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Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, Las Vegas

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This article is about the hotel and casino in Las Vegas. For other casinos of the brand, see Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall (disambiguation).

Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, Las Vegas, also known as Sam's Town Las Vegas, is a hotel and locals casino in Sunrise Manor, Nevada,[1] located east of Las Vegas. It is named after Sam Boyd, and is owned and operated by Boyd Gaming. It includes a 120,681 sq ft (11,211.6 m2) casino, a nine-story hotel with 646 rooms, and an RV park.

Sam's Town
Sam's Town sign in 2008
Location Sunrise Manor, Nevada, U.S.
Address 5111 Boulder Highway
Opening dateMarch 1979
ThemeOld West
No. of rooms646
Total gaming space120,681 sq ft (11,211.6 m2)
Permanent showsLaser and water show
Signature attractionsMystic Falls
Century Theatres
Sam's Town Bowling Center
Notable restaurantsAngry Butcher Steakhouse
Casino typeLand-based
OwnerBoyd Gaming
Renovated in1994, 2000, 2008
WebsiteOfficial website

Sam's Town opened in March 1979, with 204 rooms. The property would expand multiple times to add new features, including a 56-lane bowling alley in 1981. The original hotel rooms were later demolished to make way for the nine-story tower, which opened in 1994. The tower's atrium includes an indoor park, which serves as the venue for a nightly laser and water show. Another expansion, completed in 2000, included the addition of a movie theater.

From 1998 to 2014, the property sponsored the Sam's Town 300, a local race held annually.

History

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Sam's Town was announced in April 1978.[2] Named after local businessman Sam Boyd, it would be operated by him and his son Bill, owners of the California hotel-casino in downtown Las Vegas and the Eldorado casino in nearby Henderson.[3]

Bill Boyd traveled between the two casinos daily along Boulder Highway, where he owned one-fourth of a five-acre site. He and his partners eventually purchased the full site and adjacent acreage, all of which would be used for Sam's Town.[4] The site was considered desirable because of its high vehicle traffic,[5] but due to its remote location at the time, executives in the gaming industry were skeptical that the project would succeed. As Bill Boyd later recalled, "They said 'You must be out of your mind going out into the desert to build a casino.'"[6] Sam's Town was built along the Boulder Strip, which would later include rivals Boulder Station and Arizona Charlie's Boulder.[7][8] Before Sam's Town was announced, Sam Boyd had wanted to build a hotel in Henderson, although he encountered problems in his effort to do so.[9]

Groundbreaking for Sam's Town took place on September 6, 1978.[10] The hotel portion opened in early March 1979,[5][11][12] and the casino debuted on March 22.[13][14][15] Sam's Town opened with an Old West theme and was decorated in Sam Boyd's favorite colors: red, black and gold. The property included 204 rooms in a three-floor hotel, which surrounded a swimming pool.[5] The casino had 400 slot machines and 21 table games.[16] Other features included a banquet room with seating for 400 people.[5] The property cost $12 million.[15][16]

Sam's Town was built as a locals casino and became a popular gathering place among area residents,[4][17] who would make up nearly 85 percent of its clientele as of 1999.[18] The brand also expanded to other locales,[4] with Sam's Town Gold River (1984),[19] Sam's Town Tunica (1994),[20] Sam's Town Kansas City (1995),[21] and Sam's Town Shreveport (2004).[22]

 
Western-themed exterior facades at Sam's Town, 2007

The original Sam's Town in Las Vegas would be expanded many times.[23] Plans for an RV park were approved by the county six months after the property opened.[24] In 1981, Sam's Town added the 25,000 sq ft (2,300 m2) Western Emporium,[25] and a 56-lane bowling center,[26] which would go on to host numerous tournaments.[27][28][29]

In 1983, gaming space was expanded in a $3.5 million project that included a 600-seat bingo room and a larger poker room.[30][31] In 1985, to deal with high demand for its sports book, the casino added a drive-through feature,[32][33] inspired by a similar concept already present at a casino in Laughlin, Nevada.[34] A $25 million expansion took place in 1987. It included an enlargement of the casino floor, new restaurants, and a parking garage.[23][35][36] The project also added 293 spaces to the RV park, for a total of 500.[37]

Sam Boyd died in 1993, at the age of 82.[38] Construction of a nine-story hotel tower began later that year,[39][40] as part of another expansion project completed in 1994.[41] The original hotel rooms were demolished to accommodate the tower,[42] which has 646 rooms.[4] The 1994 expansion also added two new restaurants, a food court,[43] a sports bar,[44] and a second parking garage.[45]

From 1980 to 1998, the studios of Nevada Public Radio were located in a separate building on the Sam's Town property.[46][47]

In 1998, the property began sponsoring the Sam's Town 300, an annual NASCAR race held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.[48] It would be renamed the Boyd Gaming 300 in 2014.[49] Sam's Town has also been the site of race registration and awards banquets for the Silver State Classic Challenge.[50][51]

By 1998, Sam's Town sought to broaden its customer base beyond the 55-to-65 age demographic, hoping to attract both younger and older clients.[52] The property was also considered too small to meet customer demand.[18] An $86 million renovation and expansion took place from 1999 to 2000,[18][42] a project which toned down the property's country theme. The Western Emporium was gutted to make way for more casino space, and other new features included an updated buffet, a pool, a child-care center, and a third parking garage.[42][53][54] Sam's Town also added an 18-screen Century Theatres facility,[55] which would help it to compete against newer, nearby rivals Boulder Station and Sunset Station.[42] Another new feature was Sam's Town Live, a 1,050-seat showroom,[56] which helped to broaden the property's client base.[57]

The Killers, a Las Vegas-based band, named their 2006 album Sam's Town in honor of the property.[58][59]

From 2007 to 2008, Sam's Town spent $20 million on upgrades to remain competitive, as the opening of nearby Eastside Cannery approached. Changes included sports book improvements and dining updates.[60] In 2014, Boyd Gaming made a deal for the RV park to rebrand as a Kampgrounds of America franchise.[61] A new restaurant, Angry Butcher Steakhouse, debuted in 2016.[62][63][64]

As of 2017, the casino includes 120,681 sq ft (11,211.6 m2) of gaming space.[65] In 2023, it became the last known casino to remove Full Pay Deuces Wild, a variant of video poker known for its vulnerability to advantage play.[66]

Atrium and show

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The hotel tower has an atrium which includes a 25,000 sq ft (2,300 m2) indoor park, Mystic Falls, on the ground floor. This area includes trees, pathways, streams, a faux mountain and waterfall, and decorative building facades. During the day, these features are illuminated by sunlight from the atrium's glass ceiling. The atrium's walls are lined with hotel room windows that overlook Mystic Falls.[67][68]

Since its 1994 opening, Mystic Falls has featured a free, nightly laser and water show.[68][69] At the end of each year, Mystic Falls and the show are updated with a Christmas theme,[70] making them a popular holiday attraction among locals.[71] The Christmas show is accompanied by fake snow and animatronic animals, which are synchronized to music.[67][72] The show was updated in 2011, to include brighter lasers.[67]

  • Various areas of the atrium
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References

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  1. ^ Taylor, F. Andrew (June 11, 2015). "Study about creative communities pegs Sunrise Manor as a city". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  2. ^ "Boyds announce plans for new local hotel". Las Vegas Review-Journal. April 20, 1978. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  3. ^ Kesterton, Lorna (April 25, 1978). "News Desk". Henderson Home News. pp. 1–2. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d "On the road of life, an idea for a casino grew". Las Vegas Business Press. April 13, 2009. Archived from the original on January 28, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
  5. ^ a b c d "Sam's Town to Open March 22". Henderson Home News. March 15, 1979. pp. 12–13. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  6. ^ Caruso, Monica (June 4, 1999). "On With The Show". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on August 26, 1999.
  7. ^ Simpson, Jeff (July 3, 2000). "The Other Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on March 11, 2003.
  8. ^ "The forgotten Strip". Las Vegas Sun. February 1, 2001. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
  9. ^ Zenoff, Morry (June 5, 1979). "Morry'Story". Henderson Home News. p. 1. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  10. ^ "Ground broken for new casino". Las Vegas Review-Journal. September 7, 1978. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  11. ^ "Sam's Town". Las Vegas Review-Journal. March 11, 1979. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  12. ^ "Boyd royally thanks Sam's Town crew". Las Vegas Review-Journal. March 14, 1979. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  13. ^ Duke, Forrest (March 16, 1979). "'Love's Way': A hello kiss for Sam's Town". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  14. ^ "Sam's Town opening set". Las Vegas Review-Journal. March 19, 1979. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  15. ^ a b "Arriving in Style". Las Vegas Review-Journal. March 23, 1979. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  16. ^ a b "Sam Boyd gains gaming approval". Nevada State Journal. March 23, 1979. Retrieved November 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ Przybys, John (March 31, 2019). "Sam's Town celebrates 40 years as community gathering place". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  18. ^ a b c Jones, Chris (June 16, 1999). "New face in Town". View News. Archived from the original on January 31, 2004.
  19. ^ Stutz, Howard (July 8, 2014). "Owner of Dotty's buys River Palms in Laughlin for $6.75 million". Casino City Times. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  20. ^ Gros, Roger (February 27, 2015). "Long Legacy". Global Gaming Business Magazine. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  21. ^ Wilen, John (June 30, 1998). "Boyd closing K.C. casino". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  22. ^ "Sam's Town Casino Opens Its Doors; Computer Glitch Caused Some Delays". KSLA. May 24, 2004. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  23. ^ a b "Sam's Town begins fifth expansion". Henderson Home News. April 23, 1987. p. 29. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  24. ^ "RV park plans approved". Las Vegas Review-Journal. October 5, 1979. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  25. ^ Hall, Jeanne M. (December 2, 1981). "New Sam's Town emporium holds opening celebration". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  26. ^ "Sam's Town unveils new bowling center". Las Vegas Review-Journal. September 1, 1981. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  27. ^ Feour, Royce (November 23, 1997). "Adler wins Sam's Town crown". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on January 14, 2002.
  28. ^ "Bowlers prepare to get rolling at Sam's Town". View News. August 14, 1999. Archived from the original on November 15, 2004.
  29. ^ "Sam's Town bowling tourney begins". Las Vegas Sun. May 9, 2000. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  30. ^ "Sam's Town expands again". Las Vegas Review-Journal. September 11, 1983. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  31. ^ "Bingo parlor at Sam's Town opens today". Henderson Home News. September 1, 1983. p. 22. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  32. ^ Cling, Carol (May 23, 1985). "Sam's Town initiates fast-lane betting with drive-in sports book". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  33. ^ "First drive-through race, sports book at Sam's Town". Henderson Home News. August 22, 1985. p. 15. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  34. ^ "Fast-service drive-thru big hit with Vegas bettors". Battle Creek Enquirer. October 2, 1985. Retrieved November 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ "Sam's Town plans $25 million project". Las Vegas Review-Journal. April 18, 1987. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  36. ^ "Garage Opens". Henderson Home News. September 10, 1987. p. 20. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  37. ^ "New Sam's Town RV Park open". Henderson Home News. November 5, 1987. p. 30. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  38. ^ "Sam Boyd, 82, a Roulette Dealer Who Became a Builder of Casinos". The New York Times. Associated Press. January 16, 1993. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  39. ^ "Sam's Town tower planned". Las Vegas Review-Journal. May 29, 1993. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  40. ^ "Sam's Town 'caps off' hotel addition". Las Vegas Review-Journal. February 19, 1994. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  41. ^ "Sam's Town expansion grand opening". Las Vegas Review-Journal. July 11, 1994. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  42. ^ a b c d Hogan, Jan (April 17, 2000). "Sam's Town updates facilities and theme". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on June 17, 2001.
  43. ^ "Expansion includes two new eateries, interactive sports bar". Las Vegas Review-Journal. July 1, 1994. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  44. ^ "Sam's Town celebrates expansion". Henderson Home News. June 30, 1994. p. B14. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  45. ^ "Inspectors continue probe of collapse at Sam's Town". Las Vegas Review-Journal. July 21, 1993. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  46. ^ "Boyds' Donate Sam's Town Site For Public Radio". Henderson Home News. February 20, 1979. p. 2. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  47. ^ Collier, Lynn (June 17, 1998). "KNPR set for new building". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  48. ^ Long, Michael (March 1, 2010). "Sam's Town 300 keeps its name in renewed agreement". SportsPro. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  49. ^ Komenda, Ed (June 14, 2013). "Las Vegas race to be renamed the Boyd Gaming 300". VegasInc. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  50. ^ "Challenge racers get chance to go 200 mph on highway". Las Vegas Review-Journal. May 9, 2008. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  51. ^ "Nevada open road races lure local speed junkies". Las Vegas Review-Journal. February 25, 2011. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  52. ^ Berns, Dave (April 21, 1998). "Back to the Boulder Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on September 15, 2000.
  53. ^ Mikkelsen, Ginger (October 18, 2000). "Sam's Town expanding". View News. Archived from the original on November 28, 2003.
  54. ^ Grimes, Shaunta (March 1, 2000). "Sam's Town gets OK to build new parking garage". View News. Archived from the original on November 16, 2004.
  55. ^ Cling, Carol (November 12, 2000). "Sam's Town is the latest hotel to add movie theaters as an amenity". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on May 22, 2001.
  56. ^ Weatherford, Mike (November 19, 2000). "Venue set to be versatile". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on June 28, 2001.
  57. ^ Berns, Dave (September 2, 2001). "Exec hopes personal feel will make gamblers regulars at Sam's Town". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on April 24, 2002.
  58. ^ Jones, Jay (August 2, 2016). "The Killers are back — to celebrate a decade of the band's 'Sam's Town' album at the namesake Las Vegas resort". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  59. ^ Bracelin, Jason (October 1, 2016). "The Killers celebrate their 'Town' with rousing, intimate show". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  60. ^ Benston, Liz (September 16, 2008). "Keeping up with the new Cannery". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  61. ^ Stutz, Howard (October 3, 2014). "KOA pulling up stakes on Strip, moving to Boulder Highway". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  62. ^ King, Anne (November 2, 2016). "Elegant atmosphere makes for peaceful dining at The Angry Butcher in Sam's Town". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  63. ^ Knapp Rinella, Heidi (January 5, 2017). "Angry Butcher Steakhouse returns respect to steak au poivre". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  64. ^ Young, Kyle (July 2018). "The Angry Butcher". Nevada Magazine. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  65. ^ "Listing of Financial Statements Square Footage (2017 data)". Nevada Gaming Control Board. March 6, 2018. p. 8. Archived from the original on June 20, 2018.
  66. ^ "Full Pay Deuces Wild Is Now Extinct". Vegas Advantage. March 7, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  67. ^ a b c Taylor, F. Andrew (November 22, 2011). "Sam's Town's Holiday Water and Laser Show gets an upgrade". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  68. ^ a b Carter, Geoff (February 15, 2024). "Don't skip the weird and wonderful Mystic Falls Park at Sam's Town". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  69. ^ Goldberg, Delen (October 26, 2011). "Sam's Town launches new water and laser light show". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
  70. ^ Retrieved November 2, 2024:
  71. ^ Lopez, Sandy (December 8, 2013). "Enjoy a climate-controlled Christmas at Mystic Falls Park". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  72. ^ McKee, David (November 30, 2011). "Sam's Town: Sound and flurries". Las Vegas Advisor. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
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