The resort was initially planning to reopen on July 6 after New Jersey approved casinos to resume operations across the state ahead of the Fourth of July weekend. . Borgata is navigating the pandemic and the economic downturn with new leadership. Atlantic City's top casino is laying off or cutting the hours of 422 workers in what it says is a direct reaction to strict new indoor dining limits imposed by Gov. We are hopeful to return employees to work and increase hours when the executive order is lifted, operations expand and business demand returns," she wrote. ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey (WPVI) -- The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, N.J. opened its doors to a small group of invite-only guests on Thursday. Ocean Casino Resort and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino had the highest rates, with both over 96 percent. We are hopeful to return employees to work and increase hours when the executive order is lifted, operations expand and business demand returns, she wrote. Casino president Melonie Johnson said the cuts were in response to limits that took effect Thursday night under which. Let us know. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. Bar seating is also now prohibited across the state. Why would they?". endstream endobj 696 0 obj <. She runs the pools and other amenities at the Borgata, and had her work cut out for her. sl@uLB\4&)+9)))5x'laajR's%(tHD hhPh`hhhhbX~1BqnZ2Dz?wmW`;[9:L>iF H10(vYW )S; K I cover Philadelphia City Hall, writing about how power, politics, and policy shape our city. With masks on, and seats spaced out Borgata regulars were welcomed back to their favorite games. They have been permitted to operate at 25% of capacity since July 2. Check the entry, vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine requirements by country before planning your next trip. That angered many in the casino industry. We are hopeful to return employees to work and increase hours when the executive order is lifted, operations expand and business demand returns. Atlantic City Casinos Reopen in a Changed Coronavirus Pandemic World, Ready to Return, 4,000 Atlantic City Casino Workers Told No, New Jersey Bill Seeks to Ban Sale of Baby Wipes, Check Your Change! Privacy Policy For more reporting from the Associated Press, see below. Bet With Your Head, Not Over It. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. %%EOF Borgata management is also hoping sports fans will still place their bets at the sports book. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, Pa. Woman Went Missing in 1992 and Declared Dead. Murphy's order came as the coronavirus rate of infection and number of cases climbs higher in New Jersey and across the country. Tropicana's profit was $48 million, up from $18.2 million; Hard Rock had a $46 million profit, up from nearly $21 million; Harrah's had a profit of nearly $44 million, up from $19.3 million; and the Ocean casino had a $37 million profit, up from $24 million. Indoor dining resumed in New Jersey in September after being shut down for nearly six months. Poker and valet parking will not be available and operating hours could vary. Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City holds soft reopening, will open to public with restrictions on Sunday - 6abc Philadelphia BUSINESS Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa holds soft. Above, Bally's, Ocean Resort and Hard Rock Casino are illuminated at dusk despite being shuttered during the coronavirus pandemic on May 7, 2020, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The Borgata and all of the other casinos are open but under serious restrictions. Employees and guests will both be required to wear face coverings while in public spaces. All Rights Reserved. Located in Atlantic City, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa has a number of amenities including a casino, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a garden. The Resorts and Ocean casinos said they will reopen Thursday as planned. Sunday: 9AM - 4PM. 695 0 obj <> endobj When Borgata does reopen, guests and employees will need to follow strict COVID-19 protocols. It also tried banning smoking, too. Venues such as Borgata reopened their doors for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic in July after being closed for four months. For now, certain amenities like salons and spas at Borgata remain closed. Give us your digits; we'll give you all the insider deals and info. Within minutes of Murphy's announcements, made in a news release issued shortly before 10 p.m. Monday, social media lit up with complaints. He said Monday that Health Department officials say indoor settings make it easier for the virus to spread compared with outdoors. Let us know. Each seat at the table is cleaned between guests. Murphy also said crowds at popular spots at the Jersey Shore and elsewhere have not been following social distancing rules or wearing masks. Vaccine and testing regulations: As of April 1, 2022, vaccination verification or a negative COVID-19 test is no longer required to attend indoor events with more than 1,000 people. New president and COO Melonie Johnson, who previously worked at the resorts parent company, took over at the end of May. Easy to park. The Borgata sent a letter to workers Friday afternoon outlining the cuts. The Borgata did not give any information on the new eatery, saying details will be released "in the coming months." Atlantic City's casinos, and the restaurants inside them, have been operating at reduced capacity since reopening last summer amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow Pat & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @Pat_Ralph | @thePhillyVoice Copyright 2023 WPVI-TV. Do not to buy Raspberry Rally cookies from eBay, Girl Scouts say, Brian Laundrie was 'emotional bully,' Petito family lawsuit says, Pa. woman missing since 1992 found alive in Puerto Rico. "This is a 180-degree turnaround," he said. In other words, more than half of the Spanish population - 26.2 million people - are living in a region where community transmission is widespread and . Phil Murphy. But the Borgata decided not to reopen immediately under those conditions. Trump calls off Florida component of Republican National Convention over COVID-19 concern, New COVID-19 relief bill: GOP set to unveil package 'next week'. Some said they were scrapping long-planned trips, and others said they would take their business to Pennsylvania casinos. Workers and customers are being screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry and having their temperatures taken. The Borgata had the highest operating profit at $57.2 million, up from $2.3 million a year earlier. Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. Wynn completes $1.7B sale, leaseback of . Our Commitment Check Rates Compare Rooms Classic King Smoking 460 sq. Limitations on gaming tables and slot machines. Roughly 73 workers will be let go and approximately 349 employees will see their hours reduced, according to a letter sent to Borgata staffers that was obtained by the Associated Press. All rights reserved, the only one that did not to immediately reopen. The daily death toll has been in the single digits and teens in recent weeks, compared to the 25 to 45 deaths. It also will also offer room service. Our goal is certainly to avoid crowds, she said. Instead, it will wait. Have a news tip? This Oct. 1, 2020, photo shows the exterior of the Borgata casino in Atlantic City, N.J. On Nov. 13, 2020, the Borgata laid off or reduced the hours of 422 workers in response to new restrictions on indoor dining imposed by New Jersey Gov. The states latest actions to curb indoor dining comes as coronavirus infections continue to rise. "Through efficiencies, every operator posted a profit in the third quarter, a great accomplishment coming out of an extremely challenging period," Plousis said in a statement. Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice Liz Warren cleans a clear barrier on the casino floor at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City on Sunday, the first day the casino hotel was open to the public since closing in March due to coronavirus restrictions. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, Pa. Woman Went Missing in 1992 and Declared Dead. Starting this past Thursday, restaurants and bars in New Jersey had to stop indoor service between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. every night. Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice Copyright 2023 by The Associated Press. The casino is laying off 73 workers and reducing the hours of 349 others. Full coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak and how it impacts you, Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. A significant portion of Atlantic City's casino customers comes from New York, which leads the nation in total virus cases. New Jersey recorded 4,395 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, increasing the statewide total to 274,736 since the public health crisis began in March. Its our job to maintain social distance among both guests and employees.. "When we reopen, Borgata will introduce new outdoor dining experiences, as well as a convenient takeout program from several of our fine and casual dining outlets. Borgata spokesperson Liza Costandino said the leadership team felt comfortable reopening Sunday after a soft opening Thursday to guests on an invite-only basis. This year's third-quarter gross operating profit is over twice the amount in 2020, which was $151 million. With this extension, we are also changing our earning year to January 1 December 31 from whats historically been October 1 September 30, extending your benefits an additional three months and moving to a calendar year thats easier to understand and track. Phil Murphy announced Monday, in a joint announcement with New York and Connecticut, the majority of the COVID restrictions on the state's dining industry would be rolled back on May 19 . On Tuesday, casino executives huddled in staff meetings, looking for more information and trying to decide whether it made sense to reopen at all. The Borgata sent a letter to workers Friday afternoon outlining the cuts. Bob McDevitt, president of the main Atlantic City casino workers union, said he did not know of any other casino that had done layoffs since the limits were announced on Monday. "Atlantic City's recovery is gaining momentum and is on track for an impressive year.". Phil Murphy allowed casinos to do so. "Following the Governor's directive to postpone indoor dining, we took a step back to reassess our reopening date to ensure we could give our guests the world-class experience they expect from us, safely," said Melonie Johnson, who serves as Borgatas President & Chief Operating Officer. Find out when you can get your booster and where to get a vaccine or booster. Because food isn't allowed to be served inside, poolside dining became crucial, along with the addition of food and beverage trucks just outside the casino. The statewide death toll due to COVID-19 is 14,747 lab-confirmed fatalities. Murphy said he reversed course on indoor dining because of the continuing outbreaks in parts of the country, even though New Jersey has seen a significant reduction in the number of its virus cases. Laid-off workers will remain on the casino's health insurance plan through Dec. 31. Consent isn't required to purchase goods or services. In compliance with Governor Murphys Executive Order, fully vaccinated guests are no longer required to wear masks. Barriers have been implemented where social distancing could be difficult to enforce, such as at many table games. Drink servers and indoor restaurant workers were to comprise a significant portion of the force that had been envisioned. "There's several options just in this area that people can use to enjoy," said Aarons. The governor has not yet announced when the order will be lifted so, unfortunately, we dont know how long this may last and cannot fully assess any lasting impacts on our business levels.. It also must stop serving beverages on the casino floor, which will remain open around the clock. 15, 2021. Profits at Atlantic City's nine casinos more than doubled in the third quarter of this year after New Jersey lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions in May, the Associated Press reported.. Employees and guests are both required to wear face coverings while in public spaces. PhillyVoice Staff, New Jersey issues guidance allowing students to opt for all-remote learning this upcoming school year, Atilis Gym forced to shut down again after violating New Jerseys COVID-19 business restrictions, Mega Millions ticket worth $123 million sold in New Jersey, Phillies injury update: Andrew Painter has a tender elbow, Coworker charged with kidnapping, killing missing Sellersville man, Eli Lilly slashed insulin prices, starting a race to the bottom, NBC10 hires Fred Shropshire to replace Jim Rosenfield as weekday evening anchor, Developer proposes $150 million luxury hotel on Ocean City Boardwalk, Construction of Penn's Landing park over I-95 finally approved to begin, PennDOT says. Their health insurance ends Wednesday, he added. McDevitt said 60% of his union members had been scheduled to return to work this week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its guidance on masks, allowing states to ease or outright remove certain COVID-19 restrictions. Because we wanted to make sure that whatever we produce for our guests for outdoor dining, it would represent our brand," said Melonie Johnson, Borgata's new President and Chief Operating Officer. Add Pat's RSS feed to your feed reader "They can sit down and relax, enjoy the pool, have some food and beverage and some great sunshine.". The report also found that Atlantic City's casino occupancy rate this quarter was just over 81 percent. "I was so excited to finally get the call. Friday & Saturday: 2PM - 11PM, Monday - Thursday: Closed But it's still going to be a little bit different when you can't walk into a filled to capacity sports book and sit there and watch in a community experience like you're used to in the past," said Tom Gable, Borgata's Director of Race and Sports. 0 Borgata now has hand washing stations on the casino floor, and plastic dividers between each player and the dealer at table games. Borgata typically employs 5,000 to 6,000 people. Phil Murphy said that the states latest number of COVID-19 infections was alarming and concerning.. New Jersey will join New York and Connecticut in dropping many of its largest remaining coronavirus restrictions May 19, including removing fixed, percentage-based indoor capacity limits at . The top-performing casino in Atlantic City, the Borgata was the only one that did not to immediately reopen on July 2, the first day New Jersey Gov. On Sunday, eating and drinking options included a beer garden and food trucks, spaces poolside and under a large tent to eat takeout, as well as hotel room service. "No booze? This 4-star resort offers a 24-hour front desk and an ATM. The Borgata casino will reopen on July 26, the last of Atlantic City's nine gambling resorts to resume operating amid the coronavirus outbreak. Total gaming revenue dropped by nearly 70% in April and May, according to state figures, even though internet gaming revenue increased compared with the same time period last year. Very empty. All rooms in the resort are fitted with a flat-screen TV and come with a private bathroom. The Borgata was the only one to decide not to immediately reopen on July 2, the first day New Jersey Gov. you are no longer required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. The reopening started Thursday at the Borgata casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Phil Murphy. "Major League Baseball is opening and we're a week out from the NBA and the NHL. Some vowed to come anyway, mixing drinks in their rooms and bringing sandwiches for dinner. Casinos can offer outdoor dining, and those with beach bars, outdoor decks or Boardwalk seating still plan to offer it. Laid-off workers will remain on the casinos health insurance plan through Dec. 31. The other eight Atlantic City casinos, which had been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, reopened their doors earlier this month. The bans will also reduce the number of laid-off workers who will return. He said Monday that Health Department officials say indoor settings make it easier for the virus to spread compared with outdoors. Borgata's classic Italian style, elevated. hb``` eah r`#Y0.fevMYu9+ But even when Plousis compared the profit to the third quarter of 2019, the casinos still did almost 30 percent better this year than before the pandemic. She Was Just Found in Puerto Rico, Eagles Have a Shot to Land the Top Cornerback in 2023 Draft. Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases. Gov. For restaurants, tables may be. Casino president Melonie Johnson said the cuts were in response to limits that took effect Thursday night under which indoor dining must halt from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. Regrettably, due to the adjusted operations and overall impact of the pandemic on business, weve been forced to modify our staffing levels, Johnson wrote in her letter to workers. Golden Nugget had the lowest occupancy rate at 64 percent. In terms of hotel occupancy, Ocean had the highest average room price at $331, while Resorts had the least expensive at nearly $148. ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) Atlantic Citys top casino is laying off or cutting the hours of 422 workers in what it says is a direct reaction to strict new indoor dining limits imposed by Gov. We ask guests to stay at home if they have COVID-19 related symptoms or live with someone who has recently tested positive. COVID-19 Help, Information. Terms of Use Bally's posted a $2 million operating profit in the third quarter of this year, compared with a $13 million profit last year when it was still owned by Caesars Entertainment. Friday & Saturday: 9AM - 11PM, Exclusive for Gold, Platinum & NOIR MGM Rewards Members, Sunday - Thursday: 2PM - 9PM Twenty-five percent capacity. She Was Just Found in Puerto Rico, Eagles Have a Shot to Land the Top Cornerback in 2023 Draft. Last Updated Mar. Atlantic City's casinos made more money in the third quarter of 2021 than pre-pandemic in the third quarter of 2019. Under the new traffic light system, which assesses the risk level of the pandemic, seven of Spain's 17 regions are at medium risk.They are Catalonia, Navarre, Aragn, the Valencia region, the Basque Country, Madrid and Castilla y Len. "The governor has not yet announced when the order will be lifted so, unfortunately, we dont know how long this may last and cannot fully assess any lasting impacts on our business levels., Full coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak and how it impacts you. Get Directions Hard Rock, like the other eight casinos, had been making reopening plans that included smoking, drinking and indoor dining as integral. 2 gambling market behind Nevada in terms of annual gambling revenue. We appreciate our guests' and employees' patience and understanding and look forward to welcoming them back.". Nevada casinos reopened nearly a month earlier than those in New Jersey, with many of the same health protocols: temperatures checks for guests and workers, mandated masks after being optional for a time, and hand sanitizer stations. RELATED: New COVID-19 relief bill: GOP set to unveil package 'next week'. "A lot more people won't be returning to work," Allen added. Phil Murphy initially prohibited indoor dining. ft King Bed Max Guest 2 Borgata's classic Italian style, elevated. Its COVID-19 casino tracker counts 880 casinos currently open and 116 closed, including Philadelphia's Rivers Casino. Friday: 4PM - 12AM Hand sanitizer stations have been set up across the casino floor and staffers are conducting increased cleaning of hotel rooms and public spaces. Jane Bokunewicz, director of the Lloyd Levenson Institute at Stockton University, which studies the Atlantic City gambling industry, said the casinos have been making do with fewer workers "by operating lean. "That does raise the question of the potential impact on future employment in the casinos, and if some currently unfilled jobs might ultimately be eliminated.". "This is like Catholic school: A handful of people misbehaves, and the entire class gets punished," McDevitt said. Above, a gambler playing a slot machine at Bally's casino in Atlantic City on June 23, 2021. No indoor drinking or dining. The rules that previously applied to travellers coming to Spain no longer apply: you are no longer required to show proof of being fully vaccinated. Masks are being provided to those who dont have them. Murphys administration has restricted casinos to operate at 25% capacity. Sign up for NBC Philadelphia newsletters. Phil Murphy said that the state's latest. Atlantic City, NJ 08401. Following the Governors directive to postpone indoor dining, we took a step back to reassess our reopening date to ensure we could give our guests the world-class experience they expect from us, safely, Melonie Johnson, the Borgata's president and chief operating officer, said in a statement. Borgata will also comply with thencurrent CDC, state and local guidelines that provide requirements for - The top-performing casino, the Borgata, almost immediately folded what it saw as a losing hand, announcing it was scrapping its reopening plans for the immediate future. There is a restaurant. Travel requirements. In the wake of New Jersey reimplementing restrictions on indoor dining service across the state, more than 400 employees at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City will be subject to a layoff or a reduction in hours. Profits at Atlantic City's nine casinos more than doubled in the third quarter of this year after New Jersey lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions in May, the Associated Press reported. Many casinos had planned to reopen Thursday, the first day the state will let them. Regrettably, due to the adjusted operations and overall impact of the pandemic on business, weve been forced to modify our staffing levels, Johnson wrote in her letter to workers. Gov. It initially was slated to resume in early July, but it was postponed indefinitely after COVID-19 cases spiked in other states that had reopened restaurants during the summer. The current average incidence of infections in Spain over the last 14 days stood at 50.76 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The venue installed hand-washing stations and clear partitions to protect those working the table games, and also marked off every other slot machine to allow for physical distance between players. Disappointing gaming revenue in Macao continues to saddle Las Vegas company-owned operations in the Chinese region as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Borgata is Committed to Safety In compliance with Governor Murphy's Executive Order, fully vaccinated guests are no longer required to wear masks. Add Pat's RSS feed to your feed reader Patrons and employees are subject to temperature checks and must wear masks at all times. put its reopening plans on hold in late June, California residents do not sell my data request. Masks. Not just for me but then to finally make the phone calls for my staff," said Jennifer Aarons, Director of Recreation Services. Medical and security personnel on staff will be able to assist should a guest develop symptoms while staying at one of our resorts. And alcohol will still be sold in liquor stores and non-casino businesses. 715 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<848B9324AF195B4BA98A9BA3268AEB40>]/Index[695 36]/Info 694 0 R/Length 95/Prev 187920/Root 696 0 R/Size 731/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream BORGATA REMAINS COMMITTED TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR GUESTS, EMPLOYEES AND THE OVERALL WELL-BEING OF THE STATE. "When we got the executive order that we couldn't have indoor dining, we had to reset. The hotel is open at limited capacity, and the outdoor pool is available to guests too. 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. Liz Warren cleans a clear barrier on the casino floor at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City on Sunday, the first day the casino hotel was open to the public since closing in March due to coronavirus restrictions. To comply with the order, the casino is closing its restaurants each night at 10 p.m. Costandino said Johnson is the first Black woman to be the president of a casino in Atlantic City history. The Borgata casino will reopen on July 26, the last of Atlantic Citys nine gambling resorts to resume operating amid the coronavirus outbreak. 1 Borgata Way According to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the casinos showed a collective gross operating profit of $310 million from July to September. Gross operating profit refers to the earnings before interest, taxes and other expenses. It also must stop serving beverages on the casino floor, which will remain open around the clock. Borgata, Atlantic Citys casino market leader and one of its largest employers, put its reopening plans on hold in late June. Under the governor's orders, masks must be worn at all times, and no food or drink can be served inside, leaving casinos to come up with some creative options for guests. The Borgata sent a letter to workers Friday afternoon outlining the cuts. The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa swung open its doors to the public Sunday for the first time since March, becoming the last of Atlantic Citys nine casinos to reopen. The resort was initially planning to reopen. Some researchers think this is a step too far at . You can watch the game on the big screen inside, but no food or drink. But New Jersey will ban both, again, when Atlantic City's nine casinos reopen after more than three months of coronavirus-related shutdowns. Follow Pat & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @Pat_Ralph | @thePhillyVoice This May, it was less than $100 million. Borgata reopened nearly a month after other casinos in July, when Gov. Pat Ralph . Casinos were allowed to open in early July at 25% capacity. Sunday - Thursday: 9AM - 8PM Before the pandemic, Atlantic City had started to regain its groove, reclaiming its former spot at the nation's No. Phil Murphy allowed casinos to do so. As workers get settled into a new routine, recent unemployment numbers from the U.S. Department of Labor show New Jersey had the second highest unemployment rate for the month of June, and an increase from May. Some grumbled that the governor had sucked the fun out of the casino experience, even as a smaller number defended the decision on public health grounds. Regrettably, due to the adjusted operations and overall impact of the pandemic on business, weve been forced to modify our staffing levels, Borgata President Melonie Johnson wrote. However, after the state postponed the resumption of indoor dining at limited capacity earlier this month, Borgata indefinitely paused its reopening plans. "I really don't even think they should open. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City reopened to the public on Sunday after being shut down for over four months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Casino president Melonie Johnson said the cuts were in response to limits that took effect Thursday night under which. Borgata, the citys casino market leader and one of its largest employers, put its reopening plans on hold in late June when Gov. In May 2019, total gaming revenue in New Jersey was more than $276 million. The casino is laying off 73 workers and reducing the hours of 349 others. Do. French people who are living abroad, travelling or returning from abroad, as well as visitors from abroad, will find answers below to frequently asked questions on COVID-19 measures. Borgata, like other casinos across the state, is operating at 25% capacity and enforcing strict COVID-19 health and safety guidelines that guests and employees must follow. The casino will host an invitation-only soft opening starting July 23, Borgata officials told The Associated Press on Tuesday, and will open its doors to everyone three days later. The measure also impacts clubs, lounges, and casinos. Testing remains 'vital'. All rights reserved. Three days earlier, the governor changed his mind and canceled permission for restaurants in the state to offer indoor dining, saying that the virus risk is still too great. PhillyVoice Staff, Beloved Philly music venue Boot & Saddle shuts down due to COVID-19's economic impact, John's Roast Pork shuts down until further notice, citing COVID-19, Philly officials say additional COVID-19 restrictions will be announced Monday, stop indoor service between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. every night, reopened their doors for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic, Phillies injury update: Andrew Painter has a tender elbow, Coworker charged with kidnapping, killing missing Sellersville man, Eli Lilly slashed insulin prices, starting a race to the bottom, NBC10 hires Fred Shropshire to replace Jim Rosenfield as weekday evening anchor, Developer proposes $150 million luxury hotel on Ocean City Boardwalk, Construction of Penn's Landing park over I-95 finally approved to begin, PennDOT says. In-room dining will be offered all day Saturday and Sunday, and from 4 p.m. to midnight on weekdays.