Durango Casino & Resort Opens in Las Vegas

By Jane Shaw Senior Editor Updated: 12/20/2023

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Durango Casino & Resort

On December 5, 2023, Las Vegas celebrated the grand opening of the Durango Casino & Resort, the city’s first new casino in over two years. Station Casinos’ $780 million venture is set in the southwest Las Vegas valley, a significant distance from the bustling Las Vegas Strip. Durango is positioned to be a more local-friendly casino, doing away with the tourist-focused land-based casino model most of us associated with Vegas.

Speaking about the opening, David Horn, the Vice President and General Manager of Durango Casino & Resort, said they:

Are eager to extend this warm hospitality to the Las Vegas community, recognizing the vibrant and diverse tapestry that makes this city truly unique. 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.

The lavish 15-story resort, occupying a 71-acre plot acquired by Station Casinos in 2000, showcases the company’s long-term vision for diversifying Las Vegas’ casino and resort offerings. As of now, the Durango Casino & Resort boasts 200 luxurious rooms and suites, a huge pool area, and other amenities, ensuring there’s something for both tourists and locals.

Visitors will be able to eat in six different dining locations within the casino, including Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant and Nicco’s, a steakhouse. There is also a large food hall with several options for those looking for a quick bite. It will also be possible to relax in the Bel-Aire Backyard, a pool surrounded by cabanas and daybeds.

Big Plans Finally Imagined

It’s not just amenities and resort features that make the Durango Casino & Resort special, however. It currently boasts 2,200 slot machines and 60 table games, with more scheduled to be added in the future. One of the most unique elements of the casino – for the owners, especially – is that there are no other land-based casinos within a five-mile radius, giving it a mini-monopoly in the local area.

The resort has been in the pipeline for almost three years. Station Casinos had announced plans for Durango back in 2021, following the sale of Palms Casino Resort. The project enjoyed several milestones, including the groundbreaking ceremony in March 2022. Already, a second phase of development has been discussed, potentially including a second hotel tower, additional entertainment spaces, and more gaming areas.

Durango’s Impact on Las Vegas

Durango Casino & Resort opening marks a significant moment in Las Vegas’ ever-evolving landscape. As the first new casino resort since Resorts World opened in June 2021, Durango shows that Vegas is back, and changing. Today, owners and operators are shifting towards local-oriented luxury gaming and hospitality experiences, a stark contrast from the tourist-centric approach Vegas is renowned for.

This strategy could pave the way for future developments that cater more to Las Vegas residents, although tourists are still expected to make up a significant part of the casino’s clientele.

However, it’s good news for everyone in the southwest Las Vegas valley, as the resort is expected to provide more than 1,500 jobs, meaning the local communities are benefiting, too.