, whether you’re betting at BetMGM Casino or the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.
Always remember to gamble responsibly.
