Borgata Online Poker Review
$20
| Bonus Offer | 10 |
|---|---|
| Game Variety | 8.5 |
| Interface | 7.5 |
| Payment Options | 9.5 |
| Customer Support | 8 |
No Deposit $20 Sign-up Bonus Terms:
- Valid for new player accounts only
$600 Matched Deposit Bonus Terms:
- Must clear within 45 days
- Min. deposit of $10
- 4x iRPs release rate
Fans of one of the largest poker rooms in the United States, the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City, can rejoice. The Borgata Online Poker room allows you to play from the comfort of your own home.
For starters, Borgata Poker offers a generous welcome bonus package. However, there’s more than meets the eye to this sister site or skin of BetMGM Poker and Party Poker NJ. My expert review explores all there is to uncover at this NJ online poker room.
- All-in-one casino, poker, and sports betting
- 24/7 Live Chat customer support
- Variety of multi-table tournaments
- No deposit bonus
- Mobile app needs improvement
- Low player pool for cash games
Borgata Poker Welcome Bonus Package
As a new customer to Borgata Online Poker, receive two welcome bonuses:
- No deposit bonus of $20!
- 100% Matched Deposit Bonus Up to $600!
How to Claim the Offer
- Sign up and register for a new player account with Borgata Poker.
- Download the desktop client or mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
- Please make your first deposit and have it matched up to $600 along with $20 on the house!
Bonus Terms
- This offer is only suitable for your first real-money deposit.
- If you make your deposit through the Borgata Casino, you will not be eligible for the deposit match.
- The maximum eligible amount on the deposit bonus is $600.
- The bonus pays out in 10% increments of the deposit amount.
- The bonus pays out at a rate of 4X in iRPs.
- Earn and release the bonus through iRPs on real money poker play, including Ring Games, Tournaments and Sit n Go’s.
- Complete the first deposit bonus within 45 days of your first deposit, or it expires.
- The bonus offer is available from Jan. 1, 2020, until Dec. 31, 2020.
How to Release Borgata Poker Bonus
Remember that the only way to release this bonus is through real money poker games only. Casino and sports bets are not eligible for this promotion.
The deposit match bonus releases in 10% increments, and you need to earn 4X iRPs to clear each 10%. If you only deposit $60, your bonus releases at every $6; however, if you deposit $600, your bonus is released at every $60.
On the other hand, you do have 45 days to clear this bonus. Thus, I would recommend playing low stakes cash games to release the bonus in a timely fashion.
Ongoing Promotions
There are ongoing promotions with Borgata Poker. Moreover, these promotions are the same as the other poker skins on the same network. In detail, BetMGM Poker and Party Poker NJ run the same ongoing poker promotions.
An ongoing leaderboard promotion runs for Sit and Gos, either if you play high or low stakes. Also, look for iRPs earned from playing poker to translate into more money and cashback awards in tournament dollars. Finally, there are other ongoing poker promotions involving tickets awarded to freerolls and reload bonuses.
Poker Games at Borgata Online
The physical poker room at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey, is one of the United States' largest poker rooms. Spreading a great variety of poker games on over 77 tables, you would expect Borgata Poker online to be also equally prestigious.
Using the same software platform by Entain, formerly GVC Holdings, Borgata Poker is a sister site to BetMGM Poker and Party Poker NJ. Additionally, the three poker sites combine player pools. With the combined player pool and the Borgata name's prestige, I invite you to explore all about this NJ online poker room.
Multi-table Tournaments
Since Borgata Poker shares a player pool with BetMGM Poker NJ and PartyPoker NJ, multi-table tournaments or MTTs are the strong points of the shared poker network. As is typical of online poker rooms, Sunday is the big day for tournaments. On the other hand, there are tournaments with more extensive guarantees that run daily, with two Mega tournaments happening on Tuesdays and Thursdays for high rollers.
| Tournament Name | Start Day and Time | Buy-in |
|---|---|---|
| Daily $10k | Daily from 7 pm ET | $109 |
| Daily $3k | Daily from 7:30 pm ET | $55 |
| Daily $3k Turbo | Daily from 9:30 pm ET | $215 |
| Mega Tuesday $12k | Tuesday from 8:00 pm ET | $535 |
| Mega Thursday $7.5k | Thursday from 8:00 pm ET | $320 |
| Sunday Starter $3k | Sunday from 4 pm ET | $55 |
| Sunday $35k | Sunday at 5 pm ET | $215 |
Although I chose just a sampling of tournaments, Borgata Poker runs over 70 tournaments daily. Thus, this means that no matter the hour, you can typically find some tournament to enter.
Sunday $35k
The Sunday $35,000 Guaranteed is the biggest weekly tournament. This tournament pools with other players from BetMGM and PartyPoker as well. During the year, look for special promotions in which this tournament’s guarantee is boosted significantly. For example, this tournament sometimes boosts up to $250,000.
Sunday Major Comparison
| Poker Room | MTT Name | Buy-in | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
 Borgata Online Poker | Sunday $35k | $215 | $35,000 |
 PokerStars | Sunday Special | $200 | $40,000 |
 WSOP.com | $100k Sunday | $320 | $100,000 |
Judging from the comparison, Borgata Poker has the smallest tournament guarantee. Also, this is in addition to the added player pool from BetMGM and Party Poker. This indicates that the Borgata/Party/BetMGM network has the smallest player pool compared to the other online poker rooms.
These flagship tournaments fluctuate throughout the year with the number of players plus if there is a unique series or promotion. Concerning how the BetMGM brand is growing and expanding, I would like to compare in a year to see if the guarantee extends.
Cash Games
Across the board, cash games are just not attracting as many players as tournaments. This issue does not only persist at Borgata Poker but at all online poker rooms, even internationally. At Borgata Poker, cash games are spread from as low as $0.01/$0.02 and as high as $25/$50.
On the other hand, it is sporadic to see $25/$50 outside of the occasional active heads-up table. Indeed, most cash game tables are centered around the micro-stakes instead.
Hold’em
Hold’em seems to be the most popular cash game variant. Ultimately, it is easier to find a no-limit hold’em table compared to limit hold 'em. If you are specifically looking for limit hold’em, stick to the lower and micro stakes.
For no-limit hold 'em, you can typically find several active tables running. During peak traffic in the evenings, no limit hold’em runs on average up to $1/$2. Higher stakes do not usually run except during special tournament series where there are many more players.
Omaha
Omaha is a less popular form of poker compared to no limit hold’em. Again, this is a true statement across the board for all poker rooms, not just Borgata Poker. At Borgata, Omaha games do run at BetMGM but micro-stakes only.
Stud
Stud is offered at Borgata Poker but, it appears to be the least popular form of poker available. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to even find one active table even at the most active hours.
fastForward
The poker game, fastForward, is a turbo cash game where you do not need to wait in between hands. Fold your hand, and you are immediately moved to a new table and dealt a new hand, including new opponents along with a new seat.
While the idea of fastForward is excellent, the player pool is too low for it to run regularly. Overall, it could be that players are just turning away from cash games.
Sit-n-Gos
Borgata Poker offers sit-n-gos from as little as $1 up to a $500 buy-in with no limit hold’em or Omaha. On the other hand, you will not find nine max SnGs; you can only choose between a 6-max or heads-up format. Finally, players can choose between a standard time format or Turbo.
SnGs will fill quickly, especially at the lower and micro-stakes in the evenings when the site traffic tends to be highest. On the other hand, if you are attempting to fill an SnG during low traffic hours, it may be challenging to get even one table running.
Borgata Poker Mobile App
There is the capability to play Borgata Poker online through a mobile app currently available for Android and iOS devices. The Borgata Poker app is also integrated with casino and sports betting if you desire to switch to other online games.
One of the most frustrating aspects of the Borgata Poker mobile app is the inability in tournaments to see the last hand if you are knocked out. In detail, if you are all-in and you lose the hand, you do not get to see what your opponent had as the app closes out the tournament with a pop-up stating what place you finished. Ultimately, this is a frustrating feature that I highly recommend Borgata Poker fix.
Now, there is an improvement on the way. Entain, formerly GVC Holdings, the software and parent company of partypoker, has made significant strides towards software improvement and features. Traditionally, PartyPoker skins such as Borgata receive updates and improvements in the months after Party Poker first implements them. To back up this theory, BetMGM has made significant improvements with frequent updates recently. Thus, it logically follows that Borgata Poker will also be privy to the same advances, albeit at a slower pace.
How to Download
- Head to the Borgata Poker website on your mobile device. Tap the ‘Download for Android’ or ‘Download for iOS’ icon.
- If you are using iOS, the Borgata mobile app automatically begins to download and install. For Android, you may need to allow installation from Borgata.
- Launch the Borgata mobile app to enjoy playing online poker!
Borgata Poker Desktop Client
If you’re looking to play online poker at Borgata, you need to download the desktop client. Note: you can sports bet and play casino games directly on the browser-based interface, but for poker, you need to download the desktop software client.
The system requirements for the desktop client will accommodate most operating systems. Once you install, you can also play casino games and sports betting via the client.
Notably, the issues with freezing and crashing don’t occur as often with the desktop client. However, these issues do occur from time to time, so beware. Again, I remain optimistic that the navigation and software stability that BetMGM has enjoyed recently will soon translate over to Borgata Poker.
How to Download
- From the main website, click the navigation tab ‘Download Now.'
- The download now begins automatically.
- Once downloaded, launch the software.
- Finally, follow the prompts for installation.
Payment Methods and Withdrawal Limits
As far as payment methods, you have access to the same ones as BetMGM and Party Poker. Nothing indeed differs from any of the skins in terms of payment processing times or withdrawal limits.
Additionally, there are no fees associated with deposits or withdrawals at Borgata Poker. Also, take note that there are no pre-set limits for withdrawals.
| Withdrawal Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| VIP Preferred e-Check | 3-5 Business Days |
| PayPal | 3-5 Business Days |
| Borgata Cashier Cage | Instant |
| Skrill | 3-5 Business Days |
| Physical Check in Mail | 14-20 Business Days |
| Play+ Card | 3-5 Business Days |
Featured Payment Method
Sign up for the Borgata Online Prepaid Play+ Card and immediately get access to depositing onto your player account. The significant advantage of Play+ is that most of your banking transactions will not be blocked.
Also, once you are signed up and receive your physical card, you can use it easily to withdraw your Borgata Online funds and use it anywhere Discover cards are accepted or ATMs worldwide.
Additionally, there is no credit limit or credit check involved. However, note that your physical card takes around 10-14 to arrive at your physical mailing address after your account's successful funding.
Borgata Online Poker is Legal
Borgata Poker is legal and licensed through the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the governmental regulatory body that oversees gaming. Technically, all online gaming operators need to have a physical casino anchor. In this case, the physical casino anchor is the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.
| Borgata Poker Company Overview | |
|---|---|
| Parent Company: | MGM Resorts International |
| Software: | Entain, formerly GVC Holdings |
| New Jersey Partner | Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa |
| Address: | 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
| NJ License: | NJIP 10-001 |
| International Licenses: | Macau |
| Email: | Form Submission |
History of Borgata Poker
To begin with, the physical Borgata Hotel Casino is the largest hotel in New Jersey. Additionally, the Borgata Hotel Casino is the top-grossing casino in terms of revenue in Atlantic City. When the Borgata first opened its doors in 2003, it resulted from a joint venture between MGM Mirage and Boyd Gaming.
Thus, MGM Resorts International owns Borgata and also operates in partnership with GVC Holdings, a major gambling software operator. In fact, GVC Holdings' claim to fame is ownership of PartyPoker. Recently GVC Holdings decided to rebrand to Entain. Therefore, BetMGM, PartyPoker, and Borgata are all skins that operate on the same software platform but with just visual and aesthetic differences.
Expansion
For now, it seems unlikely that the Borgata name will be expanding into other states as gambling becomes legalized. BetMGM is available in other states. In particular, look for BetMGM in:
- Colorado
- Nevada
- Indiana
- New Jersey
- West Virginia
As far as online poker goes, it is not a top priority. However, expect to see online poker next in Pennsylvania and Michigan for BetMGM. Do not expect for player pools to combine unless Wire Act litigation ends favorably.
Responsible Gambling
Borgata Online Poker believes that gaming “when done in the spirit of fun” is exciting. However, Borgata offers information and assistance in player tools to play responsibly when taken to an extreme.
At Borgata, use their tools to set individual limits. These limits are on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis on deposits and wagers. Keep in mind that limit decreases are immediately applicable to your player account. However, if you want to request a limit increase, these are only valid after a delay based on the limit that you previously set.
You can also opt into time management and set your limits regarding daily time on Borgata. After you exceed your previously set limit, you will not be able to engage in further play. The limit decrease requests are effective immediately, and a request to increase is only valid after 30 days.
For more severe limitations, you can also choose a temporary suspension. This limitation temporarily suspends your account from 3 to 180 days.
Other Borgata Products
Borgata Poker iRewards Loyalty Program
Any real money ring game raked hand or tournament fee at Borgata Poker earns you points called iRewards. However, you also are automatically enrolled and earn M life Rewards Tier Credits. The M life Rewards earn you points at any participating MGM Resorts properties, not just Borgata.
| m Life Tier | Points Required |
|---|---|
| Sapphire | 0-24,999 |
| Pearl | 25,000-74,999 |
| Gold | 75,000-199,999 |
| Platinum | 200,000+ |
| Noir | By Invitation Only |
For each $1 contributed either in rake or tournament fees, earn two iRPs. Additionally, there is a Loyalty Store where you can redeem not just cashback but clothing, electronics, and luxury items.
Each Oct. 1 is when Borgata Poker reviews your Tier Level. Thus, this means that you need to either earn iRPs or spend your remaining iRPs not to forfeit them. For Sapphire levels, you only have the previous 180 days before your iRPs are removed. However, for high levels, it is the last 365 days.
24/7 Customer Service
At Borgata Poker, receive 24/7 customer service. Live Chat is the only channel where you are guaranteed to speak to a customer support agent 24/7. Otherwise, phone support to Borgata Online is only available from 12 pm ET until 8 pm ET.
On the whole, customer support for online gaming has improved. Live Chat agents are quick and responsive with a typical response time of two minutes or less. Keep in mind that you will need to email support for more complicated issues, though.
How to Contact
Live Chat: Available
Email: Form Submission
Phone: (877) 448-5833
FAQs: Available on website
Support Hours:
- 24/7 for Live Chat
- 12 pm ET – 8 pm ET for Phone
Final Verdict
Borgata Poker Online may lag behind BetMGM, considering that software improvements have not been implemented yet. However, I still recommend playing at Borgata Poker mainly because clearing the welcome bonus is a little easier. Additionally, you have the brand recognition of the physical Borgata Casino. Finally, you can also easily switch to casino games or sports betting within the Borgata software.
Borgata Online Poker Review FAQs
How do you download the Borgata Online Poker client?
Downloading the Borgata Online Poker client is a fast and easy process. Simply go to the Borgata Poker website and click on the tab “Download Now”. The website automatically detects what operating system you are using and immediately starts the download. Keep in mind that Borgata Poker does not have a browser- based interface. You will need to download a desktop client.
Does Borgata Poker have a mobile app?
Yes, Borgata Poker has a mobile app for Android and iOS devices. Not only can you play poker on-the-go but, once you download the app, you can easily switch over to casino games or the sportsbook. To download, go to the Borgata Poker website on your mobile device. Click on “Download Now”.
What type of games are available at Borgata Online Poker?
Borgata Poker offers up the most popular forms of online poker. In particular, no limit hold'em multi-table tournaments are the strong suit. However, there are also cash games featuring: no limit and limit hold'em, Omaha and Stud games. Finally, there is even a a version called fastForward which is a cash game that “forwards” you onto the next table after you fold a hand.
How do you contact customer service at Borgata Online Poker?
Contact customer service via several different methods at BorgataPoker: live chat, phone with limited hours or email. Note that Live Chat is 24/7, whereas phone support is not. In fact, phone support at Borgata Poker only runs from 12pm ET to 9pm ET.
What promotions are available at Borgata Online Poker?
Borgata Poker runs a variety of ongoing promotions. Keep in mind that because it is a skin, the same promotions run on BetMGM and Party Poker NJ. Typically, look for special leaderboards that run consistently throughout the year. Also, there are special tournament series that run with boosted guarantees. Finally, Borgata Poker may award freeroll tickets and reload bonuses.
Specification: Borgata Online Poker Review
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