Bally's Acquires Sam's Town Shreveport Casino from Boyd Gaming

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-02-26

Bally's Corporation just made a major move in Louisiana's gaming landscape. They've agreed to buy Sam's Town Hotel & Casino in Shreveport from Boyd Gaming Corporation. The deal was announced on a Thursday and is expected to be finalized by the third quarter of this year. While the exact price tag remains under wraps, this acquisition signals a significant shift in the local market. ### What This Deal Means for Shreveport For Boyd Gaming, selling Sam's Town is part of a larger strategy. Boyd's President and CEO, Keith Smith, put it this way: "The sale of our Sam's Town Shreveport property is consistent with our continued focus on refining our operating model and our nationwide property portfolio." He also gave a nod to the team that's run the place since Boyd took over in 2004, thanking them for two decades of service. Now, here's where it gets really interesting. Bally's already owns the Bally's Shreveport Casino & Hotel. And guess what? It's right next door to Sam's Town, just on the other side of the Red River. If Bally's decides to simply operate Sam's Town as it is, they'll instantly add a massive amount of capacity to their local footprint. - **750 slot machines** - **14 table games** - A **514-room hotel** That's a huge boost. But the big question on everyone's mind is: what will Bally's actually do with it? ### A New Vision for the Riverfront? Bally's might not just keep the lights on and business as usual. In the official announcement, Bally's Executive Chairman Soo Kim hinted at bigger plans. "We look forward to sharing more about our broader vision and plans for the property and the market in the near future," he said. That sounds like they're thinking about more than just adding another casino to their collection. Kim doubled down on this idea, adding, "The acquisition of Sam's Town Shreveport reflects our confidence in the community and our long-term commitment to growing our presence here." He sees a chance to really invest in Shreveport and help cement its reputation as a top spot for gaming and entertainment. This could mean renovations, rebranding, or even a completely new concept that ties the two neighboring properties together. Imagine a unified entertainment district on that stretch of the riverfront—it's a real possibility. ### Bally's Growing Southern Footprint This isn't Bally's first rodeo in the region, not by a long shot. They're already a major player in the South. In Louisiana alone, they also operate Bally's Baton Rouge and The Queen Baton Rouge. And they haven't stopped at the state line. Just next door in Mississippi, they run the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi and Bally's Vicksburg. Acquiring Sam's Town Shreveport fits neatly into this expanding network, giving them a stronger, more concentrated presence in the regional market. It's a strategic play. By controlling two major properties right next to each other in Shreveport, Bally's can streamline operations, share resources, and potentially create a destination that draws visitors from a wider area. For locals and tourists, the hope is that this competition and investment leads to better amenities, more entertainment options, and a revitalized area. The next few months will be telling. We'll be watching closely for those "broader plans" Soo Kim mentioned. Will they merge the properties? Will they reinvent Sam's Town? One thing's for sure: the gaming scene in Shreveport is in for some changes.