Ellis Island Casino, Hotel & Brewery in the heart of Las Vegas is gearing up to up the ante. This family-run establishment is all set to roll the dice on a grand expansion, despite dealing with a legal shuffle against the Formula One Group. With unwavering optimism, the operators are determined to transform the venue into a gambler’s paradise more alluring than ever.
The Most Daring Upgrade the Casino Has Seen
When Lady Luck comes knocking, you answer with style, and that’s precisely what’s happening here. Last week, the casino unveiled plans that promise to breathe new life into the gaming floor. Imagine this: a larger, more electrifying space adorned with an expansive new center bar and a dazzling rooftop event area—perfect for seeing Sin City’s glittering skyline. And that’s not all. The beloved Village Pub & Café and the ever-popular karaoke lounge are getting a facelift too, ensuring every visit hits the jackpot.
On this grand stage, the gaming floor expansion takes center spotlight. Picture this—a fresh infusion of 250 new slot machines, each more thrilling than the last, accompanied by a new pit area to elevate the stakes. Indeed, this multimillion-dollar upgrade, orchestrated by the dynamic duo of Bentar Construction and Steelman Partners, will cost about $35 million—making it the most significant revamp in this property’s illustrious half-century run.
Longtime Pillar of Koval Lane
Known as the “best-kept secret in Las Vegas since 1968,” Ellis Island Casino holds a special ace up its sleeve. Tucked away off the Strip, it’s the playground for those who savor the thrill without betting the farm. Its legendary low-stakes tables have charmed many risk-averse visitors, ensuring their memories are only of winning times.
With the ambitious renovations underway, excitement is palpable among the casino’s honchos. With an air of anticipation, Anamarie Ellis, the vice president of operations, shares, “We’re ready to dazzle our guests with cutting-edge slot machines and a fresh, inviting interior.” Meanwhile, Christina Ellis, vice president of development, confidently asserts, “We aim to keep Ellis Island as an iconic staple on Koval Lane.”
Legal Face-Off with F1
Behind the dice and amidst the shuffle of cards, a courtroom drama unfolds. Ellis Island is locked in a legal poker game with Formula 1 and Clark County, seeking justice for losses allegedly triggered by the construction of a temporary bridge for the 2023 Vegas Grand Prix. The casino, nestled close to the bustling F1 Paddock Building, contends this construction dealt them a tough hand, reporting losses exceeding $50,000.
In this ongoing legal thriller, recent courtroom exchanges lit the room with tension, with arguments echoing like dice thrown across a table; but as we stand, the judge hasn’t yet revealed their hand. Notably, this isn’t the first legal duel for Ellis Island, who previously stood alongside other businesses challenging the 2024 race plans. The forthcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix is slated to zoom through the streets from November 21 to 23, an event eagerly awaited by speed and thrill enthusiasts alike.
As Ellis Island doubles down on both its renewal and its legal battles, only time will tell which way the winds of fortune will blow. But one thing’s for sure—the stakes have never been higher, and Las Vegas wouldn’t have it any other way.
