Boyd Interactive Finalizes iGaming Expansion in the USA

Boyd Interactive, the digital arm of Las Vegas-based Boyd Gaming, has officially acquired Resorts Digital, the online gambling operation of Atlantic City’s historic Resorts Casino. The deal was finalized on September 1, according to Mark Giannantonio, president of Resorts, who spoke with the Associated Press. While financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed, the transaction includes the valuable assets of ResortsCasino.com and MoheganSunCasino.com, as well as one unused sports betting “skin” or online identity.

This acquisition represents a significant milestone for Boyd Gaming, further deepening its presence in the competitive New Jersey iGaming market, one of the most lucrative online gambling markets in the United States.

A Strategic Move for Boyd Interactive

Boyd Gaming has long sought to build a profitable iGaming business that complements its existing network of brick-and-mortar casinos across the U.S. This latest acquisition aligns with that vision. Speaking to Bonus.com, Boyd confirmed that the deal is “consistent with Boyd Gaming’s strategy of building a profitable regional iGaming business integrated with our existing nationwide portfolio.”

Boyd’s move into the New Jersey online casino market comes at a time when the state’s iGaming industry is flourishing. In August, online casinos in New Jersey hit an all-time high, generating $198.4 million in revenue from players, surpassing the previous single-month record of $197.2 million set in March 2024.

Resorts Digital, the online extension of Resorts Casino, has consistently outperformed its physical counterpart. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) revealed that since the beginning of 2024, Resorts Digital has earned nearly five times more revenue than the land-based Resorts Casino. This trend is not unique to Resorts but reflects a broader shift in the gaming industry, where online gambling is rapidly eclipsing traditional brick-and-mortar casino operations, especially in regions like New Jersey where online betting is well-regulated and widely accessible.

Despite Resorts Digital’s success, the physical Resorts Casino will remain under the ownership of DGMB Casinos, and its relationship with key online gambling partners—such as DraftKings, Penn Gaming, PokerStars, and ESPNBET—will remain intact.

A Cross-Promotional Strategy

Both Boyd Interactive and Resorts Casino will engage in cross-promotion to enhance their respective operations. According to Giannantonio, Resorts will continue to promote the ResortsCasino.com brand at its Atlantic City property, offering visitors on-site opportunities to engage with the online platform. Likewise, ResortsCasino.com will advertise Resorts Casino Hotel to its online player base, aiming to drive traffic back to the physical location. This two-way promotional strategy is expected to deliver long-term benefits for both companies.

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

The acquisition also strengthens Boyd’s ties to the Atlantic City market, a region where the company previously had a strong foothold. Boyd once owned 50% of the Borgata casino before selling its stake to MGM Resorts International for $900 million in 2016. With the Resorts Digital acquisition, Boyd is once again solidifying its presence in New Jersey, albeit in the fast-growing online space.

Resorts Digital’s Continued Operation

One key element of the deal is that online operations at both ResortsCasino.com and MoheganSunCasino.com will remain uninterrupted. Giannantonio confirmed that Resorts Digital will continue to operate under the existing online gambling and sports betting licenses held by Resorts Casino. This ensures that players will experience no disruption in service and can continue to access the same offerings they’ve come to expect.

The unused sports betting skin acquired by Boyd as part of the deal also opens up potential for future expansion in the sports betting space. Given the rapid growth of online sports betting in the U.S., this additional license could provide Boyd with valuable leverage as it seeks to expand its digital offerings.

the Future

The acquisition of Resorts Digital marks a pivotal moment for Boyd Interactive as the company looks to establish itself as a leader in the U.S. iGaming industry. By acquiring Resorts Digital, Boyd gains access to a well-established player base in New Jersey and two popular online casino brands, positioning itself for further growth in one of the nation’s most competitive online gambling markets.

New Jersey’s online casino industry has seen remarkable growth in recent years, and Boyd’s expanded presence in the state provides the company with a significant foothold in this rapidly growing market. Boyd Gaming’s strategic focus on iGaming, combined with the brand strength of Resorts Digital, creates new opportunities for innovation and expansion, particularly as online gambling continues to grow in popularity across the U.S.

With both companies poised to benefit from this cross-promotional relationship, the future looks bright for Boyd Interactive and Resorts Digital, as they work together to leverage their combined strengths in the online gambling world.

As Boyd Gaming integrates Resorts Digital into its portfolio, it will continue to compete in a fast-evolving market, further enhancing its ability to offer a seamless online gaming experience to players, while promoting the legacy of Resorts Casino in Atlantic City.