- Lunn plans to renovate hotel rooms, add new slot machines, and table game tourneys.
- A goal has been set to attract new customers and bring patrons in from other MGM properties.
- The new president wants to use the updates to help the casino stay relevant in the market.
After serving as the southeast group president and chief operating officer (COO) for MGM Resorts, Travis Lunn has now taken on the same role within the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City. Lunn has big plans for the casino, after taking over for Melonie Johnson, who returns to the MGM National Harbor as its president and COO.
Lunn spoke with The Associated Press recently, after taking on the position, and described how he plans to revitalize the Borgata and help it stay in competition with nearby leaders in the market such as the Hard Rock and Ocean Casino Resort.
Reinvestment is Key
During the interview, Lunn pointed out that the competition is healthy in Atlantic City, and it helps the region as a whole. For Borgata, the destination needs a reinvestment. Lunn looked at the casino and asked the question of what the venue needs to stay relevant and competitive.
He came to quite the conclusion. The new President and COO wants to renovate the hotel rooms of the property as well as add new slots to the gaming floor. Table game tournaments will also be added with some connected to sports betting events to tie in customer retention.
It has been a decade since the Borgata updated its hotel rooms, so this is top priority for Lunn. He feels that to be market leader, the Borgata must offer best in class guest rooms. Right now, the property has the quality but is it relevant to what consumers want today? Lunn wants to make sure that the Borgata offers the latest amenities inside guest rooms to pull patrons to the property.
Bringing In New Gaming Options
One way to drive in traffic to the Borgata Casino is to add new games. With more options for gaming, as well as unique products, it drives players to the gaming floor. Lunn has plans to add 300-400 new slot games to the floor, replacing the older machines. He plans to spend $10 million on the slot floor to update the available products.
Lunn also sees tournaments as a way to bring in players. The Borgata has hosted events in the past that were quite successful, so the new President wants to see the social activities continue. He also has plans to connect with Stockton University students. The goal is to provide education and training to students at the University to train them for careers in the hospitality and casino industry.
It will be interesting to watch and see what Lunn does to the Borgata and if it helps the casino to remain in the top position within Atlantic City. The Borgata continues to be a driving force in the region, but Ocean and Hard Rock are pulling up close. The competition is really heating up on the Boardwalk, all the benefit of the players.
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