Lake Tahoe Casinos
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 … Read more
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 dared to kidnap his son, Frank Jr., who was making his way in the … Read more
South Shore’s Early Casinos
South Shore Lake Tahoe had dozens of early casinos, from the Silver Club to the Nevada Club, and even Dopey Norman’s. The clustering of casinos on the same site is also an interesting subject, often debated by early investigators and finally confirmed by later writers after gaming documents and licenses proved or disproved ownership and … Read more
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, an incident that highlighted the volatility and risks of the gaming world. To be accurate, I wasn’t working there. I was spending the end of summer playing blackjack for a living. As … Read more
The Christmas Tree Casino
In 1946, John and Alice Ross founded the Christmas Tree casino, a landmark built at the top of Mount Rose with spectacular views down to Washoe Valley, fostering local pride and a sense of community. To increase the small club’s income, Reno gambler Virgil Smith, fresh from bankrolling Bill Harrah’s blackout bar in Reno, opened a … Read more
Lake Tahoe’s Cal-Neva Lodge
Although only about one-third of Lake Tahoe lies in Nevada, California’s gambling history is notable, with early establishments like Tallac House and Tahoe Tavern in Tahoe City, opened by Donald Bliss in 1902 with a ‘Casino’ or ‘Game Room,’ highlighting its longstanding gaming presence. For years, the enforcement of gambling and liquor laws was “on … Read more
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 … Read more
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. His early ventures, including expanding the Harrah’s name along Highway 50 at Stateline, showcase his innovative approach and determination and can inspire interest in Nevada’s gambling history. Hopping from spot to spot was … Read more
George’s Gateway Club at Lake Tahoe
This has always been one of my favorite photos of George’s Gateway Club because it captures a moment in casino history so well, emphasizing the building’s connection to Lake Tahoe’s past. The cars show their age, and the simple fact that you could park right next to the building is significant to me. The early … Read more