Jail house motel & casino
Discover the Jail House Motel & Casino in Ely, Nevada. Experience unique, jail-themed lodging, exciting casino games, and dining options in this historic venue.
Jail House Motel and Casino A Unique Nevada Gaming Getaway ==========================================================
For a guaranteed room with a view of the Great Basin National Park heritage area, book suite 305 at Ely's storied correctional-themed lodging and gaming hall. This specific room offers an unobstructed westward panorama, ideal for sunset photography. The establishment's on-site eatery, The Cell Block Steakhouse, requires reservations at least 48 hours in advance for its prime rib special, served exclusively on Fridays and Saturdays after 6 PM. This dining venue is consistently rated above 4.5 stars on major review platforms for its high-quality beef and unique atmosphere.
The gaming floor features over 150 slot machines, with the highest return-to-player percentages found on the “Nevada Nickels” and “Silver State Sevens” progressive machines located near the main entrance. For table game enthusiasts, the single-deck blackjack tables, operating from Thursday to Sunday, offer a low house edge of approximately 0.5% with optimal strategy. The property also provides complimentary shuttle service to and from Ely Airport (ELY), a 10-minute drive, for all registered guests who confirm their flight details during booking.
This historic property, originally constructed in the 19th century, integrates its past into the guest experience. Look for original architectural elements, such as the thick stone walls in the lower-level bar and the preserved iron fixtures throughout the corridors. The self-guided historical tour, accessible via a QR code in the lobby, details the building's transformation from a county holding facility to a popular entertainment destination. This offers a factual context that enriches a stay far beyond typical accommodation and recreation.
Jail House Motel & Casino: A Player's Guide
Join the Players Club immediately upon arrival. This action provides access to point multipliers and food credits, starting with your very first wager. The rewards program operates on a tiered system, where higher levels, achieved through consistent play, grant improved complimentary offers, including extended stays at the lodging facility and invitations to special events. Track your points directly at any slot machine or by visiting the player services desk. New members often receive a free play bonus, typically between $5 and $10, which can be used on most video poker and reel machines.
Focus your slot play on the high-limit area for better return-to-player (RTP) percentages. While the main gaming floor offers a wide variety of penny and nickel slots, the machines in the designated high-stakes section, starting at $1 per credit, are configured with more favorable payout schedules. For table game enthusiasts, the single-deck blackjack game provides the lowest house edge. Adhering to basic strategy is key to maximizing your odds. https://wazamba-gr.casino , including whether the dealer hits on a soft 17, which directly impacts strategy and odds.
Player Rewards & Game Details
Feature
Recommendation
Benefit
Players Club
Sign up before first play
Instant access to comps, free play, and point multipliers.
Slot Selection
Play machines in the high-limit section
Machines generally have a higher RTP than those on the main floor.
Table Games
Choose single-deck blackjack
Offers the most favorable odds for the player among available table games.
Promotions
Check the daily promotion board near the entrance
Take advantage of time-sensitive offers like bonus drawings or point multiplier hours.
Dining Comps
Use accumulated points for meals
Redeem points at the on-site eatery for a discount or a fully comped meal.
The gaming establishment frequently runs promotions tied to specific days of the week. For example, Tuesdays and Wednesdays often feature “Senior Days,” offering individuals over 50 additional discounts and bonus entries into cash drawings. Check the promotional calendar for events like “Hot Seat” drawings, where active slot players are randomly selected to win cash prizes. To qualify, your players card must be inserted and active in a machine during the drawing times. These promotions provide additional value without requiring extra wagers.
How to Maximize Your Gaming Experience at the Jail House Casino
Sign up for the Cell Block Players Club immediately upon arrival. Membership grants access to points on every dollar wagered, which are redeemable for meals, lodging discounts, and free play. New members frequently receive an initial free play bonus, typically between $5 and $10, providing a risk-free start on the slot machines.
Focus your initial slot play on machines located near the main aisles and the cashier's cage. These high-traffic areas often feature devices with advertised return-to-player (RTP) percentages of 94% or higher. Check the information screen on each machine for specific RTP data before inserting money. For video poker, prioritize “Full Pay” Deuces Wild or Jacks or Better machines, identifiable by their specific pay tables that offer optimal odds.
Visit the gaming establishment during weekday afternoons, specifically between 2 PM and 5 PM on Tuesdays through Thursdays. During these off-peak hours, the floor is less crowded, allowing for better machine selection and more focused play. Additionally, the establishment occasionally runs mid-week promotions, such as point multipliers, which are announced on screens throughout the gaming area.
Engage with the floor staff and pit supervisors. They possess detailed knowledge about current promotions, special events, and which slot machines have recently paid out substantial jackpots. A polite inquiry can yield valuable information about a machine's volatility or the rules of a new table game variant. This direct communication provides insights not available on any website or brochure.
Allocate a specific portion of your bankroll for table games, even if you prefer slots. The single-deck blackjack tables offer a low house edge when basic strategy is applied correctly. The craps table provides some of the best odds in the entire entertainment complex if you stick to Pass/Don't Pass and Come/Don't Come bets with maximum odds. Avoid proposition bets in the center of the table, as their house advantage is significantly higher.
Monitor the progressive jackpot tickers displayed above carousels of linked slot machines. Participate when a jackpot reaches a value substantially higher than its typical reset amount. This indicates a positive expectation situation. For example, if a specific progressive resets at $5,000 and has grown to over $12,000, your potential return on investment for each spin increases mathematically.
Navigating Accommodation Options: From Standard Rooms to Themed Cells
Select the “Cell Block” rooms for an authentic, themed experience. These accommodations are refurbished original detention units, offering a distinct lodging alternative. For guests prioritizing comfort over novelty, the recently renovated “Courtyard” rooms provide modern amenities and more space.
- Standard Courtyard Rooms: These units feature either one king-size or two queen-size beds. Amenities include a 42-inch flat-screen television, a mini-refrigerator, and a coffee maker. They are located away from the main gaming floor, ensuring a quieter environment.
- Themed Cell Block Rooms: Compact and minimalist, these rooms replicate the original inmate quarters. They contain two twin beds in a bunk arrangement. The doors are authentic, heavy-duty originals, and windows are barred. Private bathrooms are attached to each unit, a modern addition not present in the original structure.
- “The Suite”: For groups or families, this larger option combines two adjoining rooms. It offers a separate living area with a pull-out sofa, a kitchenette with a microwave, and two full bathrooms. This configuration sleeps up to six guests comfortably.
When booking, specify your preference for ground-floor or second-floor placement in the Courtyard section. Ground-floor rooms offer direct parking access, while second-floor units provide better views of the surrounding Ely landscape.
- Booking Tip: Themed rooms are limited in number and have high demand, especially during weekends and holidays. Reserve at least 4-6 weeks in advance.
- Accessibility: ADA-compliant rooms are available exclusively within the Courtyard section. Request one specifically during the reservation process to guarantee availability.
- Pet Policy: A limited number of pet-friendly rooms are designated in the Courtyard area. https://wazamba-gr.casino applies, and reservations for these specific rooms are mandatory. Themed Cell Block units do not permit pets.
Dining and Entertainment Beyond the Casino Floor
For a substantial meal, visit The Cell Block Steakhouse, which specializes in prime rib slow-roasted for 12 hours. Their menu features a 22-ounce bone-in ribeye and Atlantic lobster tails. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend evenings. The adjacent C.O.P.S. Cafe operates 24/7, offering breakfast classics like the “Patrolman's Special” with three eggs, bacon, and hash browns, alongside late-night options such as the half-pound “Warden's Burger”.
The Outlaw's Bar & Grill provides a more casual setting, known for its extensive selection of local Nevada craft beers on tap, including brews from Great Basin Brewing Co. and The Depot Craft Brewery. Weekly events include trivia on Tuesdays and live acoustic sets from regional artists on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 PM to 11 PM. The venue's signature dish is the spicy “Fugitive” chicken wings, available with a choice of five heat levels.
For live performances, the Courtyard Amphitheater hosts seasonal concerts and community events. Check the establishment's schedule for outdoor movie nights during summer months and specialty food truck festivals. Past events have featured tribute bands and regional folk music festivals. The adjoining gift shop sells branded apparel and locally sourced souvenirs, including items from Ely-area artisans.