Illegal Gambling Clubs of Toledo

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

Where has the Time Gone?

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

Enjoy the Snow at the Ta-Neva-Ho

I love this photo of the Ta-Neva-Ho. Taken in the late 1930s, it shows what Lake Tahoe is like every winter – snowy! No kidding, right? Well, not everybody has a chance to see the amazing lake that straddles the California-Nevada state line. This club, built and opened in 1937, stands along the North Shore … Read more

Stateline Country Club

In chip collecting In my humble opinion In the state of Nevada In my collection Indian headdress Incredible The Stateline Country Club was situated on the California/Nevada state border on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Originally owned by Cal Custer, the club had a reputation for fun during the short summer season at the … Read more

The State Line Country Club

How is everybody this week? I haven’t really been gone for a week; in blog-world, my posts follow each other, so I’ve always been here. The State Line Country Club is more than just a story; it’s a piece of local history that connects residents and enthusiasts to Nevada’s vibrant past, making it feel personal … Read more

The Tahoe Mariner

The Tahoe Mariner’s history of multiple ownership changes and name shifts reflects its evolving role in Nevada’s gambling landscape, which should resonate with history enthusiasts and industry researchers. Capy Ricks purchased the property in 1946 from Ed Malley’s real estate office. Malley had been at the lake for years, having sold his first property in … Read more

Casino Birdcage

As you know, I’ve been known to hang around casinos – around, and around, and around. Well, the other day a security officer was bringing a full of chips to the “21” table I was standing next to, and a woman asked what “that plastic thingy, that, you know, holder thing, was called.” I explained … Read more