If you’ve ever driven down the south end of the Strip, past the glittering mega-resorts and the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign, you’ve seen it. The massive gold towers of the South Point. It’s a bit of an outlier. While MGM and Caesars fight over every square inch of the main corridor, South Point sits comfortably on its own, a few miles away, doing things its own way.
But who actually owns the place?
In a city dominated by massive, faceless corporations and Wall Street investment boards, South Point is a unicorn. It isn't owned by a global conglomerate or a private equity group. Michael Gaughan owns the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa. He doesn't just own it on paper; he’s the guy often seen walking the floor or eating in one of the restaurants. He is a literal living legend in the Nevada gaming industry.
The Man Behind the Gold Towers
Michael Gaughan is "old school" Vegas. Like, really old school. His father was Jackie Gaughan, the man who once owned the El Cortez and chunks of half the casinos downtown. Michael didn't just inherit a seat at the table, though. He built his own empire from the ground up, starting with Coast Casinos.
If you remember the Barbary Coast, the Gold Coast, or the Suncoast, those were his babies.
In 2004, Gaughan made a massive move. He merged Coast Casinos with Boyd Gaming. It was a deal worth about $1.3 billion. Most people figured that was his retirement plan. He’d ride off into the sunset with a massive pile of cash and let the corporate suits handle the day-to-day grind.
That lasted about two years.
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The Boyd Breakup and the Birth of South Point
Honestly, the corporate world didn't fit Gaughan. He’s a guy who likes to make decisions over a handshake, not wait for a board of directors to approve a new carpet design. While he was under the Boyd umbrella, they opened a new property called the South Coast in 2005.
It struggled.
It was too far south for the tourists and hadn't quite captured the locals yet. By 2006, Gaughan wanted out of the corporate life, and Boyd wanted to offload the underperforming South Coast. They made a trade that sounds like something out of a movie. Gaughan gave up his shares in Boyd Gaming—worth roughly $512 million at the time—in exchange for total ownership of the South Coast.
He immediately renamed it South Point.
Why South Point? He once joked that it was because he only had to change a few letters on the signs. That’s the kind of practical, no-nonsense guy he is.
A Different Kind of Ownership
Being a solo owner in 2026 is a weird flex in Las Vegas. Every other major resort is part of a "family" of properties. If you have a loyalty card at the MGM Grand, you can use it at the Bellagio. South Point doesn't do that. They have their own card, their own rules, and a very specific vibe.
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Gaughan’s ownership style is visible everywhere:
- The Horses: Michael is a massive fan of rodeo and Western culture. That’s why there’s a world-class equestrian center attached to the casino. You won't find a horse arena at the Wynn.
- The Value: Because he doesn't have to answer to shareholders demanding 10% growth every quarter, he can keep prices lower. The hot dog cart is a local legend. The steakhouse, Michael’s, is one of the highest-rated in the city but feels like a time capsule.
- The Loyalty: During the Great Recession of 2008, when every other casino was laying off staff in droves, Gaughan famously refused to cut his workforce. He even kept building. He added a third hotel tower when the rest of the city was basically boarded up.
He’s also known for being incredibly generous with his staff. After the 2018 tax reforms, he famously handed out over $1 million in bonuses to his employees. You just don't see that from the big corporate entities.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Ownership
A common misconception is that the South Point is still part of Boyd Gaming. It’s an easy mistake to make because the Gold Coast and Suncoast (Gaughan’s former properties) are still owned by Boyd.
People also sometimes think his son, Brendan Gaughan—the former NASCAR driver—is the owner. While the family is heavily involved and Brendan is a face of the brand (especially in their racing sponsorships), Michael remains the man at the top.
Another weird rumor that pops up is that it's owned by a "tribal" group. It’s not. While many off-Strip casinos are being bought up by Native American tribes (like the Palms or the Mirage/Hard Rock transition), South Point remains one of the last truly independent, family-operated giants in town.
Why This Matters for You
If you’re a gambler or a visitor, who owns the building actually changes your experience. At a corporate casino, everything is optimized by an algorithm. The "comp" system is rigid. At South Point, because Michael Gaughan is the owner, the "old Vegas" feel remains.
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The machines generally have better odds because they want the locals to keep coming back. The sportsbook isn't outsourced to a third-party app company; it's run in-house. It’s one of the few places left where you can find a 10:1 payout on certain bets that have been squeezed out elsewhere.
The Future of South Point
Michael Gaughan isn't getting any younger—he was born in 1943. This naturally leads to questions about what happens next. Will it be sold to a giant like MGM? Will a private equity firm gut it?
For now, the plan seems to be keeping it in the family. The Gaughan name is synonymous with Las Vegas gaming history, and they seem to take that legacy seriously. They’ve spent the last two decades proving that you don't need a corporate headquarters in a different state to run a successful, massive resort.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Visit
- Check the Equestrian Calendar: Even if you aren't a "horse person," seeing a show at the arena is a unique Vegas experience you can't get elsewhere.
- Join the Club: Since they aren't part of a mega-chain, their player's club rewards are often much more attainable for the average person.
- Eat at Michael’s: If you want a real "Old Vegas" gourmet experience without the Strip markups, this is the spot. Just make a reservation early; it’s small and fills up fast.
- Look for Michael: Seriously. It’s not uncommon to see him near the sportsbook or the restaurants. He’s the guy who looks like he owns the place—mostly because he does.
South Point stands as a testament to what happens when one person with a clear vision and a lot of "old school" grit decides to bet on themselves. It’s a bit of the past surviving in the future.
Next Steps for Your Las Vegas Trip
If you're planning a stay at South Point, check their official event calendar specifically for the Equestrian Center. Many of these events are free to the public and offer a completely different side of Vegas entertainment that the corporate resorts simply don't provide. Additionally, sign up for the The Club loyalty program online before you arrive to see if they have any "new member" sign-up specials, which often include free play or dining credits.