Borgata Gets High-Tech Tournament Chips after Poker Fiasco

The Borgata casino in Atlantic City replaced its old chips, in order to prevent poker players from using fake chips in tournaments.

Earlier this year, a $2 million poker tournament hosted at the casino was canceled after it was discovered that at least one player had used counterfeit chips. With 27 people remaining, local authorities decided to suspend and then cancel the event, and an investigation was launched.

The management of the casino has now announced that new, high-tech tournament poker chips were bought. Local gambling news have reported that these high-tech chips have more colors and can be authenticated using ultraviolet light.

Expensive, but necessary

The gambling authority in New Jersey officially approved the new chips at the end of last month. According to state officials, the chips are “acceptable for use” and range from 1,000 to 500,000 in denomination.

Most American poker rooms use regular chips, but the events in January have taught Borgata a very expensive lesson. Joe Lupo, the casino’s senior vice president, told reporters: “This was very expensive, but very necessary. In order to have the biggest tournaments in Atlantic City and as the market leader, we need to ensure the integrity of the games.”

Local news say Christian Lusardi, the player accused of the cheating, is now in jail awaiting trial.