Boyd Interactive Acquires Resorts Digital, Expanding Reach in Online Gambling

Boyd Interactive, a division of Las Vegas-based Boyd Gaming, has acquired Resorts Digital, the online gaming arm of Atlantic City's Resorts Casino, for an undisclosed sum.

Mark Giannantonio, president of Resorts Casino, confirmed the transaction, which closed on September 1, though neither company has disclosed the purchase price.

Resorts Digital has long outperformed its physical counterpart.

Over the first eight months of 2024, it raked in over $573 million in revenue, which is more than five times the $109 million generated by the brick-and-mortar Resorts Casino, according to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.

The profitability numbers further illustrate this trend: Resorts Digital reported a gross operating profit of $9.6 million in the first half of this year, up 5.6% compared to the same period last year.

Conversely, the physical casino saw a gross operating profit of only $355,000, marking a staggering 89% drop from last year.

Boyd Interactive's acquisition includes key assets such as ResortsCasino.com, MoheganSunCasino.com, and one unused sports betting skin (an online identity for betting purposes).

Despite the change in ownership, Resorts Casino will retain its existing partnerships with online gambling platforms like DraftKings, Penn Gaming, PokerStars, and ESPNBET.

Giannantonio expressed optimism about the acquisition, saying, "We are confident that this transaction will propel Resorts Digital's proven success over the past decade to a new level through the scale of Boyd Interactive and its market-leading platform."

For Boyd, the purchase is aligned with its strategy of expanding a profitable regional iGaming business that complements its nationwide portfolio of properties.

"New Jersey has long been one of the nation's leading iGaming states, and we look forward to further growing our presence in that state's online gaming market in partnership with Resorts Casino in Atlantic City," Boyd said in a statement.

The company has prior experience in Atlantic City, having once held a 50% stake in Borgata Casino before selling its interest to MGM Resorts International.

Although Boyd Interactive now owns Resorts Digital, the online division will continue to operate under the existing sports betting and internet gambling licenses held by Resorts Casino.

The two entities plan to cross-promote each other's brands, a strategy they hope will enhance both physical and digital revenues.

Resorts Casino will promote ResortsCasino.com on its premises, while the online platform will drive traffic back to the physical Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City.

"This marketing relationship will benefit both companies in the long term," said Giannantonio.

The acquisition marks a significant shift for Resorts, which is owned by New York real estate executive Morris Bailey and his business partner, Joseph Jerome, as it leverages Boyd's resources to strengthen its digital presence.