New Jersey poker players have their holiday wish list together for Santa. Now it’s all about hoping some of their wishes are granted in 2023.
Here are five things that the Garden State card playing community would like to see happen.
1. Continued growth of NJ online poker via interstate mergers
One of the biggest developments in the world of poker in recent years has been the growth of online poker. NJ online poker has become increasingly popular and has provided players with a convenient way to play the game from the comfort of their own homes.
Besides New Jersey, current legalized online poker states include:
- Pennsylvania
- Michigan
- Nevada
- Delaware
It was recently announced by PokerStars that a merger is in the works between Michigan and New Jersey.
2. Reopen Wild Wild West Casino WSOP room
Located at the Wild Wild West Casino, which is part of Caesars Atlantic City, the WSOP room was one of the largest poker rooms in AC. It had some of the best weekend daily tournaments and offered easy access for tourists on the Boardwalk to play. The room originally opened in 2014, but closed during the pandemic.
No plans have been announced to bring back the room that currently lays abandoned. For now, the WSOP.com NJ app is an alternative option.
BRAND NEW WSOP POKER ROOM @ BALLYSAC NOT BAD ALOT OF ACTION. $$$#BallysAC #wsop #WSOPNJ #ATLANTICCITY #doac pic.twitter.com/3LtnxXglRd
— DJ Loudmouth "Your baby mama favorite DJ!" (@REALBIGTIMEJAY) March 9, 2014
3. MGM should host more Borgata Opens
In addition to online poker, live poker events are also a big draw for many players in New Jersey. In 2023 players would like to see an increase in the number of live poker events at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. Currently, The Return is coming Jan. 4-8. The series mostly focuses on large buy-ins. Players are hoping that more recreational friendly events will be back in the 2023 mix.
4. Find the keys to the Golden Nugget AC poker room
Players also would like to see is the Golden Nugget Atlantic City poker room reopen. The area has also been closed since Atlantic City casinos closed due to the global pandemic. The room was small with only nine tables. However, it had daily tournaments and was a fun room for the recreational player. The Nugget always offered great promotions such as free food daily. For now, the message on the Golden Nugget AC website remains the same: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Poker Room is closed until further notice.”
5. Put PokerStars tournaments on Resorts Atlantic City 2023 event calendar
Back when PokerStars launched in NJ in 2016, the company hosted some live festivals at Resorts Casino Hotel. The series in Atlantic City were a lot of fun and even some big names such as Chris Moneymaker made appearances. The casino doesn’t have a poker room but the events were held in the conference room. The tournament series took place in 2016 and 2017. This past year with the announcement of the Platinum Passes, players were hopeful a live series would return to NJ’s first casino, but unfortunately that did not happen.
Could 2023 be the year PokerStars live events take place along the Jersey Shore again?
2023 is almost here
Overall, 2023 promises to be an exciting year for poker players in New Jersey. With continued growth of online poker, more live events, and increased prize pools, there will be plenty of opportunities for players to enjoy the game they love.
Hopefully Santa has some connections in Atlantic City.