Ellis Island Casino & Hotel, a family-owned off-Strip favorite in Las Vegas, has completed the first phase of a $35-million expansion that will nearly double its casino floor, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Renovations include a new 25-seat center bar beneath a 50-foot LED screen, a refreshed slot area, and a permanent home for Boomer’s Sportsbook.
Key Takeaways
- Ellis Island unveiled the completion of its first phase of renovations.
- Despite an upscale facelift, leadership insists the casino’s long-standing appeal will remain intact.
- The next phase will address additional renovations.
A new digital façade with 1.74 million pixels now brings the property closer to the street. The inside area features nearly 250 new slot machines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a double-height ceiling for a brighter and more modern gaming space.
Despite the expansion and facelift, executives emphasize that Ellis Island’s core values remain unchanged, such as affordable drinks, $5 table games, and value-driven promotions that have long drawn locals and industry workers.
"It’s in our core values. It’s what’s made us popular amongst locals and industry workers, and our loyal customers," said Christina Ellis-Stalker, vice president of development. "We are Vegas. We are dedicated to maintaining those low drink prices, those value-driven deals, those $5 table games. It’s what made us."
The remaining portion of the casino floor will be refreshed later this year.
Ellis Island Casino partnered with Las Vegas Grand Prix
Ellis Island Casino & Hotel officially partnered with the Las Vegas Grand Prix in May, a year after suing the Formula 1 event over lost revenue tied to road closures and traffic disruptions. The off-Strip casino, located on Koval Lane, alleged the 2024 inaugural race caused millions of dollars in losses because it limited access to the property.
The lawsuit was dismissed last September, which cleared the way for a new collaboration. As part of the agreement, Ellis Island became an official race venue for the 2025 event. Race organizers have made community outreach a greater focus following the criticism of the 2023 event, which caused nine
months of disruptions.
Ellis Island owner, Gary Ellis, welcomed the new partnership, while race officials praised Ellis Island as a valuable community partner.
Sin City tourism decline continues
Las Vegas tourism continued to decline for a sixth consecutive month in July. Nevertheless, tourism leaders insist the city remains competitive and committed to value.
Convention attendance dipped in June but rebounded 10% in July, which is still down 12% from last year. Resorts have leaned into promotions to counter concerns, with offers ranging from waived resort fees and free parking to bundled dining credits and value room packages.
Still, despite the dip in tourism, Nevada casinos earned $1.36 billion in July gaming revenue, which is up 4% year-over-year, signaling strong Strip and downtown performance.
