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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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