Gambling in the USA
Boyd Gaming Reports Third-Quarter 2018 Results
— Las Vegas Locals Delivers Adjusted EBITDA, Margin Growth for 14th Straight Quarter
— Midwest & South Continues Same-Store Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA Growth
— Company Acquires Five New Properties; Enters Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania
— Company Expands Sports Betting Operations, Strikes Partnership with FanDuel Group
Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD) today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018.
Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming, said: “Over the last several months we significantly bolstered our Company’s long-term growth prospects with the acquisition of five new properties in four states, further expanding our geographic reach and significantly strengthening our robust free cash flow. In addition, our recent strategic partnership with FanDuel Group puts us in strong position to take full advantage of emerging sports-betting and interactive gaming opportunities that will expand our appeal to new groups of customers nationwide.”
Commenting on the Company’s operating performance, Smith added: “Positive operating trends remained firmly in place throughout our business in the third quarter. As a result of our ongoing efforts to drive marketing and operational efficiencies throughout the business, we continued to deliver same-store Adjusted EBITDA growth in both the Las Vegas Locals and Midwest and South segments. In addition, Companywide operating margins reached their highest third-quarter levels since 2005. This was yet another great quarter for our Company, and I remain confident in our future prospects as we successfully execute a well-balanced strategic plan to create long-term value for our shareholders.”
Boyd Gaming reported third-quarter revenues of $612.2 million, up 3.5% from $591.5 million in the third quarter of 2017. The Company reported net income of $11.8 million, or $0.10 per share, for the third quarter of 2018, compared to $23.2 million, or $0.20 per share, for the year-ago period. Project development, preopening and writedown expenses increased $15.6 million over the prior-year period due to acquisition and development-related activities and the launch of the Company’s redesigned player loyalty program. Interest expense increased $11.4 million, largely due to debt incurred to fund the Company’s recent acquisitions.
Total Adjusted EBITDA(1) was $148.8 million, up 5.8% from $140.5 million in the third quarter of 2017. Adjusted Earnings(1) for the third quarter 2018 were $26.7 million, or $0.23 per share, compared to Adjusted Earnings of $25.7 million, or $0.22 per share, for the same period in 2017.
(1) |
See footnotes at the end of the release for additional information relative to non-GAAP financial measures. |
Operations Review
Las Vegas Locals
In the Las Vegas Locals segment, third-quarter 2018 revenues were $208.8 million versus $209.7 million in the year-ago quarter. Third-quarter 2018 Adjusted EBITDA was $60.0 million, up 6.6% from $56.3 million in the third quarter of 2017, as operating margins improved nearly 200 basis points year-over-year.
The segment delivered its 14th consecutive quarter of Adjusted EBITDA growth and margin improvement, driven by ongoing marketing and operational refinements, as well as continued strength in the regional economy. Strong operating trends continued throughout the segment, with revenues reflecting continued initiatives to drive increased profitability through refined marketing programs.
Downtown Las Vegas
In the Downtown Las Vegas segment, revenues were $59.2 million in the third quarter of 2018, up from $58.8 million in the year-ago period. Adjusted EBITDA was $11.4 million in the third quarter of 2018, compared to $11.6 million in the year-ago quarter, reflecting an increased loss of approximately $900,000 at the Company’s Hawaiian charter service due largely to higher fuel costs.
The Company’s three downtown properties performed at record levels during the third quarter, due to continued strength in visitation throughout the downtown area and strong business volumes from the Company’s Hawaiian customer base. These strong operating trends were offset by the increased charter-service loss, as well as continued disruption from nearby project development and freeway construction.
Midwest and South
In the Midwest and South segment, revenues were $344.3 million, increasing from $323.1 million in the third quarter of 2017. Adjusted EBITDA was $97.8 million, up 8.5% from $90.1 million in the year-ago period. Results for the segment include $3.5 million in combined Adjusted EBITDA contributions from Valley Forge Casino Resort, acquired on September 17, 2018, and Lattner Entertainment, acquired on June 1, 2018.
On a same-store basis, results reflect broad-based growth in revenues and Adjusted EBITDA, as segment operating margins improved nearly 90 basis points. Segment results benefited from ongoing efficiencies in marketing and operations, as well as healthy economic conditions across the Company’s regional markets.
Balance Sheet Statistics
As of September 30, 2018, Boyd Gaming had cash on hand of $441.0 million, and total debt of $3.60 billion. Cash and debt balances reflect the Company’s issuance of $700 million in 6.000% Senior Notes due 2026, completed in June 2018.
Full-Year 2018 Guidance
For the full year 2018, Boyd Gaming projects total Adjusted EBITDAR(1) of $660 million to $675 million. This projection confirms the Company’s previously provided guidance, and includes the impacts of the recent acquisitions.
Conference Call Information
Boyd Gaming will host a conference call to discuss third-quarter 2018 results today, October 25, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. The conference call number is (888) 317-6003, passcode 2917968. Please call up to 15 minutes in advance to ensure you are connected prior to the start of the call.
The conference call will also be available live on the Internet at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/964/27969
Following the call’s completion, a replay will be available by dialing (877) 344-7529 today, October 25, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Eastern and continuing through Thursday, November 1, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. The conference number for the replay will be 10125633.
BOYD GAMING CORPORATION |
|||||||||||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS |
|||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) |
|||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended |
Nine Months Ended |
||||||||||||||
September 30, |
September 30, |
||||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share data) |
2018 |
2017 (a) |
2018 |
2017 (a) |
|||||||||||
Revenues |
|||||||||||||||
Gaming |
$ |
446,760 |
$ |
428,852 |
$ |
1,335,011 |
$ |
1,309,922 |
|||||||
Food and beverage |
86,006 |
84,996 |
259,006 |
259,245 |
|||||||||||
Room |
47,984 |
47,600 |
145,330 |
142,284 |
|||||||||||
Other |
31,446 |
30,094 |
95,760 |
94,280 |
|||||||||||
Total revenues |
612,196 |
591,542 |
1,835,107 |
1,805,731 |
|||||||||||
Operating costs and expenses |
|||||||||||||||
Gaming |
197,435 |
188,044 |
580,461 |
569,597 |
|||||||||||
Food and beverage |
82,179 |
82,942 |
246,488 |
251,717 |
|||||||||||
Room |
22,288 |
21,845 |
64,875 |
64,594 |
|||||||||||
Other |
21,149 |
19,966 |
63,599 |
62,500 |
|||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
88,054 |
91,288 |
263,678 |
275,938 |
|||||||||||
Maintenance and utilities |
32,927 |
30,244 |
89,526 |
82,507 |
|||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
54,688 |
55,201 |
159,887 |
161,728 |
|||||||||||
Corporate expense |
25,055 |
19,339 |
74,975 |
63,388 |
|||||||||||
Project development, preopening and writedowns |
18,588 |
2,975 |
27,829 |
8,731 |
|||||||||||
Impairments of assets |
— |
— |
993 |
— |
|||||||||||
Other operating items, net |
265 |
758 |
2,196 |
1,707 |
|||||||||||
Total operating costs and expenses |
542,628 |
512,602 |
1,574,507 |
1,542,407 |
|||||||||||
Operating income |
69,568 |
78,940 |
260,600 |
263,324 |
|||||||||||
Other expense (income) |
|||||||||||||||
Interest income |
(2,189) |
(452) |
(3,168) |
(1,367) |
|||||||||||
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized |
54,670 |
43,309 |
143,888 |
129,711 |
|||||||||||
Loss on early extinguishments and modifications of debt |
— |
319 |
61 |
853 |
|||||||||||
Other, net |
16 |
(139) |
(388) |
531 |
|||||||||||
Total other expense, net |
52,497 |
43,037 |
140,393 |
129,728 |
|||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes |
17,071 |
35,903 |
120,207 |
133,596 |
|||||||||||
Income tax provision |
(5,234) |
(12,746) |
(28,373) |
(47,671) |
|||||||||||
Income from continuing operations, net of tax |
11,837 |
23,157 |
91,834 |
85,925 |
|||||||||||
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax |
— |
— |
347 |
21,392 |
|||||||||||
Net income |
$ |
11,837 |
$ |
23,157 |
$ |
92,181 |
$ |
107,317 |
|||||||
Basic net income per common share |
|||||||||||||||
Continuing operations |
$ |
0.10 |
$ |
0.20 |
$ |
0.81 |
$ |
0.74 |
|||||||
Discontinued operations |
— |
— |
— |
0.19 |
|||||||||||
Basic net income per common share |
$ |
0.10 |
$ |
0.20 |
$ |
0.81 |
$ |
0.93 |
|||||||
Weighted average basic shares outstanding |
114,410 |
114,836 |
114,443 |
115,108 |
|||||||||||
Diluted net income per common share |
|||||||||||||||
Continuing operations |
$ |
0.10 |
$ |
0.20 |
$ |
0.80 |
$ |
0.75 |
|||||||
Discontinued operations |
— |
— |
— |
0.18 |
|||||||||||
Diluted net income per common share |
$ |
0.10 |
$ |
0.20 |
$ |
0.80 |
$ |
0.93 |
|||||||
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding |
115,070 |
115,501 |
115,147 |
115,768 |
__________________________________________ |
|
(a) |
Prior-period information has been restated for the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 (ASC 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which the Company adopted effective January 1, 2018, utilizing the full retrospective transition method. |
BOYD GAMING CORPORATION |
|||||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION |
|||||||||||||||
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income |
|||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) |
|||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended |
Nine Months Ended |
||||||||||||||
September 30, |
September 30, |
||||||||||||||
(In thousands) |
2018 |
2017 (a) |
2018 |
2017 (a) |
|||||||||||
Total Revenues by Reportable Segment |
|||||||||||||||
Las Vegas Locals |
$ |
208,781 |
$ |
209,666 |
$ |
650,930 |
$ |
648,580 |
|||||||
Downtown Las Vegas |
59,163 |
58,781 |
180,833 |
179,360 |
|||||||||||
Midwest and South |
344,252 |
323,095 |
1,003,344 |
977,791 |
|||||||||||
Total revenues |
$ |
612,196 |
$ |
591,542 |
$ |
1,835,107 |
$ |
1,805,731 |
|||||||
Adjusted EBITDA by Reportable Segment |
|||||||||||||||
Las Vegas Locals |
$ |
60,021 |
$ |
56,296 |
$ |
201,299 |
$ |
185,510 |
|||||||
Downtown Las Vegas |
11,368 |
11,595 |
38,129 |
37,841 |
|||||||||||
Midwest and South |
97,837 |
90,135 |
290,593 |
278,178 |
|||||||||||
Property Adjusted EBITDA |
169,226 |
158,026 |
530,021 |
501,529 |
|||||||||||
Corporate expense (b) |
(20,475) |
(17,480) |
(57,375) |
(53,850) |
|||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
148,751 |
140,546 |
472,646 |
447,679 |
|||||||||||
Other operating costs and expenses |
|||||||||||||||
Deferred rent |
275 |
290 |
825 |
977 |
|||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
54,688 |
55,201 |
159,887 |
161,728 |
|||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense |
5,367 |
2,382 |
20,316 |
11,212 |
|||||||||||
Project development, preopening and writedowns |
18,588 |
2,975 |
27,829 |
8,731 |
|||||||||||
Impairments of assets |
— |
— |
993 |
— |
|||||||||||
Other operating items, net |
265 |
758 |
2,196 |
1,707 |
|||||||||||
Total other operating costs and expenses |
79,183 |
61,606 |
212,046 |
184,355 |
|||||||||||
Operating income |
69,568 |
78,940 |
260,600 |
263,324 |
|||||||||||
Other expense (income) |
|||||||||||||||
Interest income |
(2,189) |
(452) |
(3,168) |
(1,367) |
|||||||||||
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized |
54,670 |
43,309 |
143,888 |
129,711 |
|||||||||||
Loss on early extinguishments and modifications of debt |
— |
319 |
61 |
853 |
|||||||||||
Other, net |
16 |
(139) |
(388) |
531 |
|||||||||||
Total other expense, net |
52,497 |
43,037 |
140,393 |
129,728 |
|||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes |
17,071 |
35,903 |
120,207 |
133,596 |
|||||||||||
Income tax provision |
(5,234) |
(12,746) |
(28,373) |
(47,671) |
|||||||||||
Income from continuing operations, net of tax |
11,837 |
23,157 |
91,834 |
85,925 |
|||||||||||
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax |
— |
— |
347 |
21,392 |
|||||||||||
Net income |
$ |
11,837 |
$ |
23,157 |
$ |
92,181 |
$ |
107,317 |
__________________________________________ |
|
(a) |
Prior-period information has been restated for the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 (ASC 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which the Company adopted effective January 1, 2018, utilizing the full retrospective transition method. |
(b) |
Reconciliation of corporate expense: |
Three Months Ended |
Nine Months Ended |
||||||||||||||
September 30, |
September 30, |
||||||||||||||
(In thousands) |
2018 |
2017 |
2018 |
2017 |
|||||||||||
Corporate expense as reported on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations |
$ |
25,055 |
$ |
19,339 |
$ |
74,975 |
$ |
63,388 |
|||||||
Corporate share-based compensation expense |
(4,580) |
(1,859) |
(17,600) |
(9,538) |
|||||||||||
Corporate expense as reported on the above table |
$ |
20,475 |
$ |
17,480 |
$ |
57,375 |
$ |
53,850 |
BOYD GAMING CORPORATION |
|||||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION |
|||||||||||||||
Reconciliations of Net Income to Adjusted Earnings |
|||||||||||||||
and Net Income Per Share to Adjusted Earnings Per Share |
|||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) |
|||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended |
Nine Months Ended |
||||||||||||||
September 30, |
September 30, |
||||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share data) |
2018 |
2017 (a) |
2018 |
2017 (a) |
|||||||||||
Net income |
$ |
11,837 |
$ |
23,157 |
$ |
92,181 |
$ |
107,317 |
|||||||
Less: income from discontinued operations, net of tax |
— |
— |
(347) |
(21,392) |
|||||||||||
Income from continuing operations, net of tax |
11,837 |
23,157 |
91,834 |
85,925 |
|||||||||||
Pretax adjustments: |
|||||||||||||||
Project development, preopening and writedowns |
18,588 |
2,975 |
27,829 |
8,731 |
|||||||||||
Impairments of assets |
— |
— |
993 |
— |
|||||||||||
Other operating items, net |
265 |
758 |
2,196 |
1,707 |
|||||||||||
Loss on early extinguishments and modifications of debt |
— |
319 |
61 |
853 |
|||||||||||
Other, net |
16 |
(139) |
(388) |
531 |
|||||||||||
Total adjustments |
18,869 |
3,913 |
30,691 |
11,822 |
|||||||||||
Income tax effect for above adjustments |
(4,038) |
(1,387) |
(6,612) |
(4,267) |
|||||||||||
Adjusted earnings |
$ |
26,668 |
$ |
25,683 |
$ |
115,913 |
$ |
93,480 |
|||||||
Net income per share, diluted |
$ |
0.10 |
$ |
0.20 |
$ |
0.80 |
$ |
0.93 |
|||||||
Less: income from discontinued operations per share |
— |
— |
— |
(0.18) |
|||||||||||
Income from continuing operations per share |
0.10 |
0.20 |
0.80 |
0.75 |
|||||||||||
Pretax adjustments: |
|||||||||||||||
Project development, preopening and writedowns |
0.16 |
0.02 |
0.24 |
0.08 |
|||||||||||
Impairments of assets |
— |
— |
0.01 |
— |
|||||||||||
Other operating items, net |
— |
0.01 |
0.02 |
0.01 |
|||||||||||
Loss on early extinguishments and modifications of debt |
— |
— |
— |
0.01 |
|||||||||||
Other, net |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|||||||||||
Total adjustments |
0.16 |
0.03 |
0.27 |
0.10 |
|||||||||||
Income tax effect for above adjustments |
(0.03) |
(0.01) |
(0.06) |
(0.04) |
|||||||||||
Adjusted earnings per share, diluted |
$ |
0.23 |
$ |
0.22 |
$ |
1.01 |
$ |
0.81 |
|||||||
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding |
115,070 |
115,501 |
115,147 |
115,768 |
__________________________________________ |
|
(a) |
Prior-period information has been restated for the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 (ASC 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which the Company adopted effective January 1, 2018, utilizing the full retrospective transition method. |
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Regulation G, “Conditions for Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures,” prescribes the conditions for use of non-GAAP financial information in public disclosures. We believe that our presentations of the following non-GAAP financial measures are important supplemental measures of operating performance to investors: earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDAR, Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted Earnings Per Share (Adjusted EPS). The following discussion defines these terms and why we believe they are useful measures of our performance. We do not provide a reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding forward-looking GAAP measure due to our inability to project special charges and certain expenses.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR
EBITDA is a commonly used measure of performance in our industry that we believe, when considered with measures calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), provides our investors a more complete understanding of our operating results before the impact of investing and financing transactions and income taxes and facilitates comparisons between us and our competitors. Management has historically adjusted EBITDA when evaluating operating performance because we believe that the inclusion or exclusion of certain recurring and non-recurring items is necessary to provide a full understanding of our core operating results and as a means to evaluate period-to-period results. We refer to this measure as Adjusted EBITDA. We have chosen to provide this information to investors to enable them to perform comparisons of past, present and future operating results and as a means to evaluate the results of core on-going operations. We have historically reported this measure to our investors and believe that the continued inclusion of Adjusted EBITDA provides consistency in our financial reporting. We use Adjusted EBITDA in this press release because we believe it is useful to investors in allowing greater transparency related to a significant measure used by our management in their financial and operational decision-making. Adjusted EBITDA is among the more significant factors in management’s internal evaluation of total company and individual property performance and in the evaluation of incentive compensation related to property management. Management also uses Adjusted EBITDA as a measure in the evaluation of potential acquisitions and dispositions. Adjusted EBITDA is also used by management in the annual budget process. Externally, we believe these measures continue to be used by investors in their assessment of our operating performance and the valuation of our company. Adjusted EBITDA reflects EBITDA adjusted for deferred rent, share-based compensation expense, project development, preopening and writedown expenses, impairments of assets, loss on early extinguishments and modifications of debt and other operating items, net. Following the Company’s acquisition during the fourth quarter of 2018 of properties subject to a master lease with a real estate investment trust, the Company will begin presenting Adjusted EBITDAR, which will reflect Adjusted EBITDA further adjusted for rent expense associated with the master lease.
Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EPS
Adjusted Earnings is net income before project development, preopening and writedown expenses, impairments of assets, other items, net, gain or loss on early extinguishments and modifications of debt, other non-recurring adjustments, net, and income from discontinued operations, net of tax. Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EPS are presented solely as supplemental disclosures because management believes that they are widely used measures of performance in the gaming industry.
Limitations on the Use of Non-GAAP Measures
The use of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDAR, Adjusted Earnings, Adjusted EPS and certain other non-GAAP financial measures has certain limitations. Our presentation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDAR, Adjusted Earnings, Adjusted EPS or certain other non-GAAP financial measures may be different from the presentation used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. Depreciation and amortization expense, interest expense, income taxes and other items have been and will be incurred and are not reflected in the presentation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR. Each of these items should also be considered in the overall evaluation of our results. Additionally, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR do not consider capital expenditures and other investing activities and should not be considered as a measure of our liquidity. We compensate for these limitations by providing the relevant disclosure of our depreciation and amortization, interest and income taxes, capital expenditures and other items both in our reconciliations to the historical GAAP financial measures and in our consolidated financial statements, all of which should be considered when evaluating our performance.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDAR, Adjusted Earnings, Adjusted EPS and certain other non-GAAP financial measures are used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDAR, Adjusted Earnings, Adjusted EPS and certain other non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income, or any other operating performance measure prescribed by GAAP, nor should these measures be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP financial measures. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDAR, Adjusted Earnings, Adjusted EPS and certain other non-GAAP financial measures reflect additional ways of viewing our operations that we believe, when viewed with our GAAP results and the reconciliations to the corresponding historical GAAP financial measures, provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business than could be obtained absent this disclosure. Management strongly encourages investors to review our financial information in its entirety and not to rely on a single financial measure.
Forward-looking Statements and Company Information
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements contain words such as “may,” “will,” “might,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “could,” “would,” “estimate,” “continue,” “pursue,” or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, and may include (without limitation) information regarding the Company’s expectations, goals or intentions regarding future performance. In addition, forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding: the benefits from the Company’s recently completed acquisitions of five new properties and the strategic partnership with FanDuel Group, progress in positioning the Company to keep creating long-term shareholder value, progress towards executing on its strategic plan, and the overall direction of the Company and all of the statements under the heading “Full-Year 2018 Guidance.” Forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in any such statement. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the Company’s operating results; recovery of its properties in various markets; the political climate and its effects on consumer spending and its impact on the travel industry; the state of the economy and its effect on consumer spending and the Company’s results of operations; the timing for economic recovery, its effect on the Company’s business and the local economies where the Company’s properties are located; the receipt of legislative, and other state, federal and local approvals for the Company’s development projects; whether online gaming will become legalized in various states, the Company’s ability to operate online gaming profitably, or otherwise; consumer reaction to fluctuations in the stock market and economic factors; the fact that the Company’s expansion, development and renovation projects (including enhancements to improve property performance) are subject to many risks inherent in expansion, development or construction of a new or existing project; the effects of events adversely impacting the economy or the regions from which the Company draws a significant percentage of its customers; competition; litigation; financial community and rating agency perceptions of the Company and its subsidiaries; changes in laws and regulations, including increased taxes; the availability and price of energy, weather, regulation, economic, credit and capital market conditions; and the effects of war, terrorist or similar activity. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ are discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” and in other sections of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in the Company’s other current and periodic reports filed from time to time with the SEC. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof, based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.
About Boyd Gaming
Founded in 1975, Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD) is a leading geographically diversified operator of 29 gaming entertainment properties in 10 states. The Company currently operates 1.76 million square feet of casino space, approximately 38,000 gaming machines, 900 table games, more than 11,000 hotel rooms, and 320 food and beverage outlets. With one of the most experienced leadership teams in the casino industry, Boyd Gaming prides itself on offering its guests an outstanding entertainment experience, delivered with unwavering attention to customer service.
Source: Boyd Gaming Corporation
Gambling in the USA
Nebraska’s First Permanent Casino to Open in May in Columbus
Nebraska’s first full-fledged, newly built and state-sanctioned gambling casino is slated to open in Columbus next month, marking a milestone in the state’s rollout of casino gambling.
The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission last Friday approved a target opening date of May 13 for Harrah’s Columbus.
“This is a big deal,” commission Chairman Dennis Lee said.
The state’s three other casinos are open, but in temporary facilities. According to construction schedules, all should be open by early next year.
“We’re definitely excited to open the first permanent casino in the state,” said Don Ostert, Harrah’s Columbus general manager.
The 17,000-square-foot casino floor will feature 400 slot machines and 11 live table games, including roulette and craps, Ostert said. It will feature a Brew Brothers restaurant and will offer Caesar’s sportsbook and racebook, Ostert said.
For racing fans, the complex will feature the state’s only 1-mile horse track, though racing isn’t scheduled to begin until August 16. By June, officials hope to have some horses out on the track to test the new surface.
Ostert said officials hope to draw customers from Norfolk and Grand Island, but also from Omaha and Lincoln.
Columbus Mayor James Bulkley said that, from the city’s standpoint, “we are very excited to see it get started and become part of the community.”
The developers incorporated some Columbus history into the casino, he said.
“The location where it is used to be called Wishbones, and it was a venue for years for entertainment, and so people recognize that name, and they have kept that name for the sports bar,” he said.
He expects the casino will draw from Omaha. Although driving to Columbus from downtown Omaha might take close to an hour and a half, the drive from west Omaha is more like an hour, he said.
“I can hit Elkhorn in a short hour today, which is now western Omaha,” he said.
In a few months, Omahans won’t have to leave town to visit a brand-new casino.
At Horsemen’s Park in Omaha, Warhorse Gaming officials are aiming to open their new casino in early August. It will open with 900 gaming positions, including table games and a Sweetwater Cafe.
Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – April 15-21
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Caesars Entertainment announced that the Caesars Sportsbook Mississippi app is accepting mobile sports bets at Harrah’s Gulf Coast in Biloxi, Mississippi. Sports fans 21 and older who are interested in wagering on sports via mobile devices can download the Caesars Sportsbook Mississippi app to register and deposit statewide but must be physically present on-property at Harrah’s Gulf Coast to wager.
The Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) has announced that FanDuel’s sports betting app and website has officially launched. This development will introduce FanDuel’s sports wagering platform to District residents and visitors, completely replacing the current GambetDC sports betting app and website.
eCOGRA has been officially authorised by the Secretaria De Prêmios e Apostas (SPA) to operate as a certifying entity for betting systems, live gaming studios and online games in Brazil. This announcement marks a significant milestone as eCOGRA continues to extend its international offering of iGaming testing, inspection and certification (TIC) services in regulated markets across the globe.
Jennifer Shatley, a recognised expert in the field and a highly sought speaker and advisor, has joined the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) as Executive Director. Shatley has had 25+ years worth of experience, working closely with the treatment community, academics, researchers, government bodies, state councils and gaming industry representatives to promote responsible gaming.
Odditt, a leading provider of innovative sports betting data, tools and analytics, has appointed Elaine Milardo as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). With over 25 years of experience in the data industry and key roles at DraftKings and Vistaprint, Elaine brings a wealth of expertise to Odditt’s growing team.
Partnerships
Trustly, the global leader in Open Banking Payments, and Light & Wonder, the leading cross-platform global games company, are bringing cashless, in-person deposits to casino floors with Light & Wonder’s cashless solution, RAPIDPLAY. Building on Trustly’s success with guaranteed payments in online sports betting and iGaming, Trustly will deliver the same seamless, quick and secure online payment experience to the physical casino floor.
Fintech company Sightline has entered into an exclusive partnership with compliance and anti-fraud technology solutions leader GeoComply to bolster the security and efficiency of digital transactions within the regulated gaming industry. Sightline will integrate GeoComply’s cutting-edge IDComply identity verification solution as well as GeoComply’s compliance-grade geolocation tools across its comprehensive suite of digital payment solutions for land-based casinos and online gaming operators.
BetMGM has announced a partnership with GameCode, a distinguished iGaming company focused on the North American market. The partnership includes the launch of Boom Boom Boom, HammerCash, Gold Gold Gold and Super3 series which are now live at BetMGM in Michigan and New Jersey through direct integration. BetMGM plans to offer GameCode’s full portfolio of games in all jurisdictions where the operator’s iGaming platform is live pending regulatory approvals.
SCCG Management has announced a joint venture investment with Numb3rs, an innovative all-in-one payment solution provider built for gaming operators. The partnership aims to transform the gaming sector by integrating Numb3rs’ proprietary tech stack, ECRYPT, into the marketplace, thereby offering a comprehensive suite of payment processing solutions.
Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – April 8-14
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
FanDuel Group, the premier online gaming company in North America and an Official Partner of Churchill Downs Inc., announced five time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan and Grammy award-winning R&B singer Ne-Yo as the headlining performers at FanDuel’s inaugural Kentucky Derby Party. The exclusive, invite-only event will take place on Friday, May 3 at Paristown Arts and Entertainment District in Louisville, Kentucky from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
TPI, a leading provider of innovative player communication solutions for the casino industry, has appointed Joe Tingson as its new Vice President of Customer Success. With his unparalleled dedication to his customers, Joe will play a pivotal role as a leader for our digital Customer Success and Product teams.
PrizePicks, the largest daily fantasy sports operator in North America, has announced plans for its new 33,000 square foot Atlanta Headquarters, which will be located in the Star Metals Building in Midtown Atlanta. The company plans to grow its workforce by 1000 new jobs over the next seven years, the economic impact of which will be $25M to the state of Georgia.
Century Casinos Inc. has announced that it opened its hotel in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, The Riverview. The Riverview is a 69 room, six-story building with 68,000 square feet that is adjacent to and connected with Century Casino Cape Girardeau. The project cost $30.5 million and was financed with cash on hand.
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has announced the opening of Terre Haute Casino Resort in Terre Haute, Indiana. The $290 million investment includes a casino floor with 1000 slot machines, 36 table games, and a state-of-the-art sportsbook. The 400,000-square-foot entertainment venue also features regionally inspired bars and restaurants including: Four Cornered Steakhouse, Rockwood Bar & Grill, The Soda Shoppe, Crossroads Center Bar and High Limit Bar.
Bragg Gaming Group Inc., a global B2B gaming technology and content provider, announced that Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Ronen Kannor, has notified Bragg’s board of directors (Board) that he will resign from his position to pursue other career opportunities, effective June 3, 2024. The Company confirms that the search for a replacement CFO has commenced.
Partnerships
EQL Games has partnered with global aggregation leader and NeoGames company, Pariplay, to provide the Virginia Lottery, through an agreement with NeoPollard Interactive, with a series of eInstant iLottery games for their industry-leading digital platform.
JACK Entertainment LLC announced the selection of Konami Gaming Inc.’s SYNKROS to power industry-leading systems technology across its 1.5 million square feet of casino entertainment space. The Ohio-based gaming operator’s portfolio includes a combined 2600+ gaming machines and 85 table games at JACK Cleveland Casino in downtown Cleveland, and at JACK Thistledown Racino, located approximately 10 miles to the southeast.
PrizePicks, the largest daily fantasy sports operator in North America, announced that the company has reunited with the Atlanta Braves as the club’s Official Daily Fantasy Sports Partner for the 2024 season. The partnership extends a longstanding relationship that dates back to 2020, with the two Atlanta-based companies continuing to work together on unique opportunities for their dedicated fans.
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