What was once known as Irene’s Casino has been given a vibrant new identity. ECL Gaming, the company behind the well-known Jackpot Joanie’s casino chain, acquired the Pahrump property in late 2023 and has since transformed it into one of its newest Southern Nevada locations. Jackpot Joanie’s, which operates more than two dozen venues across the region, has brought new energy to the site while still honoring its local legacy.
The extensive renovation project took several months to complete and involved not only updating and expanding the casino but also creating spaces designed for a broader audience. Among the new features is a designated non-smoking gaming area, which provides a welcoming environment for all players. Despite these significant upgrades, the spirit of Irene’s Casino remains intact, especially through its dedicated employees—many of whom chose to stay on after the transition.
Even the restaurant that once anchored Irene’s Casino continues to be part of the experience. It has been reimagined as Irene’s Corner Café, a heartfelt tribute to the property’s roots. The café’s menu offers a combination of long-time favorites and new culinary creations, catering to both loyal patrons and first-time visitors.
Blending Heritage with Modern Appeal
Christiana Coughlin, Director of Marketing for ECL Gaming, shared insight into the company’s approach to the transformation. “An extreme attention to detail and quality was put into the design of the property and the timeline of construction,” Coughlin told the Pahrump Valley Times. “We wanted to make the transition feel as gradual as possible and not disrupt customers that had made Irene’s a part of their routines.”
According to Coughlin, the expanded gaming area was completed and opened to the public in December 2024. The restaurant followed in April 2025, debuting alongside the new non-smoking slot section adjacent to the café. “We also placed a high priority on retaining all staff that wanted to continue the journey with us—they have been the biggest element of our success and have committed to creating an elevated experience for our customers,” she added.
The renovation not only modernized the property but also underscored ECL Gaming’s commitment to blending community connection with gaming entertainment.
Pahrump Welcomes Jackpot Joanie’s with Festivities
This month, Jackpot Joanie’s officially marked the opening of its Pahrump location with a lively grand opening celebration. The event drew a strong crowd of both returning patrons and new guests, eager to experience the upgraded venue. Festivities included live music performed by Downtown Avenue, a complimentary buffet at Irene’s Corner Café, and prize drawings throughout the day.
Attendees who played slots during the week leading up to the event were also entered into giveaways for prizes such as free play credits, exclusive gift items, and the highlight of the day—a brand-new Kawasaki ATV provided by Parker’s Kawasaki of Pahrump.
Coughlin expressed enthusiasm about the town’s reception of the new venue. “We saw that Pahrump was not only a well-established market with loyal customers but also is continuing to experience growth as more people realize the town’s unique blend of small-community charm and expanding amenities,” she explained. “Our goal was to create an elevated gaming experience for the people of Pahrump while also maintaining the high quality of the restaurant that was well-established with Irene’s Casino over the years.”
Continuing a Tradition of Community and Entertainment
The new Jackpot Joanie’s offers a mix of fresh slot games alongside well-loved classics, ensuring entertainment for players of all preferences. Guests can also expect hearty portions and familiar dishes from Irene’s menu, served at reasonable prices—continuing a tradition of great food and warm hospitality that long-time customers appreciate.
“Jackpot Joanie’s Casino has long been a local favorite in Southern Nevada, known for combining the thrill of gaming with a personal touch. With this new location, Pahrump residents and visitors can enjoy that same commitment to fun, community and exceptional service,” said Coughlin. She added that ECL Gaming plans to “continue to find ways to support the community and partner with more local groups and businesses,” with an eye toward hosting additional events in the future. The Pahrump casino is ECL Gaming’s 27th Jackpot Joanie’s location, the company owns and operates multiple venues in Las Vegas, Reno and Carson City.
