F1 Partners With Las Vegas Casino That Sued It

Posted on: May 13, 2025, 12:04h. 

Last updated on: May 13, 2025, 06:52h.

Corey Levitan Read More
Expertise: Commercial Gaming, Entertainment, Expert Insight, Las Vegas, Restaurants, Las Vegas Myths.

A year after an off-Strip Las Vegas casino sued F1 for costing it millions of dollars in lost revenue, it has entered into a partnership with the racing company. Ellis Island is now an official venue for the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Ellis Island is located on Turn 4 of the 3.8-mile circuit — on Koval Lane right next door to F1’s permanent paddock complex. (Image: Ellis Island)

“As we enter into this partnership with our neighbors on Koval Lane, we look forward to working with Las Vegas Grand Prix to extend our offerings at Ellis Island during race weekend and beyond,” said Gary Ellis, the property’s owner, in a statement.

What a Difference a Year Makes

Ellis Island hosted a spectator zone for the inaugural 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, but then sued the race. Seeking more than $50K in compensation, it claimed that the race — and the traffic chaos caused by the six months of setup and teardown on either side of it — severely restricted customer access, leading to millions in financial losses.

Last September, Judge Joanna Kishner ruled that the complaint lacked specific evidence and that Nevada law doesn’t typically compensate businesses for temporary public access disruptions. By the parties’ agreement, the case was dismissed on May 9.

The new deal positions Ellis Island as a key participant, hosting fan zones, events, and community outreach, including the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada’s Halloween Bash at Grand Prix Plaza.

“We are thrilled to be growing our partnership with Ellis Island,” Emily Prazer, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, said in a statement. “Over the last two years, we have committed to working with the community and local businesses to ensure they are part of the race week excitement. Ellis Island is not only a great partner for us but also offers fans another exciting viewing locations along the circuit.”

Other Lawsuits Still Ongoing

Lawsuits filed by Battista’s Hole in the Wall, Ferraro’s Ristorante, and the Stage Door Casino against F1 are ongoing. As of March 2025, Prazer indicated that a settlement with the businesses was “not impossible,” and Clark County Commissioner Jim Gibson instructed staff to explore settlement options.

No resolution has been confirmed.

Details on Ellis Island’s spectator zone and hotel packages for the November 20-22 race weekend have yet to be announced.