Early Life and Founding
The Boyd family's history in the casino industry dates back to 1941 when Sam Boyd arrived in Las Vegas. Sam Boyd worked his way up the ranks in the Las Vegas casino industry. He eventually partnered with his son Bill in 1962, acquiring the Eldorado Casino in Henderson, Nevada. Although the Boyd family had been involved for decades, Boyd Gaming Corporation was officially founded on January 1, 1975. Initially, the company was known as The Boyd Group and had 75 investors. The first property was the California Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas.
Rise to Success
Boyd Gaming embarked on its first expansion in 1979, with the opening of Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall in Las Vegas. The company's focus was on catering to Las Vegas locals and the Hawaiian tourist market, which proved lucrative. In 1993, the company went public, providing capital to expand beyond Nevada. In 2025, Boyd Gaming celebrated its 50th anniversary. The company currently operates 27 properties across 11 states and manages a tribal casino in northern California.
Key Business Strategies
Boyd Gaming's strategy has been regional diversification, with properties across the Midwest and South. The company focuses on a balanced approach to capital allocation, investing in properties, returning capital to shareholders, and maintaining a strong balance sheet. Boyd Gaming has also focused on digital growth with its online casino business, Boyd Interactive. The company reported revenues of $1.0 billion in the third quarter of 2025, with net income of $1.4 billion.
Philanthropy
While specific philanthropy amounts aren't readily available, William Boyd and the Boyd family have a history of supporting various causes. Boyd Gaming, as a company, has demonstrated a commitment to responsible gaming.
