El Cortez Hotel and Casino transitioning to become a 21-and-over property

In downtown Las Vegas and the El Cortez Hotel and Casino has reportedly announced that it is to soon begin transitioning into a property that will only be accessible to patrons over the age of 21.

According to a Wednesday report from local television broadcaster KVVU-TV, the Nevada property announced that this evolution is to start from the first day of next month with only those over the new required age being permitted to book a stay in one of its 364 hotel rooms. The venue owned by local casino magnate Kenny Epstein purportedly detailed that it subsequently intends to roll out this condition for anyone looking to enjoy its 41,842 sq ft gaming floor or its on-site food and beverage outlets.

Thorough thought:

Adam Wiesberg serves as the General manager for the El Cortez Hotel and Casino and he reportedly disclosed that guests will be asked to present a state-issued identification to show that they are at least 21 years of age before being allowed to enter his property. The experienced casino professional purportedly moreover asserted that the move to an adults-only environment ‘comes after careful consideration and decades of trying to accommodate minors in a property that is focused primarily on gaming and popular casino bars.’

Reportedly read a statement from Wiesberg…

“El Cortez Hotel and Casino offers an action-packed casino floor with 700 slot machines and 25 gaming tables, all with great odds for our adult players to enjoy in a historic and one-of-a-kind setting. While Las Vegas has grown and adapted to cater to all demographics, El Cortez Hotel and Casino remains a traditional gambling house with great gaming odds and an indescribable feeling of stepping back in time. This is the spot where adults have gathered for over 80 years to enjoy a cocktail or two and try their luck in the casino.”

Prominent predecessor:

The broadcaster reported that the first Las Vegas facility to institute such an age requirement was the nearby Circa Resort and Casino. This 512-room property opened in October of 2020 and features six bars and lounges in addition to an 8,000 sq ft casino featuring a Circa Sports-branded sportsbook.

Far-reaching facelift:

The Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper used its own Wednesday report to note that Nevada requires all casino patrons to be at least 21 years of age. It additionally divulged that the move for the El Cortez Hotel and Casino comes as the Fremont Street facility is putting the finishing touches on a $25 million renovation project that is to soon result in the premiere of 200 updated hotel rooms as well as a redesigned gaming floor and a revamped high-limit area.