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There’s no doubt that Las Vegas should be on every gambler’s bucket list. Along with other meccas, like Macau and Atlantic City, the bright neon lights, electric atmosphere, vibrant nightlife and the promise of life-changing jackpots seduce gamblers all around the world.
However, just because you’re an avid gambler doesn’t mean you need to be at the center of it all to have an unforgettable gambling experience. There are plenty of other fascinating gambling destinations that are well worth a visit.
Ripe with remarkable casinos, Reno Tahoe, Nevada, is one such treasure trove. The popularity of Reno is largely due to its prime location and a wide range of activities in which visitors can partake of top gambling. Reno provides a more relaxed, laid-back gambling atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the big meccas.
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the “Biggest Little City in the World” is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. For some, the stunning views are a welcome change from the big city lights.
Reno was built upon the casino culture, but it is much more than just a gambling city. Although it houses 20 superb casinos, this destination is also known for its low-stakes vibe. Gambling here is more of a fun pastime than its primary attraction.
Whereas Vegas is more oriented toward vice, adult entertainment and living it up, Reno offers a different kind of experience. It’s more family-friendly and provides a getaway from the stressful city life.
In that sense, it’s more of a getaway spot for a relaxing vacation than a gambling capital. So, it would definitely be a shame if you spent the entire weekend on the casino floor and didn’t explore everything the city has to offer.
Reno was founded way back in 1868, when prospectors settled at the foot of the Sierra Mountains. After they struck gold, quite literally, most of these men enjoyed drinking all night and playing their favorite games of chance at local venues.
A bit further down the road, in the 1920s, card games took off. Though some of them were legal, most took place “behind the scenes.” Slot machines were on the rise as well, but they still stayed out of the limelight.
What really cemented Reno as a gambling city (and the entire state of Nevada as gambling heaven) was the adoption of the Assembly Bill 98, in which Fred Balzar, the former NV state governor, officially made legal all forms of gambling.
And since there was no more reason to run illegal games in run-down shacks, gambling began to flourish. In 1931, being the astute businessman that he was, William Fisk Harrah recognized Reno’s potential and founded its first casino. What was then known as Harrah’s Entertainment is now a household name in the industry — Caesars Entertainment.
Since then, the gambling industry in Reno has thrived. However, Reno never harbored the same ambitions as Vegas. This may have very well been due to the city’s location and the “small town feel” it radiated.
Reno is surrounded by the Sierras and is a few minutes away from Lake Tahoe. So, it has the natural resources necessary to provide a bunch of thrilling activities.
Las Vegas, on the other hand, is in the middle of the Nevada desert. Thus, gambling was pretty much the only recreational option there. So, it’s no surprise Sin City placed emphasis on games of chance.
However, it wasn’t only the huge success of their southern neighbor that prompted Reno’s attitude shift. With the beginning of legal gambling in the States, it was no longer necessary to travel to Nevada. This pushed Reno to rebrand itself as an outdoor destination where, in addition to gambling, punters could find a variety of unforgettable adventures.
Still, games of chance have a special place in this city’s history. Casinos will forever be an integral part of Reno’s life. It’s just that they’re no longer the main attraction.
Aside from gambling, there are plenty of things to see and do in Reno Tahoe. Entertainment in Reno ranges from kayaking and rodeo to music and art festivals.
The event season in Reno Tahoe kicks off with the annual Reno River Festival. The rapids of the Truckee River make whitewater kayaking a unique, adrenaline-filled activity, so much so that over 40,000 adventure enthusiasts flock to downtown Reno each May.
Each month thereafter, there are captivating events that would almost make you want to move to Reno forever. July, for instance, is a month-long celebration of all forms of art. The popular Artown encompasses over 500 mesmerizing performances, including music, dance, theater, visual arts and more.
The popular Burning Man festival is also among the plethora of remarkable events and festivals. It stands out due to the fact that the “Burners” gather each year to organize Black Rock City in late August. This makeshift metropolis abruptly rises in the Black Rock Desert and, for the duration of the festival, serves as the capital for a vibrant, colorful, varied community. The central aims are self-expression and artistic interpretation of life. Of course, the festival piques with the traditional burning of the Man – an act that holds a different meaning for each participant.
These are just a few attractions for which the city is famous. The cultural events in Reno never seem to end. Even after the festivities stop, there are still many things to do. Of course, gaming is still a huge part of Reno’s economy, so you won’t have a single dull moment in Nevada’s gem.
As we’ve mentioned, there are a total of 20 top-tier casinos in Reno. The fact that the Caesars Entertainment brand originated in this city should be a testament to the quality of entertainment Reno’s casinos provide.
The best part is that you’ll get to enjoy the same premium gaming experience offered by Las Vegas, along with countless entertainment options, without paying an arm and a leg. Being a more budget-friendly option, Reno is an alluring alternative to most casual gamblers. If you enjoy an occasional game of chance and want to pay this gorgeous city a visit, here are the best casinos in which to play.
The Sands Regency is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. Located in downtown Reno, the Sands offers 800 rooms and provides access to the largest swimming pool complex in the city. Furthermore, there’s a variety of exquisite restaurants in the hotel’s vicinity.
The casino houses around 600 slot and video poker machines. There’s also a decent number of table games and multiple dedicated poker tables. The Sands Regency is best known for its bingo games, which hold the title of the best in town.
After you finish your play session, you can either hit the summer farmer’s market, let loose at one of the fantastic pool parties or enjoy a live performance by various regional artists.
Boomtown is one of the few casinos outside of downtown. It is nestled in the foothills of the Sierras and provides easy access to both downtown Reno and gorgeous Lake Tahoe. The scenic location and the variety of entertainment options for all ages make it an ideal destination for a family vacation.
Boomtown features some of the newest titles. There are around 600 individual games from which to choose. Also, the Boomtown’s repertoire includes everything from slots and video poker to roulette, blackjack and keno. And apart from casino-style games, the Boomtown offers a fun center – an absolute favorite among younger generations. It features popular arcades, thrilling rides and the latest craze in VR toys.
The hotel has 316 rooms, most of which provide a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and city. The accommodations are decent, and the rooms feature all the standard amenities, like flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, as well as complimentary coffee.
Circus Circus is another good option, and offers a slightly more luxurious experience. The hotel is the second largest in the city, with over 1,500 deluxe rooms. Parents can enjoy an array of casino-style games, while kids will be mesmerized by the enchanting circus performances.
The casino floor spans across nearly 66,000 square feet and houses over 900 slots, including a number of progressives. Fans of table and card games will have exquisite titles to choose from, including both the classics like blackjack and craps and exotic games such as Pai Gow Poker and Mississippi Stud. There’s also a sports book and a race book for sports fans who want to try their luck and knowledge.
The midway regularly hosts stunning circus acts, featuring incredibly talented performers that will leave everyone in awe. Interconnected with the Silver Legacy and the Eldorado Reno, Circus Circus features enthralling shows each day. Kids (and kids at heart) can also play a myriad of circus and arcade games, so you’ll never hear them say they’re bored.
Technically, Nugget isn’t in Reno, but a bit east in the nearby city of Sparks. Still, Nugget provides a superb casino experience in a contemporary environment. So, if gambling is the primary reason for your visit and you’re likely to spend most of your time on the casino floor, you won’t go wrong with this casino resort.
After recent renovations, this gorgeous casino spans across 52,000 square feet. The comprehensive experience Nugget provides rivals casinos in Vegas and Macau. Naturally, the casino floor is open round-the-clock. So, you’ll always be able to play your favorite slots or join a table.
This casino also encompasses a state-of-the-art poker room, a brand-new bingo hall, as well as a contemporary sports book. The sheer number of available games at the Nugget allows all types of gamblers to create an ideal casino experience for themselves, regardless of their game preference and bankroll.
There are 1,600 rooms and suites at the hotel, offering a stunning view of the entire city. Moreover, the Nugget also features a 20,000-seat ballroom, ideal for all kinds of events and conventions.
As we’ve mentioned, Harrah’s was the first establishment to offer a collection of casino games in the city. Today, Harrah’s is an excellent 4-star hotel operated by the world-famous Caesars Entertainment. Today, there are a total of 950 lavish rooms between the two towers.
As you would expect from this brand, the casino at Harrah’s offers an excellent assortment of popular casino games. The 40,000 square feet of casino space offers all of the classics, as well as a range of newer slot titles and exotic table games.
An interesting fact regarding this casino is that it has been home to Reno’s biggest jackpot. And not just once, but three times! So, if you believe there’s more to winning than just pure RNG, Harrah’s might bring you enough luck to hit that big win.
The casino at Harrah’s Reno is also known for the friendliness of their staff. Consequently, it’s one of the most approachable, especially for newbies and first-time gamblers.
The word “Grand” in the name of Grand Sierra Resort isn’t just for show. This resort is by far the largest in the Reno area, with over 2,000 exquisite rooms and a casino floor that’s among the largest in the world.
The Grand Sierra is located just 5 minutes away from the Reno Tahoe airport. This makes the GSR a perfect place to stay for first-timers in the “Biggest Little City in the World.” Grand Sierra Resort is the embodiment of everything this city has to offer. It boasts an expansive 80,000 square foot casino floor with an abundance of unique and exciting games.
The complex also features the renowned Fun Quest family center, a 50-lane bowling alley, an awesome golf course, a full-service spa, a plethora of fine dining options and a great array of night clubs. With such a wide selection of thrilling activities, there will never be a dull moment at Grand Sierra Resort.
The Silver Legacy is a surreal hotel that looks like it’s a product of CGI. The gorgeous tower that pierces the Reno sky, coupled with the 180-foot domed atrium gives this hotel and casino a futuristic look and a unique appeal.
The interior of the hotel is just as, if not more, impressive. The glittering marble floors, crystal chandeliers and exceptional pieces of the Mackay silver collection captivate every visitor and create an ambiance that no other hotel on the planet can replicate. Visitors can stay in one of 1,720 elegant rooms with comfortable, opulent furnishings.
The Silver Legacy casino occupies 85,000 square feet of gaming space. What is more, there are over 1,400 slots scattered throughout the floor. Furthermore, this casino houses 80 tables and features an enormous sports book video wall.
The atrium provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the hotel’s guests. The main attractions are artificially created thunderstorms and extraordinary laser shows. Other amenities, such as a full-service spa, fine dining options and specialty shops are also an integral part of the complex.
What’s intriguing about the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino is that it started out as a mere coffee shop and lounge. Nowadays, Peppermill boasts over 1,600 rooms and 600 luxury suites within the Tuscany tower, as well as a 107,000 square foot casino floor.
The 33,000 square foot award-winning spa corroborates our claims that Reno is a destination you visit when you wish to unwind and relax. If your goal is to pamper yourself, the indoor pool and the sun deck are an ideal stop before you head out to the casino.
The Peppermill Casino also offers an insane number of games, with 1,500 slots, 700 video poker machines and a myriad of table and card games. You’ll easily find the perfect game and thoroughly enjoy every minute you spend here.
Besides the spa and the casino, there are dozens of restaurants and bars in the hotel’s vicinity.
Eldorado combines the best of both worlds to bring its visitors a unique blend of luxury and friendly ambiance. The hotel provides 814 first-class accommodations and holds the title for the best rooms and suites.
The casino doesn’t lag behind, either. Across the 79,000 square feet of the casino floor, you’ll find 1,500 slot machines, hundreds of table games, poker tournaments and a spacious sports book.
Finally, to round out the experience at Eldorado, visit one of the nine award-winning restaurants. We warmly recommend the world-famous La Strada and Roxy if you’re looking for an exquisite dining experience. If you want to enjoy delicious food in a more relaxed atmosphere, the Brews Brothers is a perfect choice.
The AAA Four Diamond Atlantis Hotel & Casino is out of this world. Everything from the stunning architecture of the hotel, the gorgeous fountains on the walkway, the waterfalls that embellish the casino and the dining area contributes to a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Atlantis’ three towers offer a total of 814 rooms, many of which include a private jacuzzi. Additionally, there are two entire floors dedicated to VIP guests, which includes a dedicated spa floor that comes with yoga mats, various bath salts and other high-end products.
Guests can also take advantage of the unrestricted access to the resort’s sauna. Alternatively, you can schedule a massage or sunbathe next to a gorgeous pool.
This resort also features a spacious entertainment center that regularly hosts impressive acts and live performances. Atlantis is often home to business conferences as well since its meeting area can accommodate up to 1,000 people.
Did everything you’ve read so far convince you to spend your next vacation in the “Biggest Little City in the World?” If so, then you should come prepared.
So, if you’re new to the world of casino games, you can always try out a few in the “for fun” mode here at BoVegas. Likewise, you can play for real money to get a chance to win awesome prizes. And if you’re lucky, your winnings might cover the cost of the entire trip!
So, come check out the large assortment of slots, video poker titles, table and card games offered and properly prepare for an unforgettable gambling trip to Reno!
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