Published on: June 9, 2026, 03:04h.

Updated on: June 9, 2026, 03:59h.

• ECL Water Street is poised to purchase The Pass Casino from DeSimone Gaming this summer, expanding its portfolio to include all three historic casinos in downtown Henderson, Nevada.
• Opened in 1961 as the Wheel Casino, the venue was rebranded as the El Dorado within a year
• This property played a crucial role in the establishment of the Boyd Gaming empire

The Pass Casino, a long-standing symbol of entertainment in Henderson, Nevada, is set to change ownership for the fifth time. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, ECL Water Street, which operates the Emerald Island and Rainbow Club casinos, has finalized a deal to acquire the casino from DeSimone Gaming. This strategic move will allow ECL to take control of all three gaming establishments located in the historic Water Street area of downtown Henderson.

The financial specifics of the transaction remain undisclosed; however, the closure of the sale is anticipated on August 1, 2026, contingent on regulatory approval from gaming authorities.

Tim Brooks, General Manager of both the Emerald Island and Rainbow Club, remarked to the R-J that The Pass is considered “a vital part of this community,” and conveyed that ECL plans to build upon the legacy established by the present owner, Joe DeSimone.

Spanning 17,756 square feet, The Pass is equipped with 350 slot machines, six table games, and a sportsbook operated by Circa Sports. ECL has expressed intentions to modernize the venue and introduce a variety of new features.

“ECL Gaming has shown a dedicated commitment to our community, and I am confident they will continue to foster the success of The Pass for years to come,” DeSimone shared with the R-J.

The Pass Through History

The Pass was inaugurated on February 15, 1961, under the name Wheel Casino. The initial operation struggled and closed within its first year.

In 1962, local entrepreneur Paul Perry acquired the closed venue. His legal counsel, Bill Boyd, invested in the venture and assembled a small group of investors including his father Sam Boyd, Joe Crowley, Bill’s aunt, and attorney Jim Brennan.

The group revitalized the establishment, reopening it as the Eldorado Casino on July 1, 1962, marking the inception of what would become the Boyd Gaming empire.

By 1966, the Boyd family gained full ownership, and in 1993, the property was formally integrated into the corporate umbrella of Boyd Gaming, co-founded by Sam and Bill Boyd in 1975.

The Eldorado remained with Boyd Gaming until December 2020, when DeSimone acquired it. He has been the owner of the historic Railroad Pass Casino, situated between Henderson and Boulder City, since 2015.

Following renovations, DeSimone reopened the venue on April 1, 2021, under its current name, The Pass.