In recent years, mega-resorts such as Bellagio, Paris and the Venetian have been wowing visitors to Las Vegas. Atlantic City is next in line. Boyd Gaming Corp. and MGM Mirage, both of Las Vegas, are teaming up to build the $1 billion Borgata resort in the Marina District of the city. The 40-story, 2,010 room hotel is slated to open in 2003.

The Borgata, which is the first major hotel development in Atlantic City in more than a decade, will feature 10 restaurants, 11 retail shops, a European spa, several entertainment venues and a special events center. The 122,000 sq. ft. casino will include 120 gaming tables and 3,650 slot machines.

The Atlantic City-Brigantine Connector, a $330 million project now under construction, will provide access to the hotel, which will be located on a 30-acre site. MGM Mirage owns some of the biggest hotels in Las Vegas, including Bellagio, The Mirage and New York-New York Hotel and Casino, while Boyd Owns or operates 11 casinos in five states.