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Bally’s Corp. is accelerating its national expansion through a pair of high-profile acquisitions on opposite ends of the country. On Feb. 26, the company announced an agreement to purchase Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino in Shreveport from Boyd Gaming Corp.
The announcement was followed days later by regulatory filings detailing a $156.6 million land acquisition in the Bronx, where Bally’s plans to develop a full-scale casino resort. The dual moves signal a strategy to solidify presence in established markets while aggressively entering the competitive New York City landscape.
Bally’s expands Louisiana presence with Sam’s Town
Sam’s Town is located adjacent to the existing Bally’s casino and hotel in downtown Shreveport. This proximity is a central driver of the deal, allowing for streamlined operations.
The Sam’s Town property features:
- A 29,000-square-foot casino floor.
- 750 slot machines and 14 table games.
- A 514-room hotel and multiple dining venues.
- Live entertainment and convention spaces.
While the companies did not disclose the purchase price, they expect to close the transaction in the third quarter of 2026, pending approval from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
Bally’s and Boyd Gaming executives detail strategy
Soo Kim, executive chairman of Bally’s Corp., said the acquisition leverages the company’s existing local expertise.
“Because we already operate in Shreveport, our team understands the local players and the city’s needs,” Kim said. He added that the investment reflects a long-term commitment to making Shreveport a premier regional destination.
Keith Smith, president and CEO of Boyd Gaming, said the sale aligns with the company’s “ongoing effort to refine its portfolio.” Sam’s Town has been under the Boyd umbrella since 2004. Smith expressed gratitude to the employees who have staffed the property for more than 20 years.
Operational synergies and economic impact
Owning adjacent properties allows Bally’s to consolidate back-of-house services and launch integrated marketing campaigns. These efforts are expected to include expanded loyalty rewards and cross-promotions through the Bally Casino app, connecting the physical casino experience with the company’s digital platform. Management indicated plans for significant capital improvements, including hotel room renovations and enhanced food and beverage options.
Local officials expect the consolidation to boost tourism, providing a “halo effect” for nearby retail and hospitality businesses in the downtown district.
Bally’s secures $157M Bronx site for New York City casino
In the Northeast, Bally’s has secured its footprint in the nation’s most anticipated new gaming market. The company paid the city of New York $156.6 million for a former golf course site along the Hutchinson River Parkway, as reported by The Real Deal.
The proposed Bronx resort is set to include:
- 3,500 gaming machines and 250 table games.
- A 500-room luxury hotel.
- A 2,000-seat entertainment venue.
New York regulators approved Bally’s casino application late last year, making it one of three projects cleared for development in the downstate region.
Analyzing Bally’s omni-channel strategy
The simultaneous moves highlight a contrast in growth tactics. In Louisiana, Bally’s is doubling down on a known quantity; in New York, it is making a massive “greenfield” investment in a new territory.
For Boyd Gaming, the sale represents a strategic exit. As noted in a company press release, the move allows Boyd to reallocate resources to higher-growth areas of its nationwide portfolio after two decades of operating Sam’s Town.
Industry analysts note that while many operators choose between scaling up or streamlining, Bally’s is currently doing both—deepening its roots in the South while establishing a flagship presence in the Bronx.
