Independent Las Vegas Casino Takes on Clark County for Hosting F1 Race

The Stage Door Casino and Battista’s Hole in the Wall, two off-Strip businesses in Las Vegas, are suing Clark County and Formula One (F1) over financial losses they claim resulted from the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix. The small businesses, located near the Flamingo Hotel, allege they lost millions due to road closures and construction tied to the event. The lawsuit, filed on September 3, seeks damages exceeding $50,000, claiming their operations were severely disrupted before and during the race.

The Core of the Complaint

The lawsuit centers on Clark County’s approval process for the event. Commissioners waived restrictions and time limitations, allowing the Grand Prix to proceed without a special use permit.

• This process allegedly bypassed community input and advance notice requirements.

• Small businesses near the track were left unprepared for extended disruptions.

• Attorneys argue that unfair treatment led to significant financial harm for both establishments.

According to Lisa Mayo-DeRiso, spokesperson for the plaintiffs, the businesses spent months trying to resolve the issue with county officials and F1 organizers, but no agreement was reached.

The Impact of Road Closures

The disruptions began in April 2023, when extensive construction and road blockages started affecting the area.

• Employees, customers, and suppliers struggled to access the properties.

• Some vendors refused deliveries due to limited access.

• Trash collection became inconsistent, further straining operations.

Additionally, rising inflation compounded the problem, preventing the businesses from offering regular raises or bonuses to staff.

Wider Legal and Economic Context

This case follows a similar lawsuit filed by Ellis Island Casino, also located on Koval Lane, which claimed losses due to road closures and the temporary bridge on Flamingo Road that limited access to its property.

• Clark County has not yet commented on the latest lawsuit.

• F1 officials declined to speak, citing ongoing litigation.

• The Las Vegas Grand Prix is expected to continue annually for at least 10 years, under a $6.5 million yearly hosting deal between Liberty Media and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

For Stage Door and Battista’s, the financial fallout has been severe. Their lawsuit represents not just an effort to recover lost revenue but also a fight for survival in a city increasingly shaped by large-scale events. As Formula One cements its presence in Las Vegas, small businesses are left grappling with the cost of progress — and demanding accountability.