Sam Boyd

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Sam Boyd (April 23, 1910-1993), born in Enid, Oklahoma, arrived in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1941 with only $80 in his pocket. He was able to work his way up through the gaming industry by first working as a dealer, then as a pit boss, and as a shift supervisor.

Eventually he saved enough money to buy an interest in the Sahara Hotel. Sam then moved on to become general manager and partner at The Mint in downtown Las Vegas, where he introduced a number of successful marketing, gaming and entertainment innovations.

Sam formed the Boyd Gaming Corporation which would become one of the largest gaming companies in the world. Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall on Boulder Highway is named for Boyd as well as the Sam Boyd Stadium.