As discussions about legalizing gambling in Georgia gain momentum, major casino operators like Wynn Resorts and Boyd Gaming are poised to lead the charge if the state changes its restrictive laws.

During a recent Georgia House study committee meeting, Christopher Gordon, president of Wynn Resorts’ development arm, expressed keen interest in building a multibillion-dollar casino should legal barriers be removed. Similarly, Boyd Gaming’s government affairs vice president Ryan Soultz highlighted Georgia’s market attractiveness.

Wynn’s model would be similar to its $2.6 billion Encore Boston Harbor, suggesting that a new Georgia casino could employ up to 4000 workers and contribute substantial gaming tax revenue.

Although specific locations have not been chosen, both companies have indicated they would need constitutional changes to move forward. Their willingness to invest heavily in the Peach State demonstrates a strong belief in the untapped potential of the state’s gambling market.

Such developments offer a compelling argument for lawmakers to consider gambling expansion, marking a shift toward economic incentives as a primary motivator for legislative change.

Should Georgia proceed with legalizing casino gambling, the legislative language will be crucial in shaping the industry’s landscape. Key proposals may include requiring casino companies to invest at least $1.2 billion per resort and generate a minimum number of jobs, often set at around 10,000 per license. This ensures that any developments bring tangible benefits to the local economy.

Additional legislative demands include rigorous background checks for key personnel, proven industry experience, and adherence to strict technical and financial standards. Only companies with substantial capital and robust infrastructure, like Wynn Resorts and Boyd Gaming, are likely to meet these stringent requirements.

All-Cash Transaction Unlocks Significant, Unrealized Value for Boyd Shareholders
Boyd, FanDuel Extend Market-Access Agreements through 2038

Boyd Gaming Corporation announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Company’s 5% equity interest in FanDuel Group to Flutter Entertainment plc for cash consideration of $1.755 billion.

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. The Company intends to use net proceeds to reduce debt.

Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd, said: “This transaction unlocks the tremendous unrealized value that our investment in FanDuel has created for our Company. As a result, we are in a significantly stronger financial position to continue executing our strategy of investing in our properties, pursuing growth opportunities, returning capital to our shareholders, and maintaining a strong balance sheet.”

In addition to purchasing Boyd’s equity interest in FanDuel, Boyd and FanDuel will terminate certain existing market-access agreements between the parties and enter into new agreements to provide, among other things, for an extended term through 2038. The agreements will also provide Boyd with a fixed fee per state from FanDuel’s mobile sports-betting operations in Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana and Pennsylvania, as well as FanDuel’s online casino operations in Pennsylvania, upon the close of this transaction.  FanDuel will also continue to operate Boyd’s retail sportsbooks outside of Nevada through mid-2026, after which time Boyd will assume responsibility for these operations.

Under terms of the revised market-access agreements with FanDuel, the Company now expects its Online segment will generate $50 million to $55 million in operating income and Adjusted EBITDAR for the full year 2025, and approximately $30 million in 2026.

Smith added: “The partnership between Boyd and FanDuel has been a remarkable success for both companies.  FanDuel has emerged as the nation’s clear leader in online sports-betting, while Boyd has been able to leverage this partnership to profitably participate in the rapid growth of sports betting across the country.  It has been a privilege to work with the Flutter and FanDuel teams, and we look forward to supporting FanDuel’s continued growth and success through our market-access agreements across the country.”

Moelis & Company LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Boyd Gaming on the transaction.  Morrison & Foerster LLP served as legal advisor to Boyd Gaming on the transaction, with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP advising on the commercial agreements.

Valley Forge Casino Resort, a premier gaming and entertainment destination, announced the appointment of Martha Morales as its new Vice President and General Manager, pending regulatory approval.

Morales brings extensive leadership experience in the gaming and hospitality industries, most recently as Assistant General Manager of The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, a Boyd Gaming property. Prior to joining Boyd Gaming in 2023, she held various leadership roles at a major casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

Morales succeeds Ron Bailey, who has been appointed general manager of Boyd Gaming’s new casino resort development in Norfolk, Virginia.

“I am absolutely thrilled to join Valley Forge Casino Resort as General Manager and couldn’t be more excited for the opportunities ahead. The dedication and passion of this team are truly inspiring, and I look forward to working together to elevate the guest experience. Communication and collaboration are central to my leadership approach, and I’m committed to fostering an environment where every team member feels empowered to contribute and share their ideas,” said Morales.

A graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration-Hospitality Management, Morales also holds an MBA from the University of Southern California. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her leadership and industry contributions, including being named one of UNLV’s 50 Most Intriguing Alumni and a Las Vegas Inc. 40 Under 40 honoree. She was also honored by OutFront Media during Hispanic Heritage Month for her impact on the Latino community and was recently recognized as one of 2024’s Women Rising in Gaming by CDC Gaming and Global Gaming Women.