Boyd Gaming relaunches Stardust brand as free-to-play

A new free-to-play ready to download casino based app has been recently re-released by Boyd Gaming for iOS and Android devices.  The New York-based operator has relaunched the brand as a new social casino app based on its former Stardust and Resort Casino in Las Vegas.   

The app features a variety of casino slot titles similar to the operator’s gaming floor in their land-based casinos featuring popular games such as 50 Dragons. Miss Kitty, and Sun and Moon among many other popular games.   Aside from offering players casino games from the comfort of their own homes, players also stand to earn rewards and perks in the form of points and tiered credits within the operator’s loyalty program via virtual credit purchases. These credit purchases allow players to increase their bankroll by purchasing additional tokens for a minimal fee.  The social gaming casino enables players to win restaurant vouchers, show tickets, hotel room discounts, and other non-gaming awards, all redeemable at Boyd’s physical venues.  

The mobile game seeks to capture the nostalgia of the classic Las Vegas experience as the Stardust Social Casino app is named after the famous Las Vegas venue of the same name. Opened in 1958, This casino brand was once Nevada’s largest casino and is still seen as one of the most iconic brands in the Strip’s history.  This casino was once the home of many iconic attractions in the Strip such as the Le Lido de Paris burlesque show, and the first Las Vegas stage to feature the legendary magician duo, Siegfried and Roy.  It also served as the Martin Scorsese’s inspiration for his hit 1995 movie Casino. 

Commenting on this recent release, Boyd’s Gaming president and chief executive officer, Keith Smith has commented on the Stardust brand, saying that it is a brand that transcends across multiple generations.  He also said that given Stardust’s considerable brand equity, the company believes that the brand will surely give the company a unique advantage as they further expand their online and mobile gaming presence.  He also added that, with the launch of the Stardust Social Casino app,  the company is looking to provide a social casino gaming experience worthy of the Stardust name. He further added that even though Stardust Resort and Casino closed more than a decade ago, the brand still remains as one of the most iconic names in Las Vegas history.  

The Stardust Resort and Casino was first opened back in 1958.  The casino operated for 48 years until its closure in 2006 and was demolished a few months later.  The venue’s property was acquired by the Genting Group in 2013, costing the group over £3.3 billion.  The property is now the current construction site for the new upcoming Resorts World Las Vegas and it is set to be the most expensive resort ever developed in the city.

Win Interactive, a social casino startup backed by the bwin.party, was the one who previously revived the Stardust brand as a social casino back in 2013.  Ever since GVC Holding’s acquisition of the company, the brand is now under GVC Holding’s multiple aggregated content providers.