LAS VEGAS, Jan. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD) today announced that Blue Chip Casino Hotel opened its new casino this morning, completing the final stage of the property's $170 million expansion. The expansion, which began in April 2004, includes three new dining outlets, an entertainment lounge, a 950-space parking garage, and a new single-story casino, that is more than 50 percent larger than the three-story riverboat that it replaced.

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William S. Boyd, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming, commented on the opening, "With the new Blue Chip, we clearly have raised the bar in the northern Indiana market. It has been our most successful riverboat operation, and we look forward to building on that success in the future."

The new Blue Chip offers 65,000 square feet of casino action on one level with 2,170 slot machines and 51 table games. The pavilion adjoins the 184-room Blue Chip Hotel and features an elegant steakhouse, action buffet, deli and coffee station, as well as a live-entertainment lounge at the main entrance of the casino, and a four story parking garage.

Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD) is a leading diversified owner and operator of 19 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana and Louisiana. The Company is also developing Echelon Place, a world class destination on the Las Vegas Strip, expected to open in early 2010. Additionally, the Company was recently recognized by Forbes Magazine as the best managed company in the category of Hotels, Restaurant and Leisure. Boyd Gaming press releases are available at www.prnewswire.com. Additional news and information on Boyd Gaming can be found at www.boydgaming.com .