A Major Move in Online Gambling
Boyd Gaming has officially expanded its online presence by acquiring Resorts Digital, the online gambling arm of Atlantic City’s Resorts Casino. The deal, finalized on September 1, represents a strategic move for Boyd Interactive as it aims to solidify its footprint in New Jersey’s lucrative iGaming market.
Resorts Digital has long outperformed its brick-and-mortar counterpart, generating over $573 million in revenue in the first eight months of 2024 compared to the physical casino’s $109 million. This acquisition allows Boyd to capitalize on the increasing dominance of online gambling, particularly in states where digital wagering is seeing significant growth.
A Win-Win Partnership
While Boyd takes ownership of ResortsCasino.com and MoheganSunCasino.com, Resorts Casino retains its partnerships with DraftKings, Penn Gaming, PokerStars, and ESPNBET. Both parties have agreed to a cross-promotion strategy that will integrate online and offline gambling experiences, ensuring a symbiotic relationship between digital and physical gaming.
Boyd’s move aligns with its larger growth strategy of establishing a profitable iGaming business that complements its existing casino portfolio. The company, once a co-owner of Atlantic City’s Borgata Casino, has continued to invest heavily in regional gaming markets, making this acquisition a natural next step.
The Future of Boyd Gaming in iGaming
The addition of Resorts Digital is expected to drive Boyd’s revenue growth in the competitive New Jersey market. With New Jersey being a leading state in online gambling, Boyd’s experience and platform strength could push Resorts Digital to new heights. This move also comes amid speculation about Boyd’s potential involvement in larger-scale acquisitions, including rumored interest in Penn Entertainment.
Personal Insight
Boyd Gaming’s acquisition of Resorts Digital highlights the growing importance of online gambling, especially in a post-pandemic world where digital interactions are more prevalent. As brick-and-mortar casinos struggle to match digital revenues, integrating online platforms into a broader gaming strategy is not just an option—it’s a necessity. This acquisition is a sign of the times, showing that even well-established casino operators must evolve or risk losing relevance in the fast-moving gaming industry.
