Gambling’s an ancient tradition on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe.
The early Washoe Indians loved a good wager as much as today’s visitors. Gambling
has been legal in Nevada on again and off again since the 1930s, so it’s
deeply embedded in the culture, and you’ll find lots of places to
play games of chance, including the grocery stores. But the grand
casino tradition really began in the early ‘40s started by two men,
Raymond Smith who founded Harrods and Bill Harrah of Harrah’s fame,
of course. These visionary gamers risked it all for big profits, buying
land, developing real estate and designing more challenging and interesting
ways to risk your money.
Today some of the most exciting headliner entertainment
and luxurious accommodations and quality restaurants can be found in the
casinos. Check individually to find out if they offer recreation packages
and convenient transportation to outdoor sports activities.
The games of chance offered in these expansive locales are standard American
style favorites such as poker, blackjack, keno, craps, baccarat,
roulette electronic versions of all these games, plus one armed
bandits. If you’re from outside the country,
be sure you understand American rules for gaming before you play.
There are slight differences!
North Shore
Cal-Neva Resort
2 Stateline Road
Crystal Bay, NV
775 832 4000
www.calnevresort.com
Once owned by Frank Sinatra and frequented by the rat pack, JFK, Marilyn
Monroe and other cold war hotties, it’s worth a visit to just soak
up the history. Occasionally they still books a big acts
on their stage. The resort is so named because it straddles two different
states, so you can swim across state lines in their magnificent outdoor
pool All
rooms have view of the water, and one bar has a ceiling
decorated with crystal making it a dazzling sight at sunset. Fabulous
lighting on winter nights, too.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort and Casino
111 Country Club Drive at Lakeshore Blvd.
Incline Village, NV
775 832 1234
www.laketahoehyatt.com
Home of a great annual jazz festival, you can count on catching live bands
most nights of the week at the Hyatt, with frequent concerts. The rooms
have typically Hyatt class luxury with a deep woodland décor throughout.
Tennis courts, spa, heated pool and more. You can even rent beautiful two
bedroom cottages on the beach.
Tahoe Biltmore
5 Nevada Highway 28
Crystal Bay NV
775 831 0660
www.tahoebiltmore.com
Oversized RV parking and truly outstanding room rates
in a resort with “Hot casino action and exciting entertainment,” make
this an excellent choice for people on a budget who also want the full
luxury treatment. Great views!
Crystal Bay Club
14 State Higway 28
Crystal Bay, Nevada
775-833-6333
South Shore
MontBleu
55 US Highway 50
Stateline, NV
775 588-3515
www.montbleuresort.com
Formerly Caesars, sorry to say, the togas are gone. Yes,
full gaming including sports betting. You
can take a gaming cruise on their private yacht just
to spice things up a bit, or drop in to dance all night
long (the floor never closes). Beautiful
views and big name entertainment. Formerly Caesars Tahoe.
Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
US Highway 50
Stateline, NV
775 58886111
www.harrahs.com
Bill Harrah practically invented Reno gaming. This second
location is elegant with convex windows, two bathrooms in each room, nicely
built to fit into the landscape, décor in great rustic tradition
so you feel like you’re outdoors all the time. The famous and exquisite
Summit restaurant is located in the penthouse where Sammy and Elvis used
to stay as guests. Enjoy pool, spa, shops.
Harvey’s Resort Hotel & Casino
US Highway 50
Stateline NV
775 588 2411
www.harrah.com
South Lake Tahoe’s original gaming casino has been revamped extensively
to keep its modern, contemporary feel fresh. It’s the largest in
Tahoe with beautiful views and 52000 square feet of gaming. Burnt
on that last hand and need a good laugh? Check out the comedy club.
Horizon Casino Resort
US Highway 50
Stateline, NV
775 588 6211
www.horizoncasino.com
This is the least expensive option in the area and also
one with eight movie screens playing hits daily. Good family prices and commodities. They
claim to have “very friendly tables,” too. You may even
get the opportunity to stay in the very special room that Elvis liked to
book. Horizon is quite close to “Heavenly” ski resort.