Borgata Casino Interview with Tom Ballance about Online Gaming

Mr.Tom Ballance has been President and Chief Operating Officer of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (formerly Marina District Development Company LLC) since October 2012. Mr. Ballance served as Senior Vice President of Administration at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa until October 2012. Mr. Ballance served as Senior Vice President of Development at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. He has been with Borgata since 1998. Mr. Ballance has 30 years of experience in the casino industry.


1). Borgata has been the leader in gaming and hotel operations for the past decade. What do you attribute that to?

Having the best people, product, building and  process. Our customers know they will be taken care of. We are a better value to them. Our customers trust us and will spend more with us than with others.

2). Borgata was the 1st and only property in Atlantic City to implement mobile or in room gaming. How would you gauge the response to it?

OK. Not anything meaningful on our income statement. Our goal with mobile was to work more with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. The installation places us ahead of the competition with online gaming.

3). What is your vision for Online Gaming?

E Commerce is in every business, shopping online and off line. We are prepared to embrace change and new technology. Borgata will supply the best IGaming experience in the market.

4). Do you plan to launch from day one or take a conservative approach?

Borgata will be among the first to launch.

5). The projections for IGaming range from 200 million to 650 million a year. What is your estimation?

Somewhere in the middle. There is no market like New Jersey. We have more supply here than in Europe.

6). Compacting was mention by MGM President Jim Murren between New Jersey and Nevada for IGaming in 2014. Would that interest you?

I don't see it happening that quickly. As more states legalize online gaming, you will see compacting agreements.

7). Responsible Gaming in a cyber world. How do you go about it?

Borgata will partner with Bwin Party and Kalixa. They are two proven operators that know the business and the software.  Together, we will be sophisticated and know who is depositing and creating accounts. Are there idiots that will allow children access to their accounts? That is a possibility. From our end, we will work to insure no on one under age will have an account with us.

8). The promotion DOAC has brought a resurgence to the region. What else does Atlantic City need to return to the previous levels of tourism and gaming?

Atlantic City has stabilize and seen growth. Events significantly produce traction and exceed expectations. The Boardwalk looks better now than at any period in recent memory. Governor Christie has made a strong commitment to the city. I don't see a return to the previous levels of

gaming dominance. Some of the current gaming operators must move to stronger balance sheets and partner with other members of our industry.

Golden Nugget and Resorts are two examples of teams that made intelligent moves and position themselves well for the future.

 

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