El Cortez is one of the oldest Las Vegas casinos. It opened in 1941. The casino was once owned by Jackie Gaughan, who lived in its penthouse until he passed in 2016. The poker room was kept open just for him. It closed shortly after he was no longer able to play.
There are multiple hotels at El Cortez. There are two restaurants, two bars, and a lounge. It also has a sportsbook which is operated by Station Casinos. All guests inside the hotel and casino must be at least 21 years old. It does not have a bingo room. Additionally, live keno is no longer available. The casino was our eleventh stop on our 21st-anniversary world record run.
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El Cortez casino
El Cortez was best known for its single-deck blackjack game. It was the only one in Las Vegas that paid 3/2 on a blackjack. The house edge for this game with perfect play was about 0.3%. However, in April 2024, the casino removed this game from its floor.
This game had won El Cortez the 2023 Vegas Best Advantage Award for Low-Limit Blackjack. Its minimum bet was usually $15. However, we saw it for $10 during the slowest hours. However, players will still find $15 3/2 double-deck and $10 3/2 six-deck blackjack.
Coin video poker and slots
El Cortez is the king of coin video poker and slot machines in Las Vegas. It has about 60 of these devices. That is about half of the ones left in the entire Las Vegas market.
All the best video poker games at El Cortez are coin games. There are also several electronic table games. All are located next to the pit.
Table games
There are eight different table games at El Cortez. The minimum bets and information about video poker and electronic tables are available in our Vegas Advantage Newsletter.
- Double-deck blackjack
- Six-deck blackjack
- Baccarat
- Craps
- Double zero roulette
- Three Card Poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em
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El Cortez blackjack rules
There are two different blackjack games. The most popular is double-deck. There is also a six-deck game. These have the same rules. Double down before and after splitting is allowed in both. The dealer hits soft 17 at all blackjack tables. Blackjack pays 3/2.
El Cortez craps
There are two craps tables at El Cortez. The maximum odds are ten times. There is also Roll to Win hybrid craps. This table has live dice and one dealer. Bets are made on a screen instead of using chips.
Entertainment near El Cortez
El Cortez has a lounge called The Parlour. It hosts live music performances. That and the two other bars are the only forms of entertainment on the property. Lobby Bar also hosts piano music on Fridays and Saturdays.
Dining and drinks at El Cortez
There is currently one dining option. Siegal’s 1941 is open 24 hours. It has a $19.95 prime rib special. There are other entrees available, like chicken and seafood. Appetizers, soups, and salads are also offered.
Nearby restaurants include Eureka! and Sushi Ichiban.
Near the table game pit, drinks are served at Ike’s. It has daily happy hour specials from 11pm until 1am and from 2am untli 5am Thursday through Saturday. The Parlour Bar & Lounge hosts happy hour daily from 5pm until 7pm.
Hotel accommodations
Check-in: 2pm | Check-out: noon | Pet-friendly: No
At El Cortez, hotel guests must be at least 21 years old. The 864-room hotel offers six types of rooms. The Original 47 rooms are located just above the casino floor. In the Tower, there are Premium Rooms and Premium Suites. Pavillion Rooms and Cabana Suites are also available. By special request, guests may also choose the Jackie Gaughan Suite.
Each El Cortez hotel room has a $26 per night resort fee. It includes a complimentary drink with an entree purchase, two in-room water bottles, fitness center access, boarding pass printing, and self-parking. Hotel guests also receive discounts on select services at the NV Spa. Other property amenities include the Speakeasy Barbershop and Terry Rae Beauty Salon.
El Cortez Casino FAQ
Can minors stay in the El Cortez hotel?
No. The minimum age to stay at the hotel or enter the casino is 21.
Are there any 24-hour restaurants at El Cortez?
Yes. Siegal’s 1941 is open 24 hours a day.
Does El Cortez have coin slots and video poker games?
Yes. There are about 60 coin machines. These are mostly in the back room.
Does El Cortez still have 3/2 single-deck blackjack?
No. El Cortez removed its 3/2 single-deck blackjack tables in April 2024. The game no longer exists in Las Vegas.
Does El Cortez have a poker room?
No. The poker room closed in December 2013.
Does El Cortez have a sportsbook?
Yes. it is operated by Station Casinos. Transactions related to the STN Sportsbook app are processed here.
What table games are dealt at El Cortez?
Double-deck blackjack, six-deck blackjack, double zero roulette, craps, baccarat, Three Card Poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em are dealt.
What are the craps odds at El Cortez?
Live craps permits up to 10 times odds. However, the Roll to Win game has up to five times odds.
Where is El Cortez Casino?
The casino is in downtown Las Vegas at 600 E Fremont Street.
This page is sourced from a combination of Vegas Advantage visits and information from El Cortez’s website. Icons by icons8.com
Last Updated on May 18, 2024 by Kristina Mehaffey