Kenny Epstein, the 83-year-old chairman and CEO of the El Cortez hotel-casino in downtown Las Vegas, recently celebrated a significant milestone: the unveiling of a $20 million expansion of the historic property. The event was marked by nostalgic speeches, a ribbon-cutting, and a proclamation by the mayor designating February 20 as “El Cortez Hotel & Casino Day.”
The expansion added nearly 10,000 square feet to the casino, featuring two new bars, a high-limit slots area, an expanded table games section, and a noodle restaurant. The El Cortez, which opened in 1941 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has long been a cherished part of the city’s history.
General Manager Adam Wiesberg noted the surprising energy the expansion brought to the property, describing it as “magical” on busy nights. Despite initial nerves during the project, the end result exceeded expectations, resonating emotionally with patrons who appreciate the venue’s legacy.
Mayor Shelley Berkley acknowledged the significance of El Cortez in Las Vegas’s history and expressed gratitude to the Epstein family for their contributions to the city’s development. The expansion is seen as a continuation of the El Cortez’s storied legacy in the heart of Las Vegas.