Red Lion Hotel & Casino, formally known as Red Lion Inn II in its initial phase of development, started property excavation in October 1981. With an estimated $10 million project cost, the 73,000 square foot structure made a dramatic mark in the Elko tapestry. As a completion date drew near, the project costs reached closer to $15 million, which included 154 motel rooms, 12,500 square feet of casino space, banquet rooms, coffee shop, entertainment lounge and swimming pool.

Through the next several years, Red Lion Inn saw tremendous growth and overall property development. In January of 1983, Red Lion cemented a new landmark in Elko which took shape as an 85 foot tall and 48 foot wide sign. The Red Lion Inn and Casino sign was the largest sign in Elko to date, making a dramatic presence to I-80 travelers. In December of 1986, the first jet began flying gamblers into Elko to overcome the increased competition from casinos in Wendover and Jackpot, Nevada. In June of 1989 after several years of development, Tod McClaskey, the former owner of Red Lion Inn, began Casino Express Airline under the direction of David Zornes, General Manager. According to a 1996 article on Casino Express, the airline flew 102,234 gamblers into Elko in 1995, using 2 jetliners -  the “Queen of Hearts” and the “King of Diamonds”.

Casino Express Airline flew between one to three flights daily into Elko until it ceased all flights in January 2005. Now Red Lion Hotel & Casino, formerly known as Red Lion Inn, focuses 100% on the Elko County local market. Giving back more rewards, more comps and more benefits than ever before, Red Lion realizes the importance to taking care of its local guests.

Even after 25 years . . . .Red Lion Hotel & Casino is still Elko’s Best Bet!

Over the last year Red Lion Hotel & Casino poker room has been home to many Charity Poker Tournaments. Most recently a poker tournament was held for Elko’s “Shop With A Cop” program and the “Northern Nevada Autism Network” Night of Hope Benefit. Each tournament drew distinctly different clientele each with a similar desire . . . raising money for a great cause. It is no secret that many organizations and not-for-profit agencies reach out to casino poker rooms to assist with meeting their financial goals.

Both the Shop with a Cop Benefit Tournament held on December 6th, and the Northern Nevada Autism Network Tournament held on November 8th raised a considerable amount of money for each respective organization and brought about a great deal of awareness for their intended cause. Shop with a Cop raised a pre-determined $500 and the Northern Nevada Autism Network exceeded their goal by raising $6,000.

Red Lion Hotel & Casino understands the need of many organizations to seek alternative routes for increasing overall awareness and raising monetary funds. Red Lion Hotel & Casino Poker Room is available for future Charity Poker Tournaments. Randy Butcher, Poker Room Manager of Red Lion Hotel & Casino can be reached by calling 775-753-0466

            Located conveniently off Interstate 80 on Idaho Street in Elko.

Red Lion Hotel & Casino Remodels Its Hotel Rooms

Red Lion Hotel & Casino, Elko has completed a $2 million dollar remodeling of its entire 222 room hotel.

Built over 25 years ago, Red Lion Hotel & Casino has been through numerous stages of transition and growth since its inception. Through its loyal base of repeat out-of-town and local guests, Red Lion has made a name for itself as the friendliest, cleanest, and most spacious hotel in Elko, Nevada.

With a $2 million investment, Red Lion adorns its hotel rooms with the finest in amenities, fixtures, and furnishings. Garnishing all rooms with Serta Executive Series pillow-top mattresses, rich cherry accompaniments, flat screen televisions, and all of the amenities that you can expect when staying in a 4-star hotel. David Zornes, CEO, says “we‘re committed in reinvesting into the property, our guests, and the future image of Elko!”

Red Lion Hotel & Casino also offers the 24-hour Coffee Garden, Misty’s fine dining steakhouse, Starbucks Coffee, as well as Casino action that includes over 350 Slot Machines, 9 table games, and live Keno and Poker Room. Red Lion Hotel & Casino is truly the place where winners come to play, and players come to win!

Located conveniently off Interstate 80 on Idaho Street in Elko

Located conveniently off Interstate 80 on Idaho Street in Elko.