Showboat in New Jersey: Lost in the Shuffle
The least profitable of the four Atlantic City properties operated by Caesars Entertainment, the quirky Showboat casino has made a stalwart effort to remain viable in New Jersey’s rapidly changing gambling climate. The Mardi Gras themed casino added a new tower in 2003, followed four years later by a remodeling of its original tower. And unlike its decaying boardwalk neighbors, Showboat manages to appear fresh and alive.
Yes, despite its best efforts, the Showboat (or simply the Boat, as it is referred to by locals) has been crippled by the economic downswing of the late 2000s. Its struggles have led to rumors that Caesars Entertainment is looking to unload the underperforming casino. And while the launch of online gambling in New Jersey could help revitalize the fledgling venue, Caesars will likely spend the majority of its focus promoting its three other Atlantic City properties.
Showboat’s approach to online gambling
Recognizing that iGaming could potentially raise the value of its four AC properties dramatically, Caesars Entertainment has taken a decidedly aggressive approach towards the soon to be regulated online gambling market in New Jersey.
Its online partner, the equally aggressive 888 Holdings, has already established its presence in the United States, currently possessing a vested interest in the online gambling operations of all three states that have passed legislation legalizing Internet gaming. To date, 888 Holdings will be involved in at least two of Caesars Entertainment’s four permitted gaming licenses.
At least one site will be launched as an 888 branded poker room. Another online property will most likely launch under Caesars WSOP.com poker brand, which makes sense considering 888 is already responsible for handling the World Series of Poker’s brand in Nevada.
Caesars Entertainment has also aligned with Amaya Gaming, which will provide the platform for CaesarsCasino.com. It is unknown if the Showboat’s online casino will be tied to this site, if it’s working with another company or simply isn’t part of Caesars Entertainment’s grand plan.
Finally, Caesars has forged an agreement with Wynn Entertainment that would allow the latter to host online poker servers within an existing casino controlled by Caesars Entertainment. Whether or not that casino will be in New Jersey or elsewhere is yet to be determined.
Showboat’s live poker room
According to Showboat’s website, its House of Blues themed poker room boasts 28 tables, making it one of the smaller poker rooms in Atlantic City. Cash games run the gamut from Omaha to 7-Stud, although the vast majority of games spread are of the low limit NLHE variety.
Poker room highlights include:
- Four low buy-in daily tournaments featuring $5,000 guaranteed prize pools on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Daily cash giveaways (Monday and Wednesday 10am – 12am). Frequent players receive entries into a monthly $30,000 cash giveaway.
- Aces cracked promotion – The first 10 Aces cracked get $100 cash (Tuesday and Thursday)
- Full House promotion – Win $500 for making a full house selected by Showboat.
Showboat’s casual poker room features plenty of exits, even more TVs and easy access to the cage and other sections of the casino.
Showboat’s role in the Atlantic City market
Given Caesars Entertainment’s multiple properties and partnerships, one can only speculate as to how significant Showboat’s role will be in New Jersey’s newly minted Internet gambling market. In lieu of recent sales rumors, it is unlikely that Caesars Entertainment will focus on Showboat’s online gaming operations, opting instead to emphasize its other three AC properties: Bally’s, Caesars and Harrah’s.
Caesars might not have a better opportunity to sell Showboat than now, as thanks to online gambling’s imminent launch, the value of each casino will rise dramatically. It may prove the better of two alternatives, the second being Showboat receiving the scraps and leftovers of Caesars iGaming scheme.
Regardless of its partner, the advantage of launching a Showboat online poker site is that the casino already houses a moderately sized, popular poker room. By running online promotions that entice players to visit the brick and mortar venue, the poker room’s popularity could rise, and in theory, allow it to host more prestigious events.
