Operator News
US – ICE London says ‘Cheers to 80-years’ in presentation to El Cortez owner Kenny Epstein
By Phil - 8 December 2021
ICE London has paid tribute to the heritage of land-based gaming with the iconic El Cortez Hotel & Casino in Downtown Las Vegas being named as a Landmark Award recipient in recognition of its 80th anniversary celebrations. Clarion Gaming Group MD Alex Pratt will be making the presentation in person to owner Kenny Epstein on the 15th December at the El Cortez, situated on Fremont Street.
Explaining the background to the ICE Landmark Awards, Alex Pratt, who will make the 5,229 mile journey from London in order to make the presentation and visit other Vegas-based stakeholders said: “Each year the ICE brand recognises businesses, organisations and individuals within the international gaming industry that have celebrated landmark achievements or milestones.
“The El Cortez was Downton Las Vegas’ first major resort and has been part of the global gaming neighbourhood since it opened in 1941. It enjoys a truly iconic status and I am delighted to be able to go to what is the world capital of gaming to present the ICE Landmark Award to Kenny Epstein in person. It’s a great honour both for the ICE brand and for me personally.”
The El Cortez is the cornerstone of Downtown and as the longest continuously running hotel and casino is acknowledged as an icon of classic Las Vegas. El Cortez has undergone several renovations since opening in 1941 but retains the same facade it had in 1952 when its famous neon signage was installed. In 2013 the building became the only existing casino to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
