Borgata in Atlantic City Hosting Free Throws Competition

Atlantic City-based Borgata is introducing a whole new way of competing. Unlike the usual casino games, this time around physical skills will be far more important than Lady Luck. Organizers at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa revealed that they have received approval from the Division of Gaming Enforcement to organize a basketball competition where players will compete in shooting free throws to win money.

Atlantic City is trying to get back on track by looking for new and innovative ways to allure more people to the casinos. Lately, Atlantic City has been going through a tough period, with several casinos shutting down last year. Thousands have been sent to the unemployment line, revenue has declined considerably, and it seems that the once glorious Atlantic City is now fighting for its survival.

That is the reason why the DGE has allowed casinos to offer games with a skill element as part of a “New Jersey First” program that aims to adopt gambling innovations.

The Borgata will host the first event of this kind in the United States. The $10,000 guarantee basketball free throws tournament will take place on March 21st. The buy-in for the tournament will be only $20, with participation limited to Borgata players' club card holders.

Contestants will have a chance to shoot in three rounds with every round lasting 90 seconds. Top shooters will qualify for the round of 16 where they will shoot against each other, head-to-head in a bracket format similar to the college tournament.

Third and fourth place finishers will win $1,000, second place will take home a prize of $3,000, and the winner will walk away with $5,000.

The players will be shooting from a 15 ft distance at the 10 ft high basket. Those eager to show their skills don’t have to be professional basketball players to participate, because everybody is welcome to buy-in to the tournament as long as they are 21 years old. As Borgata Senior Vice President Joe Lupo said, even NBA star LeBron James can join the tournament if he so chooses.

Skill-based competitions are played all the time around the world but this tournament is very special and important for Atlantic City. It is the first time that such a contest will be offered by a licensed casino in the United States.

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