ECL Water Street to Acquire The Pass Casino, Solidifying Henderson Historic Trio

ECL Water Street is set to purchase The Pass Casino from DeSimone Gaming later this year, a deal that will place all three historic downtown Henderson, Nevada casinos under its control. The transaction is expected to close during the summer.

The casino originally opened in 1961 as the Wheel Casino before being renamed the El Dorado in 1962. The property holds a significant place in Nevada gambling history as the first casino operated by what would later become Boyd Gaming, one of the largest casino operators in the United States.

DeSimone Gaming, the current owner of The Pass Casino, has not disclosed the financial terms of the sale. ECL Water Street, a local real estate and gaming firm, has been progressively consolidating the historic properties that line Water Street in downtown Henderson.

With this acquisition, ECL Water Street will oversee all three legacy casinos in the area—a move that is expected to shape the future of Henderson's historic gaming district. The Pass Casino will continue operations under new ownership once the deal is finalized.