Nevada's Emerald Island Casino plans major expansion in downtown Henderson

The Emerald Island Casino in downtown Henderson is planning a major expansion and remodel that will go before the city’s Planning Commission on Thursday.

According to city documents, the casino at 120 Market Street is seeking approval for a conditional use permit and design review to add 14,500 square feet to the property and remodel its exterior, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

Under the proposal submitted by owner Ronald Winchell, the project includes covered outdoor patios, integrated planters with seating areas, new canopies and awnings, and a brick veneer façade. Plans also call for the city to vacate a short section of Navy Street to allow for a redesigned parking lot with 133 spaces, above the 125 spaces required by city code.

If approved, the project would expand the casino to a total of 37,340 square feet on less than one acre.

Documents submitted to the city do not specify the project’s cost or indicate whether interior renovations are planned. The casino’s justification letter notes that the new lighting and streetscape will align with the Water Street District’s design standards.

Emerald Island and its sister property, the Rainbow Club, were acquired in January 2024 by ECL Water Street LLC, a company owned by Winchell and business partner Marc Falcone.

In December 2023, the Nevada Gaming Commission unanimously approved the licensing of the two properties, following state regulators’ approval of the sale for an undisclosed amount.