Ellis Island Casino to Expand as Formula 1 Lawsuit Continues

Ellis Island Casino, Hotel & Brewery, a family-run gambling venue in Las Vegas, is preparing to greatly enhance its property. While its owners remain embroiled in a lawsuit against the Formula One Group, they remain bullish on making the casino more attractive than ever.

The Most Ambitious Expansion in the Casino’s History

The upgrade was announced last week and will see the property’s gaming floor expanded. In addition, the casino owners plan to add a new rooftop event space and a new center bar. To top it all off, Village Pub & Café and karaoke lounge will likewise be refurbished.

The upgrade of the casino floor is particularly important as it would see some 250 new slot machines added. Visitors can also look forward to a new pit area in the facelift to the casino floor.

The changes to Ellis Island Hotel & Casino will be designed and carried out by Bentar Construction and Steelman Partners. The refurbishment is expected to cost some $35 million. This would make it the most extensive upgrade in the property’s half-a-century-long history.

The Casino Remains a Staple on Koval Lane

Ellis Island Hotel & Casino is an off-Strip property that calls itself the “best-kept secret in Las Vegas since 1968.” In its long history, the property has become famous for its low table game minimum entries, appealing to those who do not fancy themselves risk-takers.

Casino officials expressed their excitement about the project. According to Ellis Island’s vice president of operations, Anamarie Ellis, the property is eager to engage clients with new slot games and a brand-new interior aesthetic.

Christina Ellis, vice president of development at Ellis Island, added that the Ellis Island team hopes to keep the property as a staple on Koval Lane.

Ellis Island Sues F1

In the meantime, Ellis Island continues its lawsuit against Formula 1 and Clark County. Located near the F1 Paddock Building on Koval Lane, the casino property argues that the construction of a temporary bridge for the 2023 Vegas Grand Prix incurred huge financial losses for the company. Ellis Island is seeking damages of over $50,000.

Reports say that a judge recently heard both parties’ arguments. However, as of the time of this writing, no action has been taken.

This is not the first time Ellis Island has sued F1. Previously, the casino joined other businesses in suing Formula One and trying to stop the 2024 race. This year’s edition of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, for context, is set to run from November 21 to 23.