One of the biggest poker tournaments in the city returns on Jan. 31, as the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa will host its 2010 Borgata Winter Poker Open with a $2 million prize pool through Feb. 5.
"We are very excited to kick off 2010 with our fifth annual Borgata Winter Open, which will be the premier tournament of its kind on the East Coast," says Joe Lupo, Senior Vice President of Operations for Borgata. "Poker has always been a main focus at Borgata and we continue to be committed to providing our customers the best experience, not just in Atlantic City, but on the East Coast. We are offering a $2 million guaranteed prize pool, launching our program in a big way, while offering our players what they want."
The 16-day tourney in the casino's Event Center will include No Limit Hold 'Em, No Limit Hold 'Em 6-handed, Ladies No Limit Hold 'Em, Deep Stack No Limit Hold 'Em, Limit Hold 'Em, H.O.S.E, Seven Card Stud and Heads Up Elimination events.
Steve Weinstein, a New York Native, won the 2009 Winter Open.
Ray Kot tourney
Another poker tournament at Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort will pay tribute to Ray Kot, a former Taj employee who was killed at the casino last year.
The first annual Ray Kot Poker Open Tournament will be held daily from Monday, Jan. 18, to Jan. 24 in the casino's Poker Room. Qualifying satellite tournaments will be held each hour from noon to midnight from Monday to Jan. 23. Donations will benefit the Ray Kot Memorial Fund. The tournament is open to the public and all casino employees - including key-licensed employees - are invited to play.
The grand prize will be an all-expense-paid trip to the 2010 Super Bowl on Feb. 7 in Miami, Fla., or the cash equivalent, including airfare, two nights of deluxe hotel accommodations, food credit of $250 per person and two tickets to the game.
Second place will receive a 50-inch LCD television, and third place will win a Super Bowl party for 10 in the Luxury Suite in the new Chairman Tower at the Taj. Additional prizes will be awarded to anyone that makes the final table of the championship round.
Winners of each satellite table will advance to the final round, which will be held 8:15 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, which was Kot's birthday. The memorial fund benefits Kot's only son Drew and will be used for his education and support.
Call 609-449-5881 for details.
Lindsay Lohan coming
Actress, model and pop singer Lindsay Lohan will return to Atlantic City for a celebrity appearance at The Pool at Harrah's Resort on Feb. 20.
The troubled star previously made appearances in Atlantic City when she would join former girlfriend Samantha Ronson at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, but this is her first solo appearance in the city.
Lohan, who starred in movies that included "The Parent Trap" and "Mean Girls," seems to receive more press these days for the things she does off screen. In addition to dating Ronson, she has been arrested twice for driving under the influence and has been in and out of rehabs.
The actress will appear in director Robert Rodriguez' film "Machete" this year, and she landed the lead role in the upcoming film "The Other Side," which is also scheduled to be released this year.
Doors will open at 10 p.m. Cabanas on The Pool level start at $2,500 for bottle service, and The Loft's beds and cabanas start at $3,500 for bottle service. General admission will start at $25.
Celebrity sightings
Zach Gilford of "Friday Night Lights" celebrated his birthday at Dusk on Saturday night.
Known best for his role as Matt Saracen, the 27-year-old also appeared on numerous TV shows such as "Gray's Anatomy."
Gilford arrived at the club in Caesars Atlantic City with family, friends and model girlfriend Amber Lancaster. They drank shots of Jameson Irish Whiskey, and he spent the night dancing and interacting with fans.
Over at Harrah's, Mya made an appearance at The Pool and even performed a short set to tracks. The platinum-selling artist and Grammy winner performed with the crowd dancing around her. She also posed for pictures and signed autographs.
ACES Pour Tour
ACES, the direct train service to and from Atlantic City from New York, kicked off its most recent Pour Tour last week, offering passengers unique mixology experiences at 25 to 30 percent off regular prices.
"The feedback we received from last year's Pour Tour was so great we wanted find a way to extend that experience for our riders," says Jennifer Weissman, regional vice president of marketing for Harrah's Entertainment. "This year, we've expanded the Pour Tour from just one train each week to all of our trains, which gives more customers the opportunity to participate in this special offer. ACES isn't just about getting from Point A to Point B; it's a fun, unique travel experience, no matter the originating city. In 2010, riders can expect to see new Pour Tour options each month, some themed to the holidays and others focused on the season."
All year, riders of the train will have the opportunity to sample signature seasonal cocktails that will rotate each month to feature new themes and liquor selections. Passengers will also be able to participate in do-it-yourself cocktail demonstrations in one of the train's bar kiosks to learn how to recreate the drinks at home.
January's "Year in the Clear" theme will feature discounted vodka and gin drinks, followed by February's "Love on the Tracks," with spicy, sweet and smoky whisky, bourbon and scotch drinks. March will be "Born to Rum" month with discounted rum specials.
Currently, ACES prices start at $39 round trip - not including drinks - originating from Atlantic City.
Go to acestrain.com.
Promo Power
Resorts Atlantic City is giving away $50,000 in cash each Sunday through Jan. 31 through its $200,000 Holiday Payoff promotion. Five $1,000 cash winners will be selected every hour from noon to 6 p.m. each day. There will also be one $5,000 cash winner at 6 p.m.
On Monday, Jan. 18, Resorts will give away 73-inch televisions just in time for the NFL playoffs. Winners will have the TVs delivered and installed. One winner will be selected every hour from noon to 6 p.m.
More details available at the Resorts Casino Club.
