UPDATE: The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City has just unveiled a stunning 25,000-square-foot gaming floor, specifically designed to cater to Asian travelers. This move comes as the global casino and gambling market is projected to grow by $132.17 billion between 2024 and 2028, marking a significant shift in gaming strategies targeting high-rolling Asian gamblers ahead of the summer season.
Designed to attract a booming demographic, the new section of the Borgata features popular Asian casino games such as Pai Gow Poker, Sic Bo, and Baccarat. As the resort, operated by MGM Resorts International, aims to capitalize on this lucrative market, it has also employed casino staff fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, and Vietnamese to enhance the gaming experience for Asian visitors.
Borgata’s redesign incorporates cultural elements believed to symbolize good fortune in Chinese traditions. The decor prominently features red and gold, colors associated with prosperity, with hotel President and COO Niklas Rytterstrom stating,
“Our design team took every element into consideration in delivering on the splendor our guests have come to expect.”
Additionally, a new pan-Asian fusion restaurant, Noodles, has opened on the gaming floor, allowing guests to enjoy specialties like Chinese barbecue and hand-pulled noodles without leaving the action. This restaurant previously operated at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas before undergoing renovations. Its entryway boasts Qing Dynasty-era porcelain rice jars, creating an immersive dining experience that complements the casino atmosphere.
In a further nod to Asian culture, Borgata’s B Bar offers tableside gaming machines paired with premium Japanese whiskies, including Shibui 23 and Yamazaki 18, enhancing the appeal for discerning players.
Recent reports indicate that the gambling market in Asian countries, including China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, is worth over $104 billion, accounting for 23% of the global gambling revenue last year. This surge is expected to influence U.S. casinos, with a noticeable influx of Asian gamblers seeking new experiences.
Las Vegas Sands recently reported that $7.1 billion of its $11.3 billion revenue in 2024 came from its operations in Asia, showcasing a stark contrast to its performance in Las Vegas. CEO Robert Goldstein anticipates that Macau’s gross gaming revenue will exceed $30 billion in 2025, further solidifying the region’s status as a hotspot for elite gamblers who frequently move between major cities and luxury casinos.
As travel restrictions ease and international travel resumes, the Borgata’s strategic enhancements are a clear indication of the growing competition among U.S. casinos to attract Asian visitors. Expect more developments in this space as casinos adapt to the evolving landscape of global gaming.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, and don’t miss out on the latest trends in the casino and hospitality markets.
