ELLIS ISLAND CASINO & HOTEL DEBUTS NEW CASINO FLOOR, BAR, AND EXERIOR FAÇADE
Ellis Island Casino & Hotel, Las Vegas local’s favorite off-Strip property, announced today the debut of the first phase of its $35 million expansion and renovation. Architected by Steelman Partners, the new space doubles the casino floor, which includes a new casino bar, high-limit gaming area, and the recently announced Boomer’s Sportsbook. The expansion also includes a new rooftop bar, The Deck, with views of Las Vegas Boulevard and seasonal craft cocktails, which will open this fall.
“For nearly 60 years we’ve served the Las Vegas community and visitors with unrivaled value, excitement and hospitality, and we couldn’t be more excited to build upon that with our casino-wide expansion and renovations,” said Gary Ellis, owner of Ellis Island Casino. “With this first phase, we’re proud to debut a renewed aesthetic and gaming floor that elevates the property and overall guest experience while continuing to honor our history and deeply held values.”
A New Look from a Las Vegas Staple
When guests first arrive to Ellis Island, they’re greeted by a new exterior façade with a screen featuring over 1,200-square-feet of LED lights and approximately 1,740,000 pixels. The welcome experience also includes a refreshed porte-cochere and new landscaping.
Inside is an upscale, new casino floor featuring a grand double-height expanse with marble columns, rich wood finishes, plush carpeting, sprawling windows with automatic shades, an eye-catching chandelier, and custom artwork that celebrates the spirit of gaming. The heartbeat of the gaming area is the new Center Bar, which offers 25 bar seats with bar-top games and a front-row view of the new 50-foot by 11-foot LED screen, perfect for watching any sporting event.
The casino floor, known for loose slots and low-minimum table games, features a new high-limit gaming area, expanded gaming pit, and hundreds of new slot machines. By the completion of the expansion, over 35,000 square feet of space will have been remodeled and expanded. Boomer’s Sportsbook, which first debuted in market at Ellis Island and Casino Valle Verde in early August, will have a permanent outpost in the new casino space. Reopening in the new space are Via Focaccia, the on-property sandwich shop, and local favorite Metro Pizza.
Suzanne Steelman Taylor, Vice President of Strategy at Steelman Partners said, “This expansion is about creating energy and connection—an elevated yet inviting environment that builds on the property’s legacy while introducing bold new experiences. From the vibrant center bar and massive LED screen to the striking custom artwork, every detail was designed to engage guests and make this favorite destination feel both dynamic and refreshingly new.”
Introducing: The Deck
In the coming weeks, Ellis Island will debut The Deck, a lush rooftop bar with sweeping panoramic views of the Las Vegas skyline. Situated atop the new casino expansion off Koval Lane, The Deck will be the place to watch major moments in the city, from FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX to New Year’s Eve firework shows.
The Deck will feature a variety of seasonal cocktails like Full Deck, made with Elijah Craig Bourbon, Luxardo Del Santo, lime, and simple syrup, and Poker Face, featuring Flecha Azul ‘Blanco’ Tequila, Italicus, lime, and grapefruit soda, as well as a full beer and wine list. It will also offer a menu of quick bites including flatbreads, charcuterie boards, and other seasonal specials.
What’s Ahead for Ellis Island Casino & Hotel
The next phase of construction will begin in September, refreshing the remaining portion of the casino floor, and is projected to be completed by the end of the year. Ellis Island Hotel & Casino, Village Pub & Cafe, and The Front Yard will remain open throughout the project.
For more information, visit www.ellisislandcasino.com. Follow Ellis Island on Instagram at @elliscasinolv and on Facebook at @EllisIslandLV
ABOUT ELLIS ISLAND CASINO & HOTEL
Ellis Island Casino & Hotel has been a beloved Las Vegas staple for 57 years, celebrated for its outstanding food, beverages, and entertainment—all rooted in a commitment to quality, service, and value. Property amenities include Village Pub & Cafe, a 24-hour restaurant with a famed steak special, the award-winning Ellis Island BBQ, and The Front Yard – an indoor-outdoor beer garden serving craft beers. The casino boasts hundreds of gaming options, including reel slots, video poker, keno, and live table games such as blackjack, roulette, and craps as well as a sportsbook, which is available 24/7. Located just one block east of the Las Vegas Strip on Koval Lane behind The Paris Hotel & Casino, Ellis Island is a must-see destination for every Las Vegas visitor and local. Ellis Island has been consistently recognized in the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Best of Las Vegas awards for categories including Best BBQ, Cheap Eats, Karaoke, Brunch, Beer Garden, and more. A major expansion is set to be completed in late 2025 that will include an expanded casino floor, refreshed dining spaces, and a new rooftop event space and bar with dazzling views of the Las Vegas Strip.
ABOUT STEELMAN PARTNERS
Established in 1987 and having completed every type of project imaginable since then, Steelman Partners has positioned itself as the global leader in entertainment architecture. Made up of the industry’s most talented and acclaimed architects, designers, planners, and artists, the company and its affiliates are known for creating remarkable and memorable projects worldwide. For more info, visit steelmanpartners.com