Ellis Island Upgrades Casino and Restaurants, Keeps Low Prices

^{Ellis Island’s new exterior lights up the casino, located one block from the Las Vegas Strip. (Photo: courtesy of Ellis Island)}

LAS VEGAS – Ellis Island is doing something different from other casinos in the area. The property, one block east of the Las Vegas Strip, is one of many off-Strip casinos making property-wide upgrades while maintaining its value proposition of cheap food, drinks, and gambling.

That’s rare today. Businesses that make improvements usually raise prices across the board to help cover the costs of upgrades, which makes sense financially. Companies want to recoup the investment and eventually turn the improvements into a profit center. Las Vegas casinos are no different.

For example, Caesars Entertainment has touted higher room pricing since 2024 after upgrading Paris Las Vegas. More recently, MGM Resorts expects a healthy increase in revenue following the completion of renovations at MGM Grand.

Upgrades can be a win-win, with guests enjoying a better experience while the casino generates more revenue. That could be the case with Ellis Island, too.

Ellis Island Expands Its Casino Floor

Last year, Ellis Island completed an expansion that doubled the size of the casino floor to just over 10,000 square feet. For comparison, that’s similar sizing to the casino floors at Casino Royale on the Strip or Golden Gate downtown. The difference is that guests can still play live dealer table games at Ellis Island.

The expanded casino floor includes a new bar with a 50-foot-by-11-foot LED screen, Boomer’s Sportsbook, and a new high-limit gaming area. The project also added a rooftop bar with Strip views and an exterior façade with LED lighting.

Current upgrades are focused on Ellis Island BBQ, Village Pub & Café, and the Karaoke Lounge. Ellis Island is one of a handful of Las Vegas casinos that offer karaoke.

In addition to the physical upgrades, Ellis Island recently introduced a new players' club.

The first phase of improvements focused on gaming, which attracts many locals and tourists to Ellis Island. This phase will update the venues that keep them inside the casino longer.

By the time the work is completed, Ellis Island will still feel familiar, but much of the property will be new.

Cheap Gambling Continues on the Property 

Ellis Island built its reputation on fairly priced meals and gambling, and that continues even as the casino upgrades its facilities and restaurants.

The table games area at Ellis Island was upgraded, but that doesn't mean they stopped offering low-limit table games. (Photo: courtesy of Ellis Island)

Unlike some smaller off-Strip casinos, Ellis Island offers affordable table games 24 hours a day. More importantly, players will find $5 blackjack and $10 craps with fair odds and rules.

Unlike most Strip casinos that offer low-limit blackjack games, players at Ellis Island are paid 3-to-2 on all natural blackjacks. Games under $25 at Strip casinos typically pay only 6-to-5 for the same hand.

A player at Ellis Island would win $15 on a $10 bet, while a player on the Strip would receive only $12 for the same blackjack. The small $3 difference adds up over time.

Craps players can add up to 10 times free odds behind their pass-line bet. Strip casinos typically offer 3x, 4x, or 5x odds depending on the point established by the shooter. Because odds bets carry no house edge, they lower the overall house advantage on each pass line wager.

Better odds can stretch a gambling bankroll and keep players at the tables longer.

Ellis Island's Cheap Food and Drink

Even with the renovations, Ellis Island still offers multiple dining options that are fair or downright cheap.

Almost all meals at the full-service restaurants Front Yard and Village Cafe cost under $20. One of the most popular specials over the years has been the $9.99 10-ounce steak deal, which includes two sides and soup or salad for players club members. There are also rotating daily specials priced at $10.99.

There’s also a large selection of local craft beer at The Front Yard for $6.50, or $5 during happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. Specialty cocktails range from $12 to $14 and drop to $7 during happy hour. Nonalcoholic versions cost $7.

Value in Vegas Still Exists

Casinos offering value have always existed in Las Vegas; you just have to know where to look. 

Ellis Island is hidden in plain sight just off the Strip and has long been known for its deals. Ten years ago, the steak special cost $7.99 and included a beer.

According to data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, 69% of visitors to Las Vegas stay in hotels on the Strip, where prices are typically the highest in the city.

It's often that casinos outside of the Strip offer better value. Some, like Ellis Island, are only a block off the Strip, while others, such as South Point, are about 20 minutes away. The best way to find value in Las Vegas is to explore outside the main tourist corridor.

This isn’t unique to Las Vegas. Most major cities have expensive tourist areas where prices are significantly higher than in nearby neighborhoods.

Growing up in New York City, we knew a meal in Times Square would cost twice as much as one just a few blocks away from the tourists. The same is true everywhere from San Francisco to Orlando.

Visitors who prefer to stay on the Strip can still find deals. Happy hour is often the best time to find less expensive drinks and bites.

Prices may still be higher than at off-Strip casinos, but they’re cheaper than normal. And that’s what finding value is all about.