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Stories worth keeping straight.

Browse the full collection of articles on Nevada casinos, the people behind them, gaming law, and the stories that escaped the legend.

Uncategorized 5Books 7Poker 5Gambling 20The Mob 15Table Games 1Slot Machines 2Casino Chips 6Las Vegas Casinos 21The Outfit 5Casino Owners 38Reno Casinos 22Lake Tahoe Casinos 23Al's Story of Life 17Searchlight Casinos 1Organized Crime Figures and Families 15Nevada Casino Videos 1Nevada Gaming Regulation 2Nevada History 2Sparks 1

2026 · Research

The Improbable Life of Nevada Gaming Magnate Woody Loftin

Nevada’s gaming history is filled with tales of millionaires and Mafia chieftains who swept into the state, took over casinos in Southern Nevada, and transformed Las Vegas. But Northern Nevada tells a different story—one shaped by a unique breed of entrepreneurs. Harold and Pappy Smith arrived in the 1930s and transformed their tiny Harold’s Club … Read more

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2026 · Research

Karl Berge: The Casino Owner Who Helped Shape Sparks

A Man Who Preferred Working to Watching Nevada gaming history is full of loud personalities — moguls, mobsters, and showmen who loved seeing their names in neon. Karl E. Berge wasn’t one of them. If anything, he seemed happiest when nobody was looking. He didn’t chase headlines or cultivate a public persona. He just quietly … Read more

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2026 · Research

El Cortez Hotel & Casino: The Last of Old Las Vegas

A Complete Historical Narrative of Ownership, Construction, Mob Influence, and Legacy Few casinos in Las Vegas carry the weight of history quite like the El Cortez Hotel & Casino. Opened in 1941 and still operating today, it is the longest‑running casino in continuous operation* in Las Vegas, a living artifact from the city’s pre‑Strip era. … Read more

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2026 · Research

The Ormsby House Casino in Carson City

Carson City is the Capital of Nevada, but in the late ’70s, when I was there, it had fewer than 30,000 residents. It’s a miracle there were half a dozen casinos to choose from. Being a gambling man, I thought it was a good bet to get married at 19, in Carson City, and stay … Read more

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2026 · Research

Carson City Casinos

Carson City is one of my favorite towns. It’s the Capital of Nevada, to start with. Plus, my parents got married there many moons ago. Following suit, I was also married in the gambling town, and unlike my prowess at the blackjack tables, I lost my ass on that deal. Is that too much information? … Read more

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2026 · Research

Lucky Luciano: Power, Structure, and the Making of the Modern American Mafia

Charles “Lucky” Luciano—born Salvatore Lucania in Lercara Friddi, Sicily in 1897—was the architect of the modern American Mafia. His career spanned the brutal street gangs of the Lower East Side, the Prohibition empires of the 1920s, the reorganization of the Mafia into the Five Families in 1931, and his eventual fall through prosecution, imprisonment, and … Read more

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2026 · Research

George Wingfield: Nevada’s Banking Kingmaker and Political Power

Nothing Lasts Forever When George Wingfield arrived in Nevada in the final years of the nineteenth century, the state was still more frontier than settled society. The great silver bonanza of the Comstock Lode had faded into legend. Towns that once blazed with lamps and speculation had sunk into dust and memory. Yet Nevada remained … Read more

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2026 · Research

Hoffa, Dorfman, and the Teamsters: How a Union Pension Fund Helped Build Modern Las Vegas

Introduction Few forces shaped the early development of Las Vegas as profoundly as the Teamsters Central States Pension Fund, controlled by union president Jimmy Hoffa and administered by his trusted lieutenant Allen Dorfman. Between the mid 1950s and the late 1970s, the fund became one of the most important—and controversial—sources of capital for casino construction, … Read more

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2026 · Research

Jay Sarno: The Showman who Themed the Strip

Jay Sarno, the visionary behind Caesars Palace and Circus Circus, transformed Las Vegas with bold themes, immersive design, and Teamsters‑backed financing that reshaped the modern resort era. His groundbreaking ideas set the foundation for the mega‑resorts that define the Strip today.

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2026 · Research

Kirk Kerkorian and the Reinvention of Las Vegas

Kirk Kerkorian, a significant figure in Las Vegas, shifted its landscape through innovative mega-resort development, transforming the city from a simplistic gambling hub into a mass-tourism destination. Born in 1917, he leveraged his aviation success to invest in unexploited hospitality opportunities, culminating in the creation of iconic establishments like the International Hotel and MGM Grand. Kerkorian’s strategic focus on scale, branding, and corporate legitimacy redefined the casino industry, paving the way for large-scale operations and solidifying Las Vegas’s global hospitality reputation.

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2026 · Research

The Man Behind the Mirage – Steve Wynn

Few figures have shaped modern Las Vegas as profoundly as Steve Wynn. A developer with a showman’s instinct and an eye for luxury, Wynn transformed the casino from a gambling hall into a fully immersive resort experience. His properties redefined the Strip, set new standards for design and service, and ushered in an era of … Read more

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2026 · Research

Mob Control of Major Las Vegas Casinos

1) Flamingo Hotel & Casino The Mob first controlled casinos in the Downtown area along Fremont Street. Bugsy Siegel and Moe Sedway set up shop at the Las Vegas Club. They managed the race wire and operations at the Golden Nugget. Then they purchased the El Cortez with partners Gus Greenbaum, Davie Berman, and “Icepick” … Read more

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2026 · Research

Howard Hughes and the Buying Spree That Changed Las Vegas Forever

How Howard Hughes quietly bought the Desert Inn, Sands, Frontier, and more—launching a corporate takeover that ended the mob era and transformed modern Las Vegas. The Billionaire Who Bought the Strip When Howard Hughes arrived in Las Vegas in 1966, he didn’t come to headline a showroom or host a grand opening. He came to … Read more

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2024 · Research

Reno’s Last 7-Card Stud Game

I learned to play poker in West Springfield, Virginia, after my friend Barry Wilson invited me to play. We were high school freshmen, and the guys we ended up playing against were juniors and seniors. We both lost. In the coming weeks, we improved, but we were still dorks. To finance poker, Barry got a … Read more

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2024 · Research

Nevada Casino Stories on YouTube Videos

I wrote my first little story about the Primadonna Casino in Reno for my chip-collecting friends in 1984. We weren’t a big group, so the front side of the first of four pages had an actual postcard stuck to it. Below the scalloped edges of the Reno-Tahoe Advertising post card were a few paragraphs about … Read more

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2024 · Research

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

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2024 · Research

Was there really Mob Muscle in Las Vegas?

If anything is certain in life besides Death and Taxes, it’s that the Mob kept plenty of muscle in Las Vegas to protect its interests. In this case, the New York Mob started first, with a friendly visit from Meyer Lansky to the first club along what would become the Las Vegas Strip a dozen … Read more

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2024 · Research

Harold S. Smith – Nevada Gaming Pioneer

Harold S. Smith was born in Denver, Colorado, on February 23, 1910. His father, Raymond I. “Pappy” Smith, was a carnival booth owner who ran games in traveling circuses and at established boardwalks and fairs. He preferred the slappers, a roulette-style game with prizes in each pegged slot, and offered regular roulette at many locations. … Read more

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2023 · Research

Benny Binion and Binion’s Horsehoe Las Vegas

Benny Binion, born Lester Ben Binion on November 20, 1904, in Plot Grove, Texas, was an American gangster and casino owner. He founded the World Series of Poker and Binion’s Horseshoe, a casino resort in Las Vegas. Benny Binion was known for his extensive criminal activities and contributions to the development of the Nevada gambling … Read more

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2023 · Research

Carl Cohen – Las Vegas Casino Manager and Owner

Carl Cohen was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 15, 1913, and spent his adult years working in the gaming industry, beginning at the Thomas Club as a dealer. Cohen saw the Cleveland Syndicate’s casinos as a fine job and was both a dice dealer and, later, a pit boss. He also worked as a … Read more

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2023 · Research

Los Angeles Crime Boss Jack Dragna

Jack Dragna from a Los Angeles Police Department Mug Shot – 1946 Jack Dragna, born Giacomo Tommaso or Ignazio Dragna in Corleone, Sicily, in 1891, was a notorious American mobster who rose to power in the early 20th century and led one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Southern California. After immigrating to the … Read more

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2023 · Research

Moe Sedway and Las Vegas

Above: Moe Sedway enjoys a cigar with friend and casino partner Gus Greenbaum (Right) Moe Sedway was an American gangster and a close associate of the infamous mobster Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel. Born in 1894 in Ukraine, Sedway immigrated to the United States as a child and grew up in New York City’s Lower East Side. … Read more

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2023 · Research

Organized Ohio – The Mayfield Road Gang and Casinos

Today, Cleveland is best known as the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Clinic. Plus, their pro sports teams are the Indians, Cavaliers, and Browns. The town and its weather are harsh, face-first against the cold winter winds that constantly blow from Lake Erie. Not the most inviting atmosphere, … Read more

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2023 · Research

Your Desert Inn Casino Host – Wilbur Clark

Wilbur Clark was a prominent figure in Las Vegas’s development, recognized for his significant contributions to the casino industry and luxurious resorts. His friendly, approachable personality made him a relatable figure, inspiring trust and confidence among visitors. Las Vegas was never perfect, but the right frontman, like Clark, helped shape its welcoming image. In the … Read more

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2023 · Research

Moe Dalitz as Mr. Las Vegas opens the Desert Inn Casino

Moe Dalitz was a prominent American businessman and organized crime figure who rose to prominence during the Prohibition era. Born on December 25, 1899, in Boston, Massachusetts, he grew up in a Jewish family and dropped out of school at 14 to work in the garment industry. However, he realized quickly he could make more … Read more

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2023 · Research

The Stardust’s Founder – Tony Cornero

Tony Cornero (born Anthony Cornero Stralla in Northern Italy in 1899) was a leading figure in the California rum-running enterprises of the 1920s and an early Las Vegas casino owner. When his father lost the family farm in Italy due to gaming losses, young Tony vowed to be on the other side of the cards … Read more

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2023 · Research

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

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2023 · Research

Reno’s Definitive and Dangerous Bank Club Casino

Reno’s Bank Club casino opened in the Golden Hotel basement in 1929. The property was owned by George Wingfield, Nevada’s richest man, whose wealth of $ 50 million in the early 20th century reflected his mining success in Goldfield and Tonopah. His achievements and Reno’s growth are detailed in The Roots of Reno. Winfield received … Read more

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2023 · Research

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

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2023 · Research

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

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2022 · Research

The Chicago Outfit and Skimming Las Vegas

This new book explores the roots of the Chicago mob, taking readers from its early days before Al Capone, through Prohibition and bootlegging, and finally to Las Vegas, where Chicago’s influence grew unnoticed. Discover how the Outfit’s beginnings and early leaders set the stage for its future dominance, making Las Vegas a key hub in … Read more

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2022 · Research

Collecting Casino Chips Never Gets Old

The first casino chip I ever saved was from the Pacheco Inn after I lost $18 playing poker and saved three $1 chips. Being underage didn’t stop me from exploring the poker rooms in Northern California or casinos at Lake Tahoe, and I always found chips to collect, adding a bit of rebellious fun to … Read more

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2020 · Research

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

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2020 · Research

Bert Riddick – Nevada Gaming Pioneer

The Tahoe Village at South Shore Lake Tahoe circa the 1940s – Video here Bert Riddick Bert Riddick was a Native Nevadan, born in the tiny mining town of Carlin. His wife, Vivian’s family, was from Ely, Nevada, and Bert and Vivian spent their lives in Northern Nevada, traveling between Tonopah, Ely, and Reno. Riddick … Read more

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2020 · Research

Las Vegas Sports Wagering and Viewing

Betting on your favorite team wasn’t legal in Nevada until the 1940s, but you could always find a local bookie who would lay a line for you. At the Country Club in Lake Tahoe, you could talk to Doc at the bar, any night after 9 pm, and get a bet down. Nickel lines were … Read more

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2020 · Research

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

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2020 · Research

Nevada Pioneer Steve Pavlovich

Steve Pavlovich was born in Yugoslavia in 1889. He came to America armed with dreams and a promise of a good life. Despite facing rough characters who would rather beat you for your pennies than give you the time of day, he persisted. He traveled from New York to New Jersey to Wyoming before arriving … Read more

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2019 · Research

The Lure of Casino Chips

What exactly makes people collect casino chips? Is it the round shape? After all, who hasn’t taken a coin of some type and flipped it – heads, tails, heads, tails-that’s a universal urge. But chips, I’m not sure if they evoke the same instinct, yet they hold a special allure for many collectors like us. … Read more

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2019 · Research

Nevada Gaming History

I’ve been a gambler my whole life, ever since I started pitching pennies and shooting marbles. I hate to lose, so most of my education came on the cheap, and I’ve stayed with games I could beat, and steered away from people and games I couldn’t. Near the beginning, I was a nine-year-old kid playing … Read more

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2019 · Research

Reno’s Town House Casino

Reno became the Divorce Capital of the World in the 1930s because its laws allowed quick, easy divorces, attracting thousands seeking a fresh start and significantly shaping the city’s social fabric. Pictures from the ’20s and ’30s depict Reno visitors in cowboy garb, even if they had just taken the train in from New York … Read more

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2017 · Research

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

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2017 · Research

Searchlight, Nevada and The King of Casinos

Don’t feel bad if you’ve never heard of Searchlight, Nevada. It’s a small town with a rich history that makes it worth exploring. It’s an unincorporated town, 13 miles square, somehow holding 500 hearty souls. Ah, well, it’s a dot, that’s all. Really, if you are accidentally in Needles or Blyth, California, you might drift … Read more

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2017 · Research

Reno’s Northern Club

Reno’s Northern Club, licensed for gaming in 1931, stands as one of the earliest casinos in Nevada, marking the beginning of the state’s gaming era. Located on Center Street, it was operated by Felix Turillas Sr. and John Etchebarren within the Commercial Hotel. Women were rare players at the 4,000-square-foot club when it opened, featuring … Read more

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2016 · Research

El Rancho – First on the Las Vegas Strip in 1941

Thomas Hull built the El Rancho in Las Vegas as part of his chain of “El Rancho” hotels in Gallup, New Mexico, and Fresno and Sacramento, California. The 63-cabin resort was designed as a way-station, a break for families to enjoy on their trip through Nevada, featuring amenities like a large pool and horseback riding … Read more

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2016 · Research

Harold’s Club – A Reno Classic

Harold’s Club in Reno was the Nation’s best-known casino in the 1940s and 1950s, symbolizing Nevada’s rise in gambling prominence and inspiring pride among enthusiasts. How did that happen? Well, the story is told in much greater detail in Nevada’s Golden Age of Gambling, but here’s the start! Raymond “Pappy” Smith Raymond I. Smith spent thirty … Read more

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2016 · Research

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

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2015 · Research

Meyer Lansky’s Mob Influence

Meyer Lansky was influential enough to draw hundreds of inquiries from law enforcement agencies during his lifetime, including the FBI, CIA, Highway Patrol offices in dozens of states, local police, and detective agencies, highlighting the widespread interest in his activities. Strange, because as dirty and sticky as his hands were for the Mob, no charges … Read more

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2014 · Research

Reno’s Club Harlem

Club Harlem was one of the first integrated casinos in Nevada. Located at 221 East Douglas Alley, the bar first opened in 1946 under the watchful eye of its owner, William Bailey. Although cited for illegal gaming, the small property was later licensed in 1948 for slots and 21. Bailey moved to Reno from South … Read more

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2013 · Research

Mob City – Reno Connection

When Lucky Luciano organized the first Commission of the American Mafia, the cities with representation were all large, heavily invested in the riches from Prohibition, and had a ready delivery system for the booze that came in, usually along waterways and docks controlled by gangs. Detroit, Buffalo, and Cleveland (although each currently seeing a decline … Read more

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2013 · Research

Totally Nevada Since the 1970s

I’ve thought “Totally Nevada” since I was a kid in the 1970s, when we traveled through the state. There were so many things to do (skiing, horseback riding, swimming at Lake Mead and Lake Tahoe, sneaking into the Sahara pool on the Strip, and wandering the casinos looking for loose quarters in the coin trays … Read more

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2013 · Research

Vegas Used to Be Fancy?

Wow, people used to actually get dressed up to visit the casinos in Las Vegas! This scene from the mid-’50’s may have been staged, but there were many more people going to a nice dinner and a show back then. Back then, dinner shows to see stars like Rose Marie, Jimmy Durante, or Joe Brown … Read more

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2013 · Research

Vegas and the Mob

The Mob didn’t start the gambling in Nevada, and especially not in Las Vegas. In fact, they were relative latecomers, since Nevada had gambling for years before it was officially legalized in 1931. Because Nevada was such a large state with such a small population, there wasn’t much reason to invest capital to set up … Read more

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2013 · Research

"Bugsy" Siegel Still an Icon

“Bugsy” Siegel’s story begins with a tough childhood in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg district, where no one expected the skinny kid to leave a lasting impact, which can inspire curiosity and empathy in the audience. Siegel was already street-wise by the age of nine, rolling drunks and stealing from merchants, and he and Moe Sedway set up … Read more

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2012 · Research

Nevada Casino Poker Going Online

Still, it took until 2012 for South Point Poker LLC to be approved as Nevada’s first intrastate interactive gaming operator, highlighting a competitive landscape in which established companies like William Hill, with millions of subscribers and a 200% deposit bonus, set a high standard for new entrants. Las Vegas’s South Point casino owner, Michael Gaughan, … Read more

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2012 · Research

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

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2012 · Research

Charlie Mapes

Sometimes, Charlie Mapes doesn’t get the respect he deserves for his work in the Reno gaming community. I mean, really, here he is getting punched out by boxing champion Jack Sharkey! The event was the 85th Birthday party of Ancil Hoffman, who was well-known in Reno as the manager of Heavyweight Champ Max Baer. The … Read more

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2012 · Research

The Tahoe Village

I always thought the photos of the Tahoe Village were cool, especially its distinctive rounded shape and numerous windows that invite curiosity and admiration, making you imagine watching the snow with a beer after your shift. The building had several names from its inception in 1945, including Tahoe Village, financed by Mickey Wood. Bert Riddick … Read more

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2012 · Research

100-Pound Mountian Lion leaves Harrah’s Reno

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

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2012 · Research

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

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2012 · Research

Big Time Poker In Arizona

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

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2012 · Research

Harrah’s Bingo Club 1960s

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

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2012 · Research

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

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2010 · Research

Beautiful Heber, Arizona and the Buckskin Lodge

So here we are, halfway between Casino Arizona’s Talking Stick Resort in 60 degrees Scottsdale and Buffalo Thunder, outside Santa Fe in New Mexico. All right, halfway may not be accurate. I can’t remember. Talking Stick has 497 rooms, Buffalo Thunder has 395. Heber, Arizona, along highway 260, 40 miles … Read more

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2010 · Research

2010 Chip Convention on the way to Las Vegas

The 2010 edition of the CC&GTCC convention hits Las Vegas in just a few weeks. This year’s event is being held at the South Point Casino. Conventioneers will begin arriving as early as the 18th, but the main event, the show in the Grand Ballroom, opens to the public on June 24th at 10:00 AM … Read more

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2010 · Research

Harrah’s 30-years Ago

Next door to Barney’s at Lake Tahoe was Harrah’s Sports Casino. I walked in and was surprised by how small it was. There were about a dozen chairs for a keno game, several TVs by the bar, a craps game, and half a dozen blackjack tables. They had little yellow signs with $1 to $100 … Read more

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2010 · Research

The Park Tahoe Casino in 1978

Park Tahoe 1978 Post Card above is copyright RTSI The Park Tahoe, 1978, what an excellent location for a casino. The Park operated for a couple of years before becoming Caesar’s Tahoe, when management found they could not run the property profitably. When I arrived, I didn’t care about the casino names or what they … Read more

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2010 · Research

Lake Tahoe’s Beautiful – Fewer Gamblers

So, what exactly is the scoop here, you might ask? I would have to say that I have sold out. I’ve been busy working a regular job and ignoring my blog, my articles, my books, and blah, blah, blah. Now, if you want to know about Lake Tahoe, well, I’ve got nothing for you but … Read more

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2009 · Research

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

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2009 · Research

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

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2009 · Research

1985s Bill Borland Newsletter

A few of you may vaguely remember this item – a 1985 issue of Bill Borland’s World Wide Casino Exchange Newsletter that featured a story on Harold’s Club. Bill started a company he called Star Time, Inc. from his offices in Las Vegas and began purchasing casino dice, chips, and other memorabilia in the late … Read more

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2008 · Research

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

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2008 · Research

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

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2008 · Research

Amazing Slot Machine Wood Carvings by Polk/Sanchez

You might recognize figures like these – amazing old-west wood-carvings with slot machines from the 1950s. Not that you are that old, but hey, they’ve been around since then. You can still see them in some vintage settings like Virginia City, NV (near Reno). In the late 1940s, Frank Polk began carving the first of … Read more

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2008 · Research

The Roots of Reno

Yup – it’s a new book. Your chance to discover how Reno grew from a tiny town below Lake Tahoe into the renowned “Biggest Little City in the World,” inspiring curiosity and pride in local history. Of course, this little ditty is written by yours truly, and I’m sorry to say it’s not perfect. For … Read more

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2008 · Research

Not One-of-a-kind, but Rare

So, you have some one-of-a-kind chips? So do I. Well, not exactly, well, no, I don’t. However, I do have a few that have just a few cousins kicking around in drawers and collections. One of them is the chip above. This is an oversized variety, 42 mm, and has “SPEED POKER ALL-IN” on the … Read more

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2008 · Research

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

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2008 · Research

Old Friends

I’ve been cleaning out the closets – opening boxes and sifting through a lot of old papers. Having collected casino items for thirty years now, you can imagine that I’ve met a lot of people in the hobby. Some of them I met at collector shows, like the one the Chip Collectors Club (CC&GTCC) puts … Read more

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2008 · Research

My Early Poker Games and Chips

I saved my first casino chip in 1978. Although I wasn’t old enough to legally play poker at the Pacheco Inn (now the California Grand), I managed to get away with a few hours of lowball to start my playing career. I lost. I didn’t go home completely empty-handed, because, from the $20 in chips … Read more

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