As a result of the collaboration, Boyd Gaming Corporation’s digital division will benefit from several slots and table games provided by Playtech as they become available on its two Stardust platforms in the US. 

In addition to slot and table game content, the Stardust brands – which currently operate in New Jersey and Pennsylvania – will also host live casino games provided by Playtech. 

Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Interactive, commented: “We are excited to incorporate Playtech’s exceptional online casino and Live Casino games into our Stardust offerings in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

“We look forward to offering Stardust players renowned Playtech titles such as ‘Age of the Gods,’ captivating, branded games like ‘Gold Rush: Cash Collect,’ and entertaining live shows like ‘Adventures Beyond Wonderland.’”

Boyd Gaming Corporation’s Stardust brands were launched as a result of its acquisition of Boyd Interactive, formerly Pala Interactive, back in 2022. 

This then led to the launch of Stardust online casinos in PA and NJ in Spring 2023, aiming to deliver ‘unparalleled experiences to their valued patrons’. 

Marcus Yoder, Chief Commercial Officer at Playtech USA, added: “By introducing the exciting Stardust online casinos, Boyd Gaming expanded its long-standing tradition of surpassing expectations and delivering unique entertainment experiences into the online space. 

“The team at Playtech is thrilled to collaborate with the Boyd team and we are confident that the joining of our forces will bring mutual success to both companies.”

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Commenting on the results, President and CEO Keith Smith noted that a “proven business model and experienced team” gives the operator confidence in its ability to navigate the current economic climate.

Publishing its Q1 financial update, Boyd Gaming declared revenues of $964m, up 12 per cent year-over-year (Q1 2022: $860.7m) with net income growing to $199.7m (2022: $162.9m).

The company’s total adjusted EBITDAR rose by 8.4 per cent YoY during the quarter to $367.1m (2022: $338.8m).

Smith commented: “The first quarter was an excellent start to 2023 for our company, as we again demonstrated the strength of our business model and the resilience of our diversified portfolio.

“We continued to see increased play from our core customers across the country, as well as strong growth in our non-gaming operations.”

Per segment, gaming revenues declined slightly YoY to $664.3m (2022: $668m), whilst food & beverage revenue rose to $71.6m (2022: $63.7m), and room revenue increased to $50m (2022: $42.4m).

However, online revenue – which includes the company’s sports betting partnership with FanDuel, online market access agreements, and online casino Boyd Interactive – had the largest growth YoY, rising by 123 per cent to $122.9m (2022: $55.1m).

Boyd Gaming attributed the online growth to the launch of “sports-betting operations in Ohio and Kansas, continued growth in existing markets, and contributions from Boyd Interactive”.

Per region, Smith noted that Boyd Gaming’s Nevada segments “delivered outstanding performances” with revenues of $240.3m for Las Vegas Locals (2022: $227.6m) and $56.6m for Downtown Las Vegas (2022: $49.5m).

The CEO added that increased tourism in the area and growing play drove “record first-quarter EBITDAR and operating margins” in both Las Vegas segments. 

Midwest & South revenue fell slightly YoY to $512.2m (2022: $517.1m) as the company said results were “impacted by continued softness” at Louisiana and Mississippi properties. Managed & other revenue also rose to $32.1m (2022: $11.6m).

Smith added that the Sky River Casino at Elk Grove near Sacramento, in partnership with the Wilton Rancheria tribe, continues “to perform ahead of expectations” thanks to recent property investments. 

“Our proven business model and experienced team are delivering strong results for our shareholders, giving us confidence in our continued ability to successfully navigate the current economic environment,” the CEO concluded.

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The transaction will see NYSE-listed Boyd purchase Pala from its current owners, the Pala Band of Mission Indians, for a total consideration of £170m. 

By acquiring Pala, Boyd is securing igaming technology including a player management system, casino, poker, social casino and poker platforms, along with integrated sports and a suite of managed services. 

Boyd anticipates finalising the transaction in the first quarter of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions such as a regulatory review and approval. The firm detailed earlier in February that it was eyeing up investments for 2022 with regards to both online and land-based operations.

Jim Ryan, CEO of Pala Interactive, remarked: “This is the result of a considerable capital investment and a lot of hard work by the Pala Tribe and Pala Interactive employees to build a modern-age online gaming platform and business tailored to the North American regulated gaming market. 

“Boyd Gaming’s acquisition of the Pala Interactive business, positions the enterprise for the next growth phase, which includes the development and execution of an igaming strategy for Boyd Gaming and a continued commitment of investment and development in Pala’s B2B business.”

Founded in 2013 by Pala Indians, Pala provides both B2B and B2C real money and social gaming solutions to US and Canadian regulated markets. 

The brand currently provides its B2B services in eight US states as well as in Canada – as well as a B2B2C offering in the latter – and also manages B2C products in New Jersey. 

Pala currently expects further expansion in the Canadian market, having recently secured its Ontario Gaming Related Supplier Manufacturer Licence.

Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, added: “Our tribe was at the forefront in creating an online gaming platform. We brought together the best minds in the business to build and ultimately transact, what has become a very successful business.”

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This comes almost eight months after the gaming and hospitality firm announced the relaunch of the brand, with that return coming in the form of a free-to-play mobile gaming app.

The Stardust Casino will be built on FanDuel’s proprietary front-end, apps and player account management system, with both to be linked to Boyd Gaming’s B Connected player loyalty program.

FanDuel and Boyd Gaming anticipate launching the igaming offerings in April, pending final regulatory approval from each state. While players must be in either state to access the real-money casinos, customers across the country will still be able to access the social entity.

“For nearly 50 years, the Stardust was one of the most famous casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. And while the resort has been gone for more than a decade, the Stardust brand is still as well-known and popular as ever,” explained Keith Smith, president and CEO of Boyd Gaming  

“We are excited to work with our partners at FanDuel to launch our first real-money online casinos and are confident this legendary brand will give us a significant advantage in connecting with players looking for a distinctive online gaming experience.”

The new Stardust Casino vows to include a variety of players’ favourite casino games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, video poker, and baccarat, as well as live dealer games; the ability to securely and quickly cash out winning; and numerous account protections.

FanDuel plans to rebrand its existing Betfair Casino in New Jersey under Boyd Gaming’s Stardust brand, while launching a Stardust online casino in Pennsylvania. A single Stardust Casino app will be available for iOS and Android in both jurisdictions.

“The new Stardust Casino will retain all of the great games that customers love on Betfair Casino, while incorporating a new stylish look that captures the glitz, glamour and nostalgia of old Las Vegas,” commented Amy Howe, president of FanDuel Group.  

“Stardust Casino allows us to take a market leading product to the next level, creating a unified platform across New Jersey and Pennsylvania and integrating Boyd Gaming’s B Connected player loyalty program to provide even more value to our customers.” 

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The comments come as the operator publishes its third quarter trading update to September 30, 2020, a period which saw the firm remain with three properties closed. These were Eastside Cannery and Eldorado Casino in the firm’s ‘Las Vegas Locals’ segment, and Main Street Station in the ‘Downtown Las Vegas’ division.

Third quarter revenue declined 20.42 per cent from $819.6m to $652.2m, net income saw a slight 3.27 per cent drop to $38.1m (2019: $39.4m), and adjusted EBITDA came in at $238.8m, representing a 12 per cent increase from $213.5m year-on-year.

For the first nine months of the year, revenue fell 38.12 per cent to $1.54bn (2019: $2.49bn), net income swung from $133.3m to a loss of $217.9m, and adjusted EBITDA finished up a $323.4m, a 45.7 per cent drop from 2019’s $596m.

Keith Smith, president and chief executive officer of Boyd Gaming, stated: “During the third quarter, we successfully navigated the challenges presented by the COVID pandemic thanks to our outstanding operating team. 

“By effectively yielding our casino floors and amenities while implementing new efficiencies throughout our business, we greatly enhanced our operating performance in a lower-revenue environment.”

Delivering a deeper operational revenue, Boyd Gaming looked a little closer at the performance across its core reporting segments of Las Vegas Locals, Downtown Las Vegas, and Midwest & South.

In the former of those, revenue came in at $171.1m for Q3, representing a 20 per cent decline from $213.2m, with adjusted EBITDA growing a little over 23 per cent from $64m to $78.9m.

For the nine month period revenue plummeted 39 per cent to $400.5m (2019: $657m), with EBITDA recording a 38.7 per cent fall from $209.7m to $128.5m.

Downtown Las Vegas reported revenue of $17.5m, down 71 per cent from $60.6m, with adjusted EBITDA swinging from $11.9m to a loss of $1.51m, which the firm aligns to significant travel restrictions in Hawaii and overall declines in Las Vegas visitation.

Revenue for the nine months until the end of September finished up at $76.3m, a significant 59.4 per cent drop from $188.1m, with adjusted EBITDA reported as $1.22m (2019: $42.8m).

Midwest & South revenue fell 15 per cent to $463.6m (2019: $545.6m) while adjusted EBITDAR increased nearly 17 per cent to $182.5m (2019:$156.2m), with Boyd stating that strong operating performances across the segment more than offset the impact of property closures related to Hurricanes Laura and Sally.  

For the nine month period revenue just topped the billion barrier to come in at $1.06bn, a decrease of 35.3 per cent from $1.64bn, with adjusted EBITDA dropping 32.8 per cent to $320.9m (2019: $477.7m).

Smith added: “On a companywide basis, we delivered 12 per cent EBITDAR growth and improved operating margins by more than 1,000 basis points, as both our Las Vegas Locals and Midwest & South segments set records for quarterly EBITDAR and margins.  

“At the same time, we continued to build the foundation for future growth through the expansion of our partnership with FanDuel Group, successfully launching mobile sports betting platforms in Illinois and Iowa and expanding our digital reach to more than 30 million adults nationwide. 

“We are proud of our team’s ability to successfully execute our strategy and are committed to sustaining a more efficient and profitable operating model into the future.”

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The feature sees patrons place cash on account at the cashier cage, then use their player loyalty card to instantly access those funds on the casino floor. The digital wallet eliminates the need to handle cash at slot machines or redeem tickets, creating a frictionless experience for the customer.

The launch will initially provide access to the wallet for slot machine players, allowing them to use their B Connected player loyalty card to place wagers and cash out credits. In future stages, access to the digital wallet will be expanded to table games, restaurants, and other amenities at Blue Chip.

“Building on our strategic partnership with Aristocrat, Boyd Gaming continues to add best-in-class mobile cashless wagering and contactless solutions that will greatly enhance the patron experience at our properties,” noted Blake Rampmaier, senior vice president and chief information officer of Boyd Gaming.

 “As previously announced, we will continue to leverage our partnership with Aristocrat to drive mobile innovation in a secure and exciting environment for our patrons.”

Based on the success of the Blue Chip launch, and pending regulatory approvals, Aristocrat and Boyd Gaming intend to expand digital wallet technology to additional Boyd Gaming properties across the country. 

Furthermore, the two companies also plan to integrate the digital wallet into Boyd Gaming’s B Connected Mobile app, with an aim of creating a digital, touchless experience for customers.

“We are thrilled to partner with Boyd to bring this new and exciting solution to their patrons,” said Cath Burns, executive vice president of customer experience solutions for Aristocrat. 

“We are passionate about the patron engagement and that Boyd continues to roll out Aristocrat’s suite of innovative CX mobile solutions to aid in the transformation of the patron and industry experience.”

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Inking a long-term sports betting technology agreement with the casino operator, the link-up will see PlaySports power Boyd’s retail sportsbooks throughout Nevada, along with its Nevada-based mobile sports app and online sports betting portal.

Furthermore, Las Vegas headquartered Boyd will deploy IGT’s self-service kiosks throughout its gaming venues across the region, with both parties to adopt a phased approach for rolling out the features and services associated with the agreement.

In addition to striving to offer players a more robust and progressive sports betting program, the platform will allow the company to offer improved back-end system navigation, and seamlessly update app content in line with real-time data and betting trends. Players will also be able to enjoy a range of new bets, features and conveniences.

IGT and Boyd Gaming have maintained a sports betting relationship in the US since 2018, with the PlaySports platform also powering sports betting at Boyd Gaming-owned properties in Pennsylvania, Iowa, Indiana and Mississippi.

“IGT and Boyd Gaming will create a dynamic omnichannel sports betting product that is sure to stand apart in Nevada, the most mature and high-volume sports betting destination in the US,” commented Enrico Drago, IGT’s PlayDigital senior vice president. 

“IGT’s PlaySports platform enables Boyd Gaming to differentiate its sports betting product in meaningful ways that position them to attract new players and grow revenue in the segment.”

This follows a deal inked earlier this month which will see IGT take its Advantage casino management system solution to the in-development $2.2bn Crown Sydney Hotel Resort, with the property seeking an enhanced player experience.

Set to open in December 2020, the property will be the first casino in Australia to open in more than a decade as well as becoming the city’s first-ever six-star hotel, and will also boast views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

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The Stardust Social Casino, inspired by the Las Vegas casino of the same name, features a regularly updated selection of slot titles from Boyd Gaming casino floors across the country.

In addition to delivering a selection of popular titles, Stardust Social Casino also offers rewards and benefits at Boyd Gaming properties. Virtual credit purchases in the app will earn points and tier credits within the firm’s B Connected player loyalty program, redeemable at properties across the US.

“Though the Stardust Resort and Casino closed more than a decade ago, this iconic brand remains one of the most legendary names in Las Vegas history,” noted Keith Smith, president and chief executive officer of Boyd Gaming. 

“With the launch of Stardust Social Casino, we are bringing back the nostalgia and excitement of this brand with a social gaming experience worthy of the Stardust name.”

Adding: “Stardust is a name that clearly resonates with gaming customers across all generations. Given its considerable brand equity, we believe the Stardust name will give Boyd Gaming a unique advantage as we further expand our online and mobile gaming presence.” 

The mobile app is free to play and is available for download on iOS and Android platforms, and aims to capture the nostalgia of the Las Vegas experience once offered by the Stardust Resort and Casino.

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Cherokee Nation Businesses has today, May 20, announced its planned approach to providing a safe environment for guests and employees at its entertainment properties in an attempt to reopen.

The ‘Responsible Hospitality’ plan aims to address entertainment operation protocols including casino gaming, food and beverage offerings, hotels, retail, golf and live entertainment.

“How we move forward from this pandemic will be a part of our legacy,” said Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses. “We intend to emerge confident in the knowledge that we did all we could to implement industry-leading protocols that promote the health and safety of our team members and guests. 

“While the guest experience will be different than before, we will continue to deliver the same first-class hospitality and entertainment our guests have come to know and love.”

The plan outlines procedures for physical distancing, enhanced cleaning and sanitisation, and noninvasive temperature screenings for both guests and employees. Additional measures include limited hours of operation, occupancy restrictions and the required use of masks by all.

Food and beverage offerings under the proposed plan will be available with additional safety measures in place, though buffet-style venues and banquet events will remain temporarily suspended.

“The ‘Responsible Hospitality’ plan was designed to be a fluid, evolving program that addresses the needs of now, while working toward the future,” said Mark Fulton, COO of Cherokee Nation Entertainment. “We look forward to revising, streamlining and implementing improved measures as we progress toward a more resilient future and returning our properties, amenities and services to full operation.”

Boyd Gaming Corporation has announced its plans to resume operations today at seven properties in Louisiana and Mississippi, pending final regulatory approvals.

The reopenings are planned for three of its Louisiana properties: Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel, Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel and Treasure Chest Casino with its two Mississippi properties, IP Casino Resort Spa in Biloxi and Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall in Tunica, opening tomorrow, May 21.

The following week, Boyd Gaming plans to open its two additional properties in Louisiana, Amelia Belle Casino and Sam’s Town Shreveport.

“As we begin the process of reopening our properties nationwide, the health and safety of our customers, our team members and our communities will be our highest priority,” said Keith Smith, president and chief executive officer of Boyd Gaming.  “Across the country, we are implementing comprehensive safety protocols approved by local, state and federal health officials. 

“We are optimistic that we will be able to reopen most of our properties over the next several weeks, and we look forward to offering our guests a safe and enjoyable entertainment experience.”

Upon reopening all Boyd Gaming properties will practice ‘Boyd Clean’, a set of ‘comprehensive protocols’ aimed at protecting the health and safety of its employees and guests. 

MGM Resorts is another that has announced the reopening of its Mississippi properties, with its Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica planned to allow a limited capacity through its doors from May 25, followed by Biloxi’s Beau Rivage Resort and Casino from June 1. Each will host an invitation-only weekend ahead of its public reopening.

“Our hearts are with everyone in our communities, and around the world, who has been personally impacted by this crisis,” said Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts’ ccting CEO and president.

“As we plan to reopen our resorts, the health and safety of our guests and employees guide all of our decision-making. Getting many of our employees back to work and welcoming guests through our doors once again will allow us to do what we do best – entertain. We can’t wait.”

Ameristar Vicksburg and Hollywood Casino – Gulf Coast in Mississippi have also announced its plans to open tomorrow, May 21, through official social media accounts.

The post reads: “We are pleased to announce that we will be opening our doors with limited offerings on Thursday, May 21 at 12pm.

“While we are excited to welcome you back, it is imperative that we create a safe environment for you and our team members. With this in mind, we have been working closely with the Mississippi Gaming Commission and state and local leaders to finalize a comprehensive plan for the reopening of Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast.

“Details of those protocols and additional information on the reopening will be made available here on Facebook and our website in the coming days. We look forward to welcoming you back safely.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that horse racing tracks in New York and Watkins Glen International Racetrack will be allowed to open without fans from June 1.

“What can you do, or what economic activity is willing to reopen without a crowd, right? They’re talking about this in terms of sports. You’re going to have baseball without a crowd but it can still be televised – great,” Cuomo said. “If you can have economic activity without a crowd, that’s great. We can do that in this state with horse racing tracks, and we’re going to do that. 

“There will be guidelines for the actual participants, but no crowds, no fans. But for the industry itself, for the televised viewers, that can still work. That is also true with Watkins Glen, that can operate and there’s a big viewership for Watkins Glen.”

The state has scheduled guidance on how it can reopen safely which will be released in the ‘coming weeks’.

Following directions from the Confederated Tribes of Coos Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians of Oregon Tribal Council the Three Rivers Casino and Resort in Oregon will reopen on May 22.

The resorts will be following safety guidelines out in place from the advice of the CDC and Oregon Health Authority which include: 

• Temperature checks and required wearing of masks for both guests and team members. Guests are asked to bring their own masks.
• Points of entry will be limited to the main doors; all other doors are for exit only.
• The casino gaming floor will be open with limited hours, 7am to 3am in Florence and 7am to 2am in Coos Bay
• Restaurants will be opened with limited seating, and service will end at 10pm daily.
• The casino floor has been rearranged for social distancing and many hand sanitizers are provided throughout all areas.
• Every day during the hours the casino is closed, every guest touch point will be deep cleaned.
• The casino has purchased several cordless electrostatic sprayers to use to clean and sterilise hotel rooms, the casino gaming floor, restaurants and office spaces.

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Detailed as part of the firm’s previous efforts to minimise spread across the US, distribution to health care providers and first responders attacking the COVID-19 crisis on the front lines to follow.

In total, Sands has donated more than 2.5 million pieces of personal protection equipment to Nevada, New York, California and Massachusetts. The company also donated 1,900 coronavirus test kits and is in the process of donating 20,000 protective suits to the state of Nevada. 

Furthermore, Sands has made financial contributions to several hunger-relief organisations and donated 60 pallets of food and more than 55,000 bottles of water to local organisations.  

“This pandemic has called on each of us to use every ability we have to help those most impacted by the crisis,” stated Sheldon Adelson, Las Vegas Sands chairman. 

“Getting personal protection equipment to our health-care professionals and first responders in Nevada and New York, the epicenter of this crisis, is critical to keeping those brave folks safe, while making sure they can do their jobs to aid our most vulnerable citizens. I am grateful we can leverage our resources to get these donations to the front lines, and we send them with the best wishes of our company and team members.” 

A similar trend has been followed by MGM Resorts International, with the company rolling-out a broad range of donations and initiatives intended to help alleviate supply shortages and support local communities due to COVID-19.  

By leveraging its supply chain, procurement capabilities, distribution systems, supplier network and other resources, MGM is delivering on a daily basis, urgent logistical support to help manage supply shortages of critical items.

“We are leveraging the resources of our company to make a difference by delivering much-needed support and product where it is most required,” commented Bill Hornbuckle, acting CEO and president of MGM Resorts International.

“We are committed to providing relief to medical staff and others who are on the front line of this global battle against COVID-19 as well as the volunteer organisations on the ground serving local communities. We are fully mobilised and doing all we can to support as many people as possible during this difficult time.”

This follows the company recognising the support of many of its resident entertainment partners who have donated to MGM’s Employee Emergency Grant Fund in support of those impacted economically by the virus.

David Copperfield, Jay Leno, Bill Maher, Kathleen Madigan, David Spade, Boyz II Men, Brad Garrett, Carrot Top, Terry Fator, Ray Romano, Jabbawockeez, Shin Lim, Thunder from Down Under, Hans Klok, Australian Bee Gees, Fantasy and Bill Blumenreich Presents each showed their support with a donation to the fund.

Jyoti Chopra, senior vice president, chief diversity and sustainability officer for MGM Resorts International, commented “Our focus during this crisis is people, first and foremost, followed by compassion and care. We are proud to join our entertainment community to lend humanitarian assistance to those in need.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous donations by our entertainers, a vital part of our ecosystem at MGM Resorts, which will be used to provide emergency relief.”

Boyd Gaming Corporation has also announced additional measures to mitigate the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in the closure of all of the company’s properties.

Due to the continued closure of all revenue-generating operations, Boyd Gaming will place most of its team members on unpaid furlough from this weekend.

The company also announced that its executive leadership team will be taking significant salary reductions, while the company’s board of directors has agreed to suspend the compensation. Additionally, all non-furloughed members of Boyd’s corporate and property management teams will take a salary cut.

“This is by far the most difficult decision we have ever made,” said Keith Smith, president and CEO of Boyd Gaming. “We care deeply about the well-being of our team members, which is why we maintained full pay and benefits through April 10.

“Implementing furloughs was a last resort for us, but a necessary step to protect our Company, especially given the current lack of visibility regarding property re-openings.”

To conclude, the Twin River Casino Hotel in Lincoln, Rhode Island is serving as a drive-through site for the rapid COVID-19 tests, after the site was selected by Governor Gina Raimondo.

Subsequently entering a partnership with CVS Health to make free, rapid COVID-19 tests available to all Rhode Islanders, the testing site will use the new Abbott ID Now system and will be able to perform approximately 1,000 tests per day, doubling Rhode Island’s capacity.

“We are pleased to offer Twin River Casino Hotel in Lincoln as a rapid COVID-19 drive through testing site,” said Marc Crisafulli, Executive Vice President of Twin River Worldwide Holdings. 

“We are supporting the efforts of the RI Department of Health, CVS Health, the Rhode Island State Police and the RI National Guard to ensure as smooth a testing experience as possible. This level of collaboration truly is representative of the fact that we are all in this together, and we stand ready to do all we can to support the State’s efforts to manage the spread of the virus.”

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