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Borgata's No-Children Policy Surprises Some

“Families who arrived Saturday to check out Atlantic City's newest attraction were greeted by a placard next to the elevators on each level of the garage: `No persons under 18 years of age are permitted into Borgata except for registered guests of the hotel.’

“Those who tried to come onto the property anyway were stopped by security guards at the entrance and told the children were not welcome unless the parents produced a room key. There were too many children on the property Friday, and some were injured when left alone among the throngs of visitors, security guards explained to the frustrated parents.

“…Some families left immediately and went elsewhere. Others stopped to argue with the guards, but to no avail. Groups of children, most accompanied by an adult, were seen waiting by the garage elevators while others in their group went into the casino.

“Michael Facenda, director of marketing services for the Borgata said Saturday the casino hotel planned to have the adults-only rule from the beginning, but amid the hoopla of the grand opening, it took them a couple of days to implement it.

“`Many other casinos in Atlantic City are experiencing problems with unattended children, and it is our intention to adopt this policy to avoid the problem,’ Facenda said.

“The Borgata's parent company, MGM Mirage, has the same policy at its upscale Bellagio hotel casino in Las Vegas, Facenda said.

“…Some people said the family-unfriendly atmosphere will cost the Borgata gaming customers.

“…But others like the Borgata's decision.

“…Casinos are not a place for children, said Ron Walczak of Atco, who came with his wife, Pat…”

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