Boyd Gaming Corporation announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Bally’s Corporation. The 29,000‑square‑foot casino houses 750 slot machines and 14 table games, and the 514‑room hotel, restaurants, live‑entertainment venue, and convention space are all part of the deal. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, and the terms of the deal remain undisclosed.
The sale aligns with Boyd’s broader strategy to refine its operating model and concentrate on core regional properties. By divesting the Shreveport location, Boyd can streamline its asset base and reallocate capital toward high‑return projects such as the $750 million Norfolk resort and the expansion of Sky River Casino, which is slated for completion in early 2027. The move also follows Boyd’s recent decision to close its Sam’s Town property in Tunica, Mississippi, reflecting a broader portfolio pruning effort in markets with declining demand.
Bally’s sees the acquisition as a way to strengthen its market presence in Shreveport and to leverage synergies with its existing downtown casino and hotel, which features over 1,100 slot machines, 50 live‑action table games, and a 403‑room hotel. The addition of Sam’s Town’s 750 slot machines, 14 table games, and 514‑room hotel expands Bally’s footprint and offers cross‑promotional opportunities. Bally’s carries significant debt—$5.66 billion against a market capitalization of $680 million—so the transaction adds to its leverage, but management views the strategic benefits as outweighing the financial risk.
"The sale of our Sam’s Town Shreveport property is consistent with our continued focus on refining our operating model and our nationwide property portfolio. Sam’s Town Shreveport has been a part of our Company since 2004, and we appreciate all of the contributions of its team members, past and present, in providing great service to our guests throughout the last two decades," said Keith Smith, President and CEO of Boyd Gaming.
"As an existing operator in Shreveport, we know this market well and understand what makes it special – from its loyal customer base to its important role in the region’s broader gaming and entertainment landscape. The acquisition of Sam’s Town Shreveport reflects our confidence in the community and our long‑term commitment to growing our presence here. We see meaningful opportunities to reinvest in the market and further strengthen Shreveport’s position as a premier destination for gaming and entertainment. We look forward to sharing more about our broader vision and plans for the property and the market in the near future," said Soo Kim, Executive Chairman of Bally’s Corporation.
The announcement was well received by investors, with both companies seeing a positive market reaction. The transaction underscores Boyd’s focus on portfolio optimization and Bally’s intent to consolidate its regional presence, signaling confidence in the Shreveport market and the broader gaming industry’s consolidation trend.
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