Atlantic City Man Arrested for Armed Robbery of Poker Player at Borgata

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — A 32-year-old Newark man has been arrested in connection with the armed robbery of a high-stakes poker player at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. The suspect allegedly followed the victim, who had won over $75,000, from the casino floor to the parking garage. There, he produced a weapon and demanded the victim surrender his winnings. Casino surveillance footage played a key role in identifying the suspect, who was apprehended at his home Tuesday morning. The arrest followed a coordinated effort between the Atlantic City Police Department’s Casino Crimes Unit and the New Jersey State Police.
The suspect had been monitoring high-stakes poker tables across Atlantic City for weeks, specifically targeting players with significant winnings. This robbery is part of a troubling trend observed by authorities, where successful gamblers are increasingly being targeted after leaving casino properties. Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago expressed concern over the crime's potential to damage Atlantic City's reputation as a safe entertainment destination.
In response to the incident, the Casino Association of New Jersey has implemented enhanced security measures, including increased surveillance and plainclothes personnel around high-stakes gaming areas. Additionally, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office has expanded its Casino Crime Victim Assistance Program to support victims, particularly those who live outside the region.