Off-Strip Casinos Push Ahead with Expansions Amid Vegas Visitor Decline

^{M Resort has already refreshed its casino floor. The new hotel tower is scheduled to open in January 2026. (Photo: M Resort on X)}

LAS VEGAS -- Despite a consistent decline in visitation to Las Vegas this year, several off-Strip casinos are moving forward with expansion and renovation plans. While Ellis Island and M Resort are beginning to reveal their new spaces, Green Valley Ranch is detailing plans we first shared last year

Meanwhile, Wynn’s renovation of the Encore Tower rooms remains on hold due to tariff concerns earlier this year. Early quarterly earnings announcements from companies outside of the casino industry are taking the hits from tariff deals in stride for the time being. 

There’s nothing wrong with being cautious when it comes to potentially large increases to a nearly $200 million renovation budget. Wynn should have details about its renovation project when reporting earnings on Aug. 7.

More visitors may look to escape the “ridiculous prices" of the main tourist corridor of the Vegas Strip.

Learning about off-Strip properties could become more important than ever in the current economy. Unlike Vegas Strip casinos, there’s a wide range of options when you leave the main tourist corridor.

Ellis Island is known as a value property with frequent promotions throughout the year. The property has been popular for years, featuring low $5 gambling limits and fair odds, as well as a steak dinner for under $10.

Green Valley Ranch and M Resort are both full-service luxury casino resorts that offer most of the same amenities as those on the Vegas Strip. M Resort has earned a Forbes Four-Star Rating for seven consecutive years. Green Valley Ranch was the first off-Strip casino to receive a AAA Four Diamond Award in 2003.

Ellis Island Expansion Almost Complete

Off-Strip doesn’t always mean a long trip away from the glitz and glamour in Las Vegas. Ellis Island is just around the corner from Horseshoe Las Vegas. The walk should take about five minutes.

Ellis Island began working on a $35 million expansion and renovation last year. The main casino floor is getting a refresh and the expansion will add a new pit area, more than 250 slot machines, a new bar, and a new rooftop bar and event space.

The Ellis Island casino's dive-bar chic look is getting an upgrade that doesn't include stains and cigarette burns on their felts. (Rendering: courtesy of Ellis Island)

Guests should be able to enjoy the new Ellis Island before the summer ends. During the July Nevada Gaming Control Board meeting, owner Gary Ellis said construction on the property should be completed before Labor Day. 

Ellis Island will also be the first Las Vegas location for Boomer’s Sports Book, which should open in early August.

M Resort Reveals Casino Floor Refresh

In 2022, Penn Entertainment, owner of M Resort, announced it would expand the property by adding a new hotel tower. After receiving the necessary approvals, the company broke ground on construction in 2023. 

The first part of the overall renovation and expansion is complete. Guests will notice a new casino floor that is a “Hidden Oasis” theme that takes inspiration from the Las Vegas desert landscape. This is a popular design theme as it’s used at casinos from Virgin to Durango.

This was a top-to-bottom transformation. 

The new casino floor at M Resort. (Rendering: courtesy of M Resort)

All 39 table games on the main casino floor have been fully reupholstered. The high limit room has been reimagined with a new layout and furnishings. 

There’s enhanced lighting and chandeliers above the guests. When visitors look down, they’ll notice new carpeting to accent the design.

The new 384-room hotel tower will open in January 2026. A new ballroom and expanded convention area will be open before the year is over.

Green Valley Ranch Upgrade Underway

Station Casinos announced late last year that it would invest in its existing properties rather than building new ones. The Durango Casino expansion is underway, and the new parking garage and gaming space are on target to be finished early next year.

The company has been slowly updating the public spaces at Green Valley Ranch. Now, the focus has shifted to renovating its nearly 500 hotel rooms and suites. 

The new hotel rooms feature a clean luxury brown and white theme to match Durango Casino's aesthetic. (Photo: courtesy of Green Valley Ranch)

These renovations are more than just a facelift for the sleeping quarters. The elevators and hallways leading to the rooms will also have a new look.

Green Valley Ranch features a distinctive Mediterranean-inspired exterior. However, the recent changes on the casino floor and the new rooms look very similar to those at Durango Casino. 

The West Tower rooms are expected to be ready this fall. The entire renovation, including updated meeting and convention space, is scheduled for completion in 2026.