Station Casino’s Durango Casino Las Vegas Opens
The newest addition to the long and storied list of Nevada casinos is now up and running with this week’s grand opening of Durango Casino Resort in Southern Las Vegas.
This 15-story development, located outside the main Las Vegas Strip corridor, is the first new ground-up casino property to open in Sin City since June 2021.
The locals-oriented venue is operated by Station Casinos, a subsidiary of Red Rock Resorts Inc. The Durango’s launch makes a total of seven off-strip properties in and around Las Vegas for the company.
“Our dedicated team at Durango Casino & Resort has worked diligently, with a steadfast focus on creating an exceptional destination that embodies the essence of Station Casinos’ renowned hospitality,” said David Horn, VP and general manager of Durango Casino & Resort, in a Station Casinos press release.
Unveiling Durango’s Unique Features
The resort boasts an 83,000-square-foot casino, featuring 2,300 slot machines and 63 table games, as well as dozens of high-end and chain dining options, a 25,000-square-foot meeting space, and 200 guest rooms.
The accommodation has many options for luxury suites of various kinds, as well as more affordable rooms.
On top of the casino gambling, the Durango has now added to the list of Nevada retail sportsbooks, with a 205-seater, fully-equipped sports betting lounge. It will use Station Casino’s own STN Sportsbook branding and technology.
The property also houses The George, a restaurant offering outdoor patio seating, four full-service restaurants, and a 25,000-square-foot food hall with ten outlets.
Red Rock has hinted at a potential second phase for the 72-acre Durango Casino Resort. That could include 300 additional hotel rooms, more restaurants, a spa, and a large event space.
Locals-Oriented Operation
The Durango opening is one of the first Las Vegas casinos in years to expressly aim at the locals market.
The Durango is the only full casino situated in a five-mile radius in the south of the city, an area with more than 250,000 adult residents. There are already slot machines in the area, but these are limited to only a dozen at a time in corner stores, gas stations, and bars.
The casino’s general manager also commented on the venue’s desire to be a locally oriented operation, less focused on attracting the booming numbers of tourists like casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.
“We are eager to extend this warm hospitality to the Las Vegas community, recognizing the vibrant and diverse tapestry that makes this city truly unique,” Horn said.
“Our aim is to be more than just a place to stay or play. We want to be an integral part of the community, a place where residents and visitors alike can find a sense of comfort, enjoyment, and entertainment.”
Red Rock’s Future Expansion Plans
Following Durango’s opening, Red Rock Resorts is eyeing further expansion, holding more than 500 acres across six development sites in Clark County.
“We’ve always been a company that is willing to buy future development land and hold it in a land bank for the right time,” said Red Rock Vice President Scott Kreeger.
“Looking at the dynamic growth of Las Vegas, we think the growth capacity over the next ten years is going to fuel and kickstart our ability to develop these sites.”
With an ambitious goal to double the company’s size by 2030, Red Rock is aiming to capitalize on Las Vegas’ predicted growth over the next decade.
Two prime locations currently in focus include a 48-acre plot within Skye Canyon, and 49 acres in the west Henderson community of Inspirada, the latter having already received approval from the Henderson Planning Commission.
Red Rock Resorts and its subsidiary, Station Casinos, are owned by the billionaire brothers Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta. As well as Station Casinos, Red Rock operates the flagship Red Rock Casino Resort on the west side of Las Vegas.
Interestingly, the Durango’s status as the newest Las Vegas casino is set to last only about a week. After two years of no new venues since Resorts World opened in 2021, December 13 will see the long-awaited debut of Fontainebleau Las Vegas. You know what they say, wait two years for a new casino in Las Vegas and two come along at once. Or something like that.
Most Popular
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino Wins USA Today’s ‘Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas’ Award
The Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, located in Highland, California, has recently received the prestigious title of “Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas” (2023) in the USA Today […]
Nevada’s Gaming Distance Laws Have Quietly Changed
Nevada lawmakers recently amended a 26-year-old law that restricts the distance between casinos and schools or places of worship. However, the potentially controversial change was implemented without public discussion or […]
Blackstone Contemplating Selling Half of its Bellagio Real Estate Stake
Blackstone Inc is reportedly considering selling half of its stake in the real estate of the Bellagio hotel and casino resort in Las Vegas. The giant New York-based investment firm […]
Thrilling Las Vegas Grand Prix Ends in Comeback Max Verstappen Win
In an eventful and historic Las Vegas Grand Prix, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen overcame multiple challenges to clinch his record-extending 18th victory of the season. The Formula 1 race in […]
Michigan Head Football Coach Jim Harbaugh Facing Lengthy Future Suspension
When this last weekend began, it looked like the NCAA and Michigan head football coach Jim Harbaugh had agreed to a resolution of his issues. His problems were regarding his […]
