Original photo of dealers and bosses at Cal-Neva casino in Lake Tahoe, 1942.
Cal-Neva Pit Crew 1942
L. M. Strauss (The Russian) and Nevada Casinos
L. M. Strauss, a native of the San Francisco Bay area, was born in October 1904. Growing up, he was like any other youth in the area, driven by the desire to earn some extra cash to support his interests and socialize with his peers. His early exposure to poker, particularly five-card stud, and his... Continue Reading →
Frank Sinatra’s son Kidnapped in 1963
Photo from LA Times/UCLA (Frank with mom Nancy and sister Tina) Did you know that while Frank Sinatra was enjoying immense success as a singer, actor, and casino owner (he owned the Cal-Neva Lodge with Chicago Outfit Boss Sam Giancana), someone had the audacity to kidnap his son, Frank Jr., who was making his way... Continue Reading →
South Shore’s Early Casinos
South Shore Lake Tahoe had dozens of early casinos, from the Silver Club to Nevada Club, and even Dopey Norman's. The procession of casinos housed on the same spot is also an interesting subject, often debated by early investigators and finally proven by later writers after gaming documents and licenses proved or disproved ownership and... Continue Reading →
Harvey’s Wagon Wheel and the Bombing of 1980
Nothing was more shocking in my gaming career than the bombing of Harvey's Wagon Wheel Casino at South Shore Lake Tahoe in 1980. To be accurate, I wasn't working there. I was spending the end of summer playing blackjack for a living. As a part-time member of Ken Uston’s blackjack team, I made good money.... Continue Reading →
The Christmas Tree Casino
In 1946, John and Alice Ross built the Christmas Tree casino way up near the top of Mount Rose with spectacular views leading down to Washoe Valley. In 1947 the couple added a restaurant with the help of a hand-shake $10,000 loan from Nick Abelman who drove past their joint every morning and every evening... Continue Reading →
Lake Tahoe’s Cal-Neva Lodge
Only about one-third of the breathtaking Lake Tahoe area lies in Nevada, but there is plenty of history and gambling on the Silver State side. Over the years, California has had its share of gambling at Tallac House and Tahoe Tavern in Tahoe City, which Donald Bliss opened in 1902 with a “Casino” or “Game... Continue Reading →
The King’s Castle and Incline Village Casino
How's this for a great shot from the early '70s? This postcard is from Reno Tahoe Specialty, Inc. Nate Jacobson built the King's Castle Casino at Incline Village (Lake Tahoe), but first, let's look at the previous owners and names! As is often the case at Lake Tahoe, George Whittell is at the heart of... Continue Reading →
Bill Harrah at Lake Tahoe
Harrah's Tahoe - Opened in 1957 Bill Harrah was already a successful casino operator in Reno when he expanded to Lake Tahoe. The expansion is a little confusing, because, over the years, the Harrah's name graced both sides of Highway 50 at Stateline. Hopping from spot to spot was a pattern Harrah had used in Reno,... Continue Reading →
George’s Gateway Club at Lake Tahoe
This has always been one of my favorite photos of George's Gateway Club because it sets the time in casino history so well. The cars show their age, and the simple fact that you could park right next to the building is significant to me. The early '50s presented a simpler way of life -... Continue Reading →
Al W Moe's Nevada Gaming History 