Popular Las Vegas budget casino hotel Ellis Island this week began a comprehensive redevelopment (renderings pictured). The $35 million project will renovate the casino’s gaming floor, five in-house restaurants, and several bars.
It will also add a new and expanded gaming pit area and a new rooftop bar and event space. The family-owned Ellis Island Casino Hotel has been in the same spot since 1967. It is well-known for its value for gambling, drinks, and hotel rooms.
“We are very excited to have this project underway,” said the casino’s VP of Development, Christina Ellis.
“The city is growing, and we are eager to expand our offerings while staying true to what has kept us a staple on Koval Lane for 56 years, with great value dining, gaming, and amenities.”
The Development
Despite being around for more than half a century, Ellis Island is considered one of the better-kept budget hotels in Sin City. The casino floor offers $5 minimums on blackjack and roulette, as well as the better-for-gamblers 3:2 blackjack and single zero roulette. It also offers cheap beers, as well as a long list of promo offers on meals and rooms for guests who gamble.
The redevelopment will include installing 250 additional new slot machines to the casino floor, and a new gaming pit area with upgraded gaming tables. The $5 blackjack and craps will definitely remain.
The outside of the casino will also be getting a revamp, including a new rooftop event space area. Steelman Partners will be handling design, and Bentar Construction will be putting it all together. Both are local Las Vegas-based companies.
“Our casino team is eager to expand our mix, bringing in more fan-favorite slots, growing our casino pit, and introducing a new center bar and other exciting amenities,” said Anamarie Ellis, VP of operations at Ellis Island Casino.
“We are looking forward to bringing this new aesthetic to the floor and welcoming our loyal guests to enjoy the upgrades.”
Ellis Island will be looking to up its game as it faces more possible disruption because of the upcoming second edition of the Las Vegas Grand Prix F1 race. It is currently suing race organizers and Clark County over lost business during late 2023’s inaugural race.
It says it lost millions of dollars due to obstructed access to the property before, during, and after the race weekend.
David is an online casino expert who specializes in online slots and boasts over 10 years experience writing about iGaming. He has written for a wide range of notable publications, including eSports Insider and WordPlay Magazine.
David graduated Derby University with a BA Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.