Boyd Gaming has announced an extension of the temporary closure of its Boulder Highway casino, the Eastside Cannery Casino-Hotel, four years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered its doors.
According to records from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Eastside Cannery’s gaming license remains active but is under temporary closure until March 31, 2025. The property’s license was previously on hold until March 30 of this year, reports Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Company executives have previously indicated that they would closely monitor the local market for any signs of increased demand before deciding to reopen the property. Currently, signage at the property directs patrons to the nearby Sam’s Town casino, situated about a half-mile north on Boulder Highway.
The closure of Eastside Cannery comes amidst a challenging period for Boyd Gaming’s Las Vegas locals segment, of which the property is a part. Unaudited operating results indicate a 2.2% decline in working cash flow in 2023 compared to the previous year in the segment.
Executives attribute this decline to the segment facing tough comparisons, as several quarters in 2022 saw near-record or record-setting performances, driven by stimulus measures and post-pandemic spending.
Boyd Gaming acquired Eastside Cannery in December 2016, adding it to its portfolio of 11 properties in the downtown and locals segments. Following the purchase, some amenities at Eastside Cannery were closed, and the property faced further challenges when the COVID-19 pandemic forced its closure in March 2020.
Eastside Cannery is not the only locals-oriented casino to be impacted by the pandemic. Competitor Station Casinos also closed four of its properties during and after the COVID-19 crisis, including Texas Station, Fiesta Rancho, Fiesta Henderson, and Wild Wild West.