Tony Rizzo

Poker & Atlantic City Writer

Atlantic City, NJ
Member since 2024

About Tony

Thirty-five years in the casino industry — started dealing blackjack at Resorts in ’88, worked my way up to pit boss, and retired from Borgata in 2022. I’ve seen Atlantic City through the boom, the bust, and whatever you’d call where we are now. I know this town and this industry like the back of my hand.

I was born and raised here. My dad worked construction on the casinos going up in the late ’70s. By high school, half my friends’ parents worked in the industry. When I graduated in ’87, dealing cards was the best-paying job available. I never planned to stay 35 years, but the industry gets in your blood.

Now I play $2/$5 at Borgata three times a week and write about poker and AC casinos. I know which rooms run the best games, which dealers to tip well, and which promotions are actually worth your time. I’ve been on both sides of the table, and I’ll tell you straight what the house knows that you don’t.

Areas of Expertise

Live Poker
Atlantic City
Casino Operations
Table Game Strategy
Comp Programs
Dealer Perspective
Poker Rooms
NJ Casinos

What I Don’t Cover

Online poker and crypto casinos — I’m a live game guy. Sports betting isn’t my area either. And I don’t do “get rich” poker strategies. I write for recreational players who want to enjoy the game and maybe walk out ahead.

The Personal Stuff

When I’m Not Writing

$2/$5 at Borgata (obviously)
Fishing off the AC jetties
Italian cooking — Sunday dinner is sacred
Walking the Boardwalk, even in January

Industry Pet Peeves

Players who slowroll
Hit-and-run players at cash games
Apps that claim to replace live poker
People who’ve never dealt calling dealers incompetent

“I spent 35 years watching people lose money at tables. The ones who did okay? They played within their bankroll and knew when to leave. It’s not complicated.”