Expansion Complete: Borgata Online Casino Now Live In PA, Too

Borgata online casino is no longer just a New Jersey operation.

As of this week, Feb. 24 to be exact, the Borgata app is live on both sides of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge thanks to a market access partnership with Rivers Casino Philadelphia.

The brand has a huge Garden State following as the MGM-owned property is Atlantic City’s top-grossing property.

“There are few casino brands as well-respected as Borgata, evident by the success we’ve seen with the Borgata Casino app in New Jersey,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt.

“Pennsylvania marks an important milestone for us as we introduce the Borgata Casino brand to the first state outside of New Jersey. We’re confident that players in Pennsylvania will enjoy the digital betting experience of Atlantic City’s premier casino.”

Play NJ caught up with Matthew Sunderland, VP of Gaming for BetMGM, regarding the Borgata online expansion.

Borgata is ‘well-known and trusted’

From a New Jersey standpoint, the Borgata app has been around for seven-plus years. Combined with Borgata’s land-based success, it should come as no surprise when Sunderland says “there are few casino brands as well-known and trusted as the Borgata.”

He notes this is evident by the success we’ve seen with the Borgata Casino app in New Jersey.

“Our players in New Jersey are incredibly loyal to the Borgata brand, and we believe that we can attract similar loyalty from players in PA. We see this as a huge advantage for our entrance into the PA market,” said Sunderland.

So while up until not Borgata online gamblers were restricted to playing only in NJ, the existing database includes Keystone State customers.

“We also have a strong player database of Pennsylvania residents who have visited the Borgata or used Borgata online in the past, while in New Jersey, and are confident that those players will be thrilled to now have access to the excitement of betting at Atlantic City’s premier casino digitally, from wherever they’re located in PA, said Sunderland.

Comparing 2013 launch vs. 2021 launch

I should come as no surprise the Borgata’s Pennsylvania app is launching with nearly double the amount of games compared to the 2013 NJ debut.

Borgata rolled out in New Jersey with 98 games while the Pennsylvania library has over 180 titles. This includes live dealer, third-party content and in-house games.

Granted it is seven-plus years later.

However, the PA is still much smaller than the current Borgata app available to NJ players. The number currently sits at 645 offerings and growing.

“We release new games weekly from third-party providers and our in-house games studio, so expect that number to keep increasing. The whole player experience is entirely different now from what it was back in 2013, as you can imagine,” said Sunderland.

“Our casino interfaces and software have been upgraded several times and we’ve introduced a range of in-house content alongside industry-leading player engagement tools and mechanics.”

And online players in both states will notice BetMGM’s integration with MGM Resorts’ M life Rewards program.

So like in NJ, Borgata online casino customers in Pennsylvania can redeem their gameplay for accommodations at properties nationwide, including Borgata.

Borgata NJ account will not work in PA

So the Borgata NJ and PA apps have similarities, yet at the same time, are quite different.

And NJ online casino customers regularly commute between states, whether it be work-related or for entertainment.

Even though the Borgata app is live in the Garden State, for regulatory compliance purposes, New Jersey players will need to re-register in order to play across state lines. Sunderland said account details can be the same, but each state requires players to register separately.

Borgata and BetMGM still growing

Aside from the PA launch news, it’s no secret the Borgata and BetMGM (also live in Pennsylvania) brands are playing a significant role in the NJ online gambling industry setting monthly records.

The latest being January’s all-time high of $103 million.

Borgata reported $28.7 million in monthly revenue, which is up an eye-opening 176.8 % year-over-over. And as far as the seven license holders go, Borgata is No. 2 behind Golden Nugget’s $31 million.

Since state regulators do not break down reports by operator, it’s hard to gauge exactly how well individual brands are performing. Sunderland noted Borgata and BetMGM have different player  profiles but both “have experienced similar growth trajectory in New Jersey in 2020.”

Now with both brands being live a short car ride away, it seems likely they will only get stronger.