Early Friday morning, as the sun was peeking over the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a young mountain lion was turned away from Harrah’s Reno casino, raising questions about how wildlife ends up in urban areas and what it means for local ecosystems. Guests must be 21 years old to gamble, and the cougar was only about … Read more
Terry Shaffer’s new book, Illegal Gambling Clubs of Toledo, is just terrific. It’s one of only a few books on illegal casinos and is uniquely comprehensive, making it a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts. Terry, a Toledo resident, obtained rare files and photos from the clubs’ era, many of which have never been published before, … Read more
In the late 1990s, while I was toiling away in Reno, poker players in Arizona were enjoying something new: big-stakes poker in a casino. After Fort McDowell Casino opened near the end of Shea Blvd. past Fountain Hills (half an hour from Scottsdale), players could play all types of poker, and they could even play … Read more
Bill Harrah first came to Reno in 1936, and his businesses hopped around the block on Center Street several times after opening his first club in 1937. The first spot was at a bar previously called the Owl. After more successful ventures on Commercial Row and Virginia Street, Harrah’s casino straddled both sides of what … Read more
Photo Courtesy (William Pettite) The last time I posted, there was a lot of snow around my car. No more than there was in the picture of the old Christmas Tree casino at Mt. Rose in Reno, but a lot. It’s 107 degrees in Scottsdale, Arizona, right now. I’m comfortable. In the picture above, June … Read more