Day 1 of the 2008 Borgata Poker Open Draws a Record-Breaking 1,192 Players

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., Sept 05, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- MGM | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- The sixth annual Borgata Poker Open announces a record-breaking first day of registration as 1,192 players turned out for the start of the tournament, which boasts a $5 million guaranteed prize pool, the largest casino guarantee ever.

Held at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, the first event -- $300 No Limit Hold'em -- began on Wednesday, September 3rd and drew a prize pool of $357,600 and a first-place prize of $77,170.

A number of Atlantic City regulars made their Borgata Poker Open debuts, including poker players Mike Sica, Al Krux, Tom Coan, Tony Salerno, Davidson Matthew, Eugene Todd, Dale Pinchot, and Lou Russo taking to the felt. According to northern New Jersey resident and Borgata Poker Open patron, Boris Kravets, players are glad to be back at Borgata and the excitement is high for a chance to play for Borgata's unprecedented $5 million guarantee.

"I'm happy to return and ready to take down my first Poker Open title," says Kravets, who recently played at the 2008 Borgata Summer Open. "I'm going to play in various events, so I'm hoping to do more than just make starter money, especially in the $5 million main event."

With a strong turnout expected for the rest of September's tournament schedule, players are encouraged to register early. Tournaments begin at 11:00 a.m. For registration information, please visit www.theborgata.com.

About Borgata

Borgata is a joint venture of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) and MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM). Located at Renaissance Pointe in Atlantic City, it features 2,000 guest rooms and suites, 161,000 square feet of gaming, 200 gaming tables, 4,100 slot machines, 11 destination restaurants, 12 retail boutiques, a 54,000 square foot spa, 70,000 square feet of event space, and parking for 7,100 cars. For more information on Borgata or to obtain a copy of this press release, please visit www.theborgata.com or use AOL keyword: borgata. Additional news and information on Boyd Gaming can be found at www.boydgaming.com; additional information on MGM MIRAGE can be found at www.mgmmirage.com.

SOURCE Borgata

http://www.theborgata.com

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