Rebirth of Irene’s Casino
Formerly known as Irene’s Casino, the venue has been revitalized by ECL Gaming, the team behind the popular Jackpot Joanie’s casino chain. Acquired in late 2023, the Pahrump location has been transformed into a notable addition to the Southern Nevada area. With over two dozen venues, Jackpot Joanie’s introduces a fresh atmosphere while cherishing the site’s local heritage.
Renovation and Expansion
The renovation spanned several months, focusing on updating and enlarging the casino, while also creating spaces to cater to a wider audience. A significant addition is a dedicated non-smoking gaming area, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors. Despite the extensive enhancements, the essence of Irene’s Casino is preserved, particularly through its devoted staff, many of whom opted to remain during the transition.
Irene’s Corner Café
The establishment’s restaurant has been transformed into Irene’s Corner Café, which pays homage to its origins. The menu merges beloved classic dishes with new culinary innovations, catering to both returning guests and newcomers alike.
A Thoughtful Transformation
Christiana Coughlin, ECL Gaming’s Director of Marketing, highlighted the careful planning involved in the makeover. “Our approach emphasized intricate design and a careful timeline,” she noted in an interview with the Pahrump Valley Times. “We aimed for a smooth transition, minimizing disruption for loyal patrons.” The expanded gaming section was unveiled in December 2024, while the restaurant opened in April 2025, alongside the new non-smoking slot area.
Festivities for the New Venue
This month, Jackpot Joanie’s celebrated its grand opening with a vibrant event in Pahrump. The community turned out in large numbers, with activities including live music from Downtown Avenue, a free buffet at Irene’s Corner Café, and various prize draws. Slot players during the pre-opening week had opportunities to win free play credits and a new Kawasaki ATV from Parker’s Kawasaki of Pahrump.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
Coughlin expressed her excitement over the community’s enthusiastic response: “Pahrump’s loyal customer base is growing,” she remarked. “Our aim was to enhance the gaming experience for locals while upholding the restaurant’s high standards established by Irene’s Casino.” The revamped Jackpot Joanie’s features a mix of fresh and classic slot games, hearty meals at reasonable prices, and a commitment to community involvement as ECL Gaming aims to collaborate with local businesses for future events.
