Paul Szydelko
Suburban hotel-casinos in the Las Vegas valley don't boast the glamour and generate the national attention of those on the Strip and downtown. But 2025 may be remembered for the growth of these properties -- perhaps spurring the curiosity of visitors.
What these properties lack in fame, they make up for in value. There are no parking fees, and casino table minimums are lower than on the Strip. Prices at restaurants and other amenities are designed to lure not only locals but also budget-conscious travelers. More personal customer service than can usually be found on the Strip encourages repeat visits.
Guests can expect easier traffic outside the tourist corridor, and the locations of these properties are more convenient for outdoor recreational pursuits at the Red Rock National Conservation Area, Mount Charleston and Lake Mead.
Station Casinos properties
Among the best examples of suburban properties' success this year is the 200-key Durango Casino & Resort, which Station Casinos opened southwest of the city in December 2023.
Already it's expanding: A dazzling high-limit slot room opened this month. The 8,000-square-foot space features 120 slot machines, an indoor-outdoor lounge and dedicated guest service attendants. The property also opened a 2,000-space garage and added 6,000 square feet of gaming in November.
The next expansion, which gets underway in January, will include a 36-lane bowling alley, a movie theater, new restaurants and several entertainment venues.
Station Casinos, which reported its ninth consecutive record for net revenue in the third quarter ($468.6 million) in October, is enhancing its older properties, as well.
Its flagship, Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Summerlin, remodeled its movie theater with recliner seating, better projection and enhanced sound. A refreshed food court is part of ongoing improvements.
Green Valley Ranch in Henderson is also remodeling its movie theater after debuting a new poker room this month.
The improvements are part of a $200 million room, suite and convention space renovation.
After introducing a new sports book and adding the Yard House restaurant in 2024, Station's Sunset Station, also in Henderson, is planning to open Stoney's Rockin' Country bar next year.
On the drawing board for 2029 is Inspirada in southern Henderson, featuring a casino, hotel, restaurants, bowling alley and movie theater.
M Resort expansion
Another example of the bullishness in the suburban casino market is M Resort Spa Casino in Henderson, a Penn Entertainment property that motorists from California encounter first on their drive in on Interstate 15.
One of the new 365 rooms at M Resort Spa Casino. Photo Credit: M Resort Spa Casino
A new tower with 375 rooms opened this month to double its inventory. It also expanded its convention space and enhanced its table games pit and high limit areas. A contemporary American restaurant, Meril by Emeril Lagasse, is scheduled to open next summer.
Boyd Gaming
The other big player in the suburbs is Boyd Gaming, which marked its 50th anniversary this year. In addition to its downtown locations and properties in other parts of the nation, Boyd owns the Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, Sam's Town, and Aliante and Cannery (both in North Las Vegas).
The reopening of Du-Par's cafe at Suncoast last month was a milestone in an ambitious renovation that began in late 2023. The effort included a bingo room, the addition of William B's Steakhouse and a refreshed sports book. In addition to overhauling its casino floor and updating its rooms, Suncoast is planning to refresh its bowling center, expand meetings space and introduce a food hall.
However, Boyd's 300-room Eastside Cannery, which never reopened after the pandemic-related closure in 2020, will be demolished, the company announced recently. Boyd reportedly plans to sell the site, near Sam's Town, for residential use.
Meanwhile, Boyd is constructing Cadence Crossing Casino to replace its Jokers Wild Casino in Henderson. That casino opened as Cattle Baron in 1990 but has been operated by Boyd with the current name since 1993. The initial phase of Cadence Crossing, to open next year, will include a 10,000-square-foot casino, 450 slot machines, and food and beverage options, but no rooms.