Published on: October 28, 2025, 11:04h.
Updated on: October 28, 2025, 11:20h.
- Charles Barkley partners with Valley Forge Casino Resort
- Barkley will co-create a steakhouse and cigar lounge at the Boyd Gaming venue
- Boyd also features Barkley’s liquor brands throughout its casinos
Boyd Gaming, alongside Valley Forge Casino Resort located on Philadelphia’s Main Line, has partnered with one of the city’s iconic sports figures, Sir Charles Barkley.
Boyd Gaming, based in Las Vegas, acquired Valley Forge Casino Resort in 2018 for $280.5 million and has since invested over $100 million in renovations and expansions. They recently announced a collaboration with Barkley to introduce a steakhouse and cigar lounge to the King of Prussia gaming venue. According to their press release to Casino.org, the chophouse will blend modern elegance with elements honoring Barkley’s legendary career, filled with personal memorabilia that reflect his unique personality and strong connections to Philadelphia.
Adjacent to the steakhouse, a sophisticated cigar lounge will offer a club-like ambiance, complete with private lockers and a well-stocked bar for an after-dinner retreat.
“The Philadelphia area has always felt like home to me, and I’m excited to introduce something novel to a community that has significantly impacted my life,” Barkley expressed. “We’re designing a venue that is enjoyable, welcoming, and bursting with character. I envision it as a place where people can relax, enjoy excellent food, and experience the same vibrant energy that makes this community so exceptional.”
Boyd announced plans for a new steakhouse and cigar lounge at Valley Forge in May, coinciding with the casino’s overhaul of its dining offerings related to the newly unveiled Food Hall. Additional renovations are also underway for the Stardust Tower and hotel lobby.
Barkley, an 11-time NBA All-Star and the 1993 MVP, is well-known for his career predominantly with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Ideal Collaboration
Barkley’s venture into developing a steakhouse and cigar lounge at Valley Forge Casino Resort is a natural fit, considering his enduring popularity in the Philadelphia area.
When questioned by Casino.org whether the Barkley steakhouse would replace the Revolution Chop House, a representative from the casino replied that “plans are still being finalized” and details will be released in due course.
The upcoming Valley Forge Casino steakhouse featuring Barkley follows Boyd’s collaboration with the “Inside the NBA” star’s Redmont Distilling. Barkley co-owns the Alabama distillery, known for producing Redmont Vodka and Vulcan Gin, which Boyd is now distributing across all its casino properties.
To leverage Barkley’s brand at Valley Forge Casino, Boyd has committed to contributing annually to the Charles Barkley Foundation, which supports historically black colleges and universities.
Casino Stories
Barkley’s association with a casino is a way for him to turn the tables on the many millions he has lost in gambling over the years. He even stated last year that he wishes some of his ashes to be scattered “in a casino in Vegas.”
In 2007, Barkley estimated his gambling losses at $20 million throughout his playing career for the 76ers, a period when casino options were primarily limited to Nevada, Atlantic City, and tribal grounds.
Barkley openly acknowledged that while gambling was a “bad habit,” it wasn’t considered a problem for him since he could manage his losses.