The Pass Casino in Henderson, Nevada, is set to enter a new chapter after ECL Water Street agreed to acquire the historic gaming venue from DeSimone Gaming.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and the deal remains subject to approval from Nevada gaming regulators.
The acquisition will bring three prominent gaming properties in Henderson’s Water Street District under the same ownership group, with ECL Water Street already operating the nearby Emerald Island and Rainbow Club casinos.
Following the anticipated closing on 1 August, ECL Water Street said it will assess potential renovation plans and new amenities for The Pass as part of the wider revitalisation of Henderson’s downtown area.
The company indicated that any future developments would be designed to complement ongoing investment and growth across the Water Street District.
Tim Brooks, General Manager of Emerald Island and Rainbow Club, stated that “The Pass is a cornerstone of this community,” and added that the company intends to build on the foundation established by current owner Joe DeSimone and his team.
DeSimone acquired the property from Boyd Gaming in late 2020 after it remained closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The venue reopened as The Pass in April 2021, replacing its long-standing Eldorado Casino identity. Since then, the property has become a key part of Henderson’s redevelopment efforts, alongside the adjacent Atwell Suites hotel, which will remain under DeSimone Companies’ ownership.
The Pass currently features a 17,756-square-foot casino floor with approximately 350 slot machines, six table games and a race and sportsbook operated by Circa Sports. Dining options include Ristorante Italiano and Emilia’s Café.
The deal comes against a broadly positive backdrop for Nevada gaming. The state recorded total gaming revenue of approximately $1.3bn in April 2026, a year-on-year increase of 5.3%, while March 2026 saw an even stronger rise of 11.8% to just over $1.4bn.
The Pass Casino traces its history back to 1961, when it first opened as the Wheel Casino before later becoming the Eldorado Casino
