Boyd Gaming Confirms Upgrades For Suncoast and Orleans Casinos

^{Boyd plans to put more investment into its Suncoast Hotel and Casino in Summerlin, a Las Vegas suburb. (Image: Suncoast Casino on X)}

Boyd Gaming remains on target with Las Vegas casino updates at Suncoast and the Orleans. During its most recent earnings call, the company noted that it’s also moving forward with a small non-hotel casino in Henderson. 

All of this Las Vegas news comes as the company celebrates its 50th year in business. In a note to investors, CEO Ken Smith said:

“Since our founding in 1975, our Company has grown from a single property in downtown Las Vegas into one of the largest and most respected gaming companies in the United States. And while we are a much different company today than we were 50 years ago, the vision and integrity of our founders, Sam and Bill Boyd, continue to guide us to this day."

The beat goes on as the company continues to flourish. While the focus is its Las Vegas locals and downtown segments, Boyd Gaming saw record full-year revenue of more than $3.9 billion from its 28 properties around the country. 

Suncoast Upgrades Continue

In 2023, Boyd Gaming embarked on a major property-wide upgrade at Suncoast Casino in Summerlin. Last year, the company debuted a few of the upgrades and will continue to reveal more throughout 2025.

During the recent earnings call, Smith reaffirmed that Boyd remains on target to complete the Suncoast makeover by early 2026.

A rendering of what the new center bar will look like at Suncoast. (Image: courtesy of Boyd Gaming)

This week, Suncoast debuted part of its main casino floor upgrade. When upgrades are completed, the new casino floor will feature a massive 100,000-square-foot center bar.

Suncoast will also debut a food hall when the upgrades are completed. Specific plans for eateries have not been announced yet. Look for that information closer to opening date. 

Construction on the rest of the gaming area will continue throughout the year with little disruption similar to recent upgrades at Fremont Casino, also a Boyd property, in downtown Las Vegas. The relatively new Fremont Food Hall, for example, is a great spot for a quick bite or cup of coffee. 

The first major piece of the transformation at the Suncoast debuted before the NFL season last year. The beautiful new sportsbook on the east end of the property is a stunner and one of the nicest in the area. The stadium-style seating, huge HD video screens, and large video poker bar make this a standout sportsbook.

The former space for the sportsbook on the west side of the casino floor is currently being renovated to become the new bingo hall. 

Suncoast also opened a new High Limit room and a steakhouse last year.

The Orleans Up Next For Hotel Room Renovations

Last year, Boyd Gaming began renovating the hotel rooms at The Orleans. Construction is continuing this year.

We reached out to Boyd Gaming for an update and were told that details and photos of the new hotel rooms will be available in the next few weeks.

Last year, Boyd completed room upgrades at the Gold Coast, its other near-Strip property. The cosmetic changes to the rooms look great and since there was no construction, the sometimes useful window in the bathrooms are still operable. 

In Boyd’s earnings report and during the call, the company noted that its Las Vegas Locals segment has been dealing with “ongoing competitive pressures at The Orleans and Gold Coast.”

While not naming the competition, it’s notable that Palms and Rio are close to both Boyd properties. Both offer compelling dining and gaming options for this Las Vegas resident.

Last year, Boyd also completed renovations on the hotel rooms at Main Street Station in downtown Las Vegas.

The company also confirmed it’s moving forward building the Cadence Crossing casino in Henderson, a Las Vegas suburb. This small casino will have about 450 slot machines and a few restaurants. The property is starting small and could expand as the local community grows.

Too Early to Talk Politics?

During the earnings call, a few stock analysts asked how the new president is impacting business. The quick answer is that it’s too early to tell since policies are still in development.

Diving a little deeper, Smith said:

“it all depends on what shape of bill takes and what the exact guardrails are and parameters or specifics are of any bill that gets passed.”

Not taxing tips could be a benefit financially for the employees and Boyd. Smith said:

“Clearly, any – if the local consumer, whether it be here in Las Vegas or once again, we deal largely with locals throughout the country is healthier, but there are lower taxes on their income. It will support our business. We will benefit from it. What does that translate to in terms of dollars? I couldn't begin to tell you. Is it millions of dollars? yes. How many 1 to 10, 10 to 20 actually don't know because it all depends on what that bill looks like, but it will be incremental to the business as we think about the business today.”

He also noted that business in the fourth quarter was stronger. However, it’s too early to say whether that was because of the election or a seasonal jump.

While he didn’t have much to offer regarding politics and policies, Smith said he thinks the impact of the election could be providing a slight boost, but not much more at this time.

The casino business is similar to real life, where we have to wait for actual policies before making any strong statements on whether they’ll help or hurt a business or a person.