Top 10 casino openings and expansions for spring 2023

Spring weather is finally attempting to make its return to the New England area, which means outdoor sitting and rooftop bars are beginning to open up. Luckily, no one across the U.S., needs to wait long for casinos and resorts to do the same as there are plenty of new venues, restaurants and sportsbooks that are ready for the seasonal weather. On top of that, several resorts unveiled plans for expansions in the near future.

Let’s take a look at 10 openings and expansions in the resort world since our last edition in late January.

10. Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy coming to Caesars Palace
Guy Fieri and Caesars Entertainment will expand their partnership with the addition of Chicken Guy! at Caesars Palace Las Vegas this summer, making it the third location on the West Coast.

The quick-service restaurant is also Fieri’s fourth culinary destination at Caesars Entertainment’s Las Vegas resorts.

The Chicken Guy! menu features tenders brined in fresh lemon juice, pickle brine and buttermilk, and infused with fresh herbs. Guests can order grilled or fried chicken in sandwiches, straight-up on skewers or in meal-sized salad bowls.

"Vegas is my home away from home and I'm always bringing my latest and greatest concepts to the city," said Fieri. "I'm so stoked to be bringing Chicken Guy! to Caesars Palace for the best freakin' chicken tenders, sandwiches and shakes that you're going to find!"

We are egg-cited to announce @chickenguy by @guyfieri will be opening this summer inside the Forum Food Hall at the Palace ??

Details https://t.co/EYVVaXIxRE pic.twitter.com/tsp0PVFhQy
— Caesars Palace (@CaesarsPalace) March 9, 2023

9. Nielson’s Frozen Custard opens at Santa Fe Station Casino
Nielsen’s Frozen Custard celebrated the opening at Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino’s food court on 10 March with giveaways, free cones and its creamy dessert.

Owned by husband-and-wife duo Howard and Amanda Zayon, Nielsen’s giveaways for customers included a free cone to the first 100 people in line. Guests also had the opportunity to win major prizes for giveaways including TVs, iPads, free custard for life and more.

A few signature flavors that will be offered at Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino include Bumbleberry, which was developed using Nielsen’s proprietary mixture of ingredients 41 years ago, Cherry Chocolate Chip and Caramel Cashew.

And just like that, @Nielsensfcvegas is now OPEN at Santa Fe Station!

This marks their 3rd location in Vegas and 2nd @stationcasinos after opening @redrockcasino ?? pic.twitter.com/9Nm62hUtJS
— Santa Fe Station (@santafestation) March 10, 2023

8. Wildfire Casino opens doors to new Fremont location
The new venue welcomed guests in February to a ceremonial ribbon-cutting culminating with a first look at Station Casino’s latest gaming destination, Wildfire on Fremont.

The all-new 21,000-square-foot neighborhood casino boasts over 200 of the latest and most popular slot machines, plus bar-top gaming and electronic table games. Some of the slot titles include Double Top Dollar, Buffalo Ascension, Stinkin' Rich, and Bar Zhu Zhao Fu.

Guests are also able to enjoy a sports viewing experience at the STN sportsbook featuring team members for over-the-counter bets and sign-up activations, multiple kiosks, and plenty of screens with all the action.

The new casino also features several dining offerings, including the 200-seat IHOP complete with an outdoor patio and popular eatery Tacos El Pastor.

7. New DraftKings Sportsbook at Boot Hill Casino and Resort
DraftKings and Butler National Corporation announced the grand opening of a new 2,500-square-foot retail sportsbook at Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City, Kansas, which is the home of the first state-owned and operated casino in Kansas.

The retail sportsbook features a 17-foot long LED video wall, several high-definition televisions, two cashier stations, four betting kiosks, comfortable lounge seating and a variety of food and beverage offerings.

The opening festivities included a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring DraftKings personnel, Kansas Lottery representatives, Boot Hill Casino & Resort representatives, GoJo podcast host and DraftKings Football Analyst Mike Golic Jr. and other special guests.

6. Seven Clans Casino Warroad completes expansion
Red Lake Gaming Enterprises announced the completion of a $12.4 million expansion project for its Seven Clans Casino Warroad gaming floor in Minnesota. The project was completed and opened to the public on 17 March with special guest and hometown hockey legend Henry Boucha.

The expansion includes an additional 9,000-square-foot slot floor with 100 slot machines and a new casino gaming floor entrance.

The new sports restaurant & bar, Pucks & Pints Bar offers casual food offerings and a full bar with a draft beer system serving many varieties of draft beers. An intimate stage is next to the new bar to host local bands, DJs, and live entertainment.

5. Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto coming this summer
In early March, Great Canadian Entertainment announced that its $1 billion, new entertainment resort will be known as Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto when it opens its doors this summer.

The destination adjacent to Woodbine Racetrack will feature a modern Vegas-style casino, integrated 400-room hotel, 5,000-seat live entertainment venue, and multiple on-site dining options.

The existing Casino Woodbine and Woodbine Racetrack will continue to operate with no interruption until the debut of Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto.

Introducing Toronto’s newest and first Vegas-style casino resort @GreatCanadianTO. Featuring awe-inspiring design, a state-of-the-art performance venue, culinary options and a new hotel. #GoForGreat with Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. https://t.co/qhkCBU70TP
— Great Canadian Entertainment (@GRTCanadian) March 8, 2023

4. Caesars Sportsbook unveiled at Downtown Grand Las Vegas
Downtown Grand Las Vegas commemorated the official opening of its new Caesars Sportsbook during the last week of January with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The festivities continued with a ceremonial first bet and an appearance by author and professional gambler Anthony Curtis.

This opening marks the first Caesars Sportsbook location in downtown Las Vegas. The new sportsbook offers three betting windows, multiple self-service betting kiosks, and a LED TV viewing wall to accompany multiple odds boards

Feeling brand new. @CaesarsSports Sportsbook is officially open at Downtown Grand, place your bets! pic.twitter.com/7Kmy4qOdAr
— Downtown Grand (@Downtown_Grand) January 25, 2023

3. Tachi Palace Casino Resort announces multiple construction upgrades
On 15 March, Tachi Palace Casino & Resort in California announced multiple construction enhancement projects throughout the property, including expansions on the casino floor, the Coyote Entertainment Center, and the exterior front entrance.

The first-floor renovation of the casino includes a 60,000 square foot “Casino of the Moon” gaming space that offers a relaxing environment.

The new Sun Table Games Pit area was inspired by sun themes offering a brighter, exciting, high-energy gaming atmosphere, and was completed on 17 March.

The Sunset Sports Bar, Pizza Hut, and a new Deli location have all been designed to feature state-of-the-art amenities.

Tachi Palace Casino Resort plans to host a grand opening celebration to highlight all the new improvements throughout the property in May.

2. Borgata Hotel Casino in Atlantic City’s $55 million tower remodel
As Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary this July, the Atlantic City resort is embarking on a $55 million redesign and rebranding of The Water Club. Renamed the MGM Tower, the new offerings will feature more than 700 completely reimagined guest rooms and add a collection of luxury Vista Suites located at the tower's corners.

Newly remodeled rooms in the MGM Tower will be available beginning this month with the project slated for completion by Memorial Day weekend. Borgata also is introducing a 9,000 square-foot event space on the 32nd floor.

MGM Tower guests will continue to enjoy the entertainment, nightlife and dining for which Borgata is known as well as a dedicated valet and check-in area, seasonal pools, shopping and the resort's waterfront location.

As #BorgataAC prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, we are embarking on the redesign and rebranding of The Water Club!

??The renamed MGM Tower will feature more than 700 reimagined guestrooms and a collection of Vista Suites.

More information: https://t.co/eryRCzOv0P pic.twitter.com/GD0eeJhJrX
— BORGATA (@BorgataAC) March 14, 2023

1. Bellagio Spa Tower to undergo $110 million transformation
Last week, Bellagio on the Las Vegas Strip revealed details surrounding the $110 million transformation of all rooms and suites within its Spa Tower.

Following the resort’s recent remodel of more than 2,500 guest rooms in its main tower, the Spa Tower redesign, which encompasses 819 guest rooms and 104 suites, is slated for completion in October, with the first collection of rooms available for guest stays beginning in July.

Th redesign spans a wide range of suite types including the 850-square-foot Salon Suites; 1,000-square-foot Bellagio Suites; 1,500-square-foot Penthouses; 1,500-square-foot two-bedroom Bellagio Suites; and 2,500-square-foot Executive Hospitality Suites, which feature billiards lounges and home theater living areas for entertaining.

In 2024, resort-wide guest room enhancements will culminate with the redesign of the Bellagio Tower's approximately 400 suites, a project that also will be brought to life by the team at Champalimaud Design.

Inspired by Northern Italy's timeless beauty, our Spa Tower accommodations embark on a luxurious transformation this summer. #ThisIsTheLife

Discover our decadent design at https://t.co/CS7xcXDBjR. pic.twitter.com/uxueIWeBz0
— Bellagio Las Vegas (@Bellagio) March 31, 2023