Borgata: Atlantic City’s Most Successful Casino Has A New Boss In Charge
- Travis Lunn appointed Borgata's new president
- Atlantic City casino the biggest on east coast
- Online sports betting expected to be focus in the future
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The Borgata casino in Atlantic City has a new president
Atlantic City’s Borgata Casino Hotel & Spa has appointed a new president as the casino’s owners – MGM Resorts International – shuffles its deck this winter.
Travis Lunn takes over from the departing Melonie Johnson as Borgata’s president and chief operating officer.
Lunn most recently served as group president and COO of MGM Resorts Southeast and will now oversee Borgata’s daily operations and provide strategic leadership and direction.
“It’s an honor to be joining this incredibly talented team,” Lunn said.
“Borgata is a world-class resort destination with a brand recognized nationwide for its spectacular accommodations, culinary program and entertainment offerings.
“I can’t wait to jump in and connect with all of the employees, guests and local community members.”
Lunn had overseen operations at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, and Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi, before his move to Atlantic City.
His former role will now be taken over by Brandon Dardeau – a 20-year veteran in the gaming and hospitality industry who is promoted from his position as general manager at Gold Strike.
Borgata Remains Atlantic City’s No 1 Casino
Lunn’s arrival in Atlantic City won’t be without its pressures. The Borgata remains the premier casino along the east coast with its revenues contributing to New Jersey’s sports betting handle surpassing $1bn a month in late 2021.
Sports betting and online gambling have surged in popularity across New Jersey in recent months – and this may well be the sector that Lunn seeks to expand further.
The Borgata was opened to the public in 2003 under a partnership with Boyd Gaming and MGM Mirage, and swiftly became the most successful casino resort in Atlantic City.
A $200m expansion in 2006 resulted in a new casino space featuring 36 table games, 500 slot machines and an 85-table poker room being added.
MGM bought out Boyd Gaming’s 50% share in the Borgata for $900m in 2016 and launched an online casino with CVC Holdings a year later.
The casino now welcomes sports bettors as much as it does casino gamblers, and is a notable venue for big-money card tournaments.
Borgata Atlantic City Facts
- +2700 hotel rooms
- 161,000 sq ft gaming space
- 4,000 slot machines
- 180 table games
- 52 poker tables (with facilities to expand)
- 5 bars
- BetMGM Sportsbook and Bar
- Nightclub
