News Summary
El Cortez Casino in Las Vegas has opened a $20 million expansion, adding nearly 10,000 square feet of gaming and dining space. The expansion includes a high-limit slots area, expanded table games, two bars, and a new noodle restaurant. Mayor Shelley Berkley declared the day as ‘El Cortez Hotel & Casino Day’ during the ceremony. The casino aims to attract a more diverse clientele while preserving its historic charm. Regulatory changes for high-limit gaming salons are also being considered to enhance the gaming experience.
Las Vegas – El Cortez Casino, a historic establishment in downtown Las Vegas, has officially unveiled a significant $20 million expansion, featuring nearly 10,000 square feet of new gaming and dining space. This expansion was opened to the public on February 20, 2025, after a successful soft opening earlier in the month. The newly added area includes a high-limit slots section, an expanded table games zone, two new bars named Roulette Bar and Showbar, and a noodle restaurant called Hot Noods.
The expansion ceremony included nostalgic speeches and a ribbon-cutting event, during which Mayor Shelley Berkley proclaimed the day as “El Cortez Hotel & Casino Day” in recognition of the casino’s longstanding presence in the community. Kenny Epstein, the CEO and Chairman of El Cortez, reported strong positive feedback from patrons, highlighting the successful integration of modern amenities while maintaining the casino’s historic charm.
The El Cortez, which first opened its doors in 1941, has a rich history and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. The expansion aims to attract a more diverse clientele, shifting the demographic mix from mostly locals—making up 75% of visitors—to a broader blend of locals and tourists, estimated at 50-50 to 60-40.
In addition to the expansion of El Cortez, the Nevada Gaming Commission is considering regulatory changes to make high-limit gaming salons more accessible to a wider range of players. The proposed amendments include reducing the financial threshold for salon admissions from the current requirement of $300,000 down to a suggested $20,000. This change is anticipated to appeal to a greater number of high-end players, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Furthermore, under the amendments proposed following the approval of Senate Bill 459, poker play would be permitted with a minimum buy-in of $10,000. Additionally, the regulation regarding salon slot machine minimums would now allow licensees to set their standards at their discretion. This flexibility may encourage casinos to adapt their services to better meet customer expectations.
Another notable change would allow guests of qualified salon players to remain in the salon for up to 24 hours, a significant increase from the previous six-hour limit. Control Board Chairman Mike Dreitzer has emphasized that these proposed amendments are designed to generate more revenue for Nevada, especially during times of economic uncertainty.
The expansion of the El Cortez comes at a time of revitalization in downtown Las Vegas, where new developments are attracting younger crowds drawn to the historic charm of older establishments and innovative projects by figures like Tony Hsieh and Derek Stevens, including the newly established Circa Casino.
Joe Woody, the CFO of El Cortez, has described this expansion as the best project yet for the property, with discussions already underway for additional future projects. As the El Cortez continues to evolve, it remains committed to preserving its rich legacy while also embracing modernization and growth to cater to today’s dynamic gaming market.
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Additional Resources
- Review Journal: Downtown Las Vegas Casino Unveils $20M Expansion
- Review Journal: Peek Inside El Cortez Expansion
- Review Journal: El Cortez Transitioning to 21 and Over Only Property
- GMToday: Las Vegas High Roller Gaming Salons Changes
- Review Journal: El Cortez Expansion Planned to Spice Up Property
- Wikipedia: Las Vegas
- Google Search: El Cortez Casino
- Google Scholar: Las Vegas casinos
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Las Vegas
- Google News: Las Vegas 2025
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