On January 1, 1975, both Boyd Gaming Corporation (then known as Boyd Group) was founded and the California Hotel & Casino (The Cal) opened. 2025 marks their 50th Anniversary in Las Vegas.
The Cal will have a special celebration on Wednesday, January 1 from 12pm to 1pm in the hotel lobby. It will feature a unique 3D cake created for the 50th anniversary, a champagne toast, and a ceremonial cake-cutting. Attendees will have opportunities for photos.
Boyd Gaming Corp.
The company was founded by Sam and Bill Boyd to develop and operate the California Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas. Seeking a niche for their new property, the Boyd’s decided to market the property to the underserved tourists of Hawaii.
In 1979, they built and opened Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall on Boulder Highway. It was considered one of the first “locals” properties in the Las Vegas Valley.
In 1985, Boyd Gaming acquired the legendary Stardust Casino on the Las Vegas Strip and operated it until its closure in 2006. The company’s growth continued.
Boyd Gaming grew into a nationwide company, today operating 28 gaming properties in ten states, Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
In Las Vegas, Boyd Gaming operates 10 gaming properties, Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa, California Hotel & Casino, Cannery Casino & Hotel, Fremont Hotel & Casino, Gold Coast Hotel & Casino, Jokers Wild, Main Street Station – Casino, Brewery & Hotel, The Orleans Hotel & Casino, Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall and Suncoast Hotel & Casino.
Boyd Gaming continues to grow with new projects and major investments in existing properties. Congratulations on 50 years! 1975-2025. 🌐
California Hotel & Casino
The California Hotel & Casino (The Cal) has a Hawaiian theme and about 70% of the visitors are from the Aloha State of Hawaii. The entire casino and all 781 hotel rooms and suites were remodeled in 2017.
They are located one block off Fremont Street and are connected by an indoor walkway to Main Street Station (sister property) on the second floor.
The casino features both old and new slot machines. Some still take coins. The casino pit has 21 tables with all the popular games, including Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and more. They also have a live Keno Lounge and a full service Sports Book.
They have some very good dining options at all price points, including: Aloha Specialties, California Noodle House, Lappert’s Ice Cream Shop, Market Street Cafe (open 24/7) and Redwood Steakhouse.
In the casino, they have two very popular bars. Holo Holo – The Happy Bar and the Cal Sports Lounge (with the Sports Book).
The Cal generally caters to an older crowd and is Pure Aloha on the Ninth Island – Las Vegas!
Fun Fact: Craps is very popular at The Cal. They have the “Golden Arm” for players that can shoot for over an hour without “crapping out”. They receive a plaque. In 1989, the hotel designated the term “Golden Arm”, after Stanley Fujitake rolled dice for three hours and six minutes without losing.
California Hotel & Casino address: 12 E Ogden Ave, Las Vegas
