Gaming in Lake Tahoe
Many vacationers head to Tahoe to take advantage of the gaming opportunities on the Nevada side of the lake. Indeed, there are plenty of casinos here to quench your thirst for a little gambling and they boast some of the nicest accommodations in the area. Of course, everything else Lake Tahoe has to offer is within a short distance of these establishments, so it’s possible to combine your penchant for gaming with a little outdoor recreation as well.
While you’ll experience a lot less glitter and not quite as over-the-top accommodations as in Las Vegas, the casino resorts here are quite comfortable and a bit more personal. Nonetheless, you’ll find not only a variety of slots and table games but also theaters with top-notch entertainment, excellent dining, and more. Many of the casino resorts offer excellent package plans, especially around the shoulder season when the destination isn’t too crowded. Check them out before making reservations.
South Lake Tahoe
Casinos
- Horizon Casino Resort – Located in Stateline, NV, this resort includes a 539-room hotel, two live entertainment venues, a movie theater, a large arcade, three dining options including an extensive buffet restaurant, and – of course – a 42,000 square foot casino with slots. There’s also a full-service meeting and convention facility on site for corporate events.
- Harrah’s Lake Tahoe – One of the biggest names in gambling and hospitality is present in Lake Tahoe. Harrah’s Resort is one of the most popular destinations with gamers who come to the area on vacation. This resort includes 18 stories and more than 500 guest rooms and suites. There’s also a pool, first-class spa, six restaurants, and much more. The casino offers everything from slots to poker to popular table games like roulette, craps, baccarat, and black jack. Entertainment includes the South Shore Room and Casino Center Stage – which host top-name stars – and a comedy club. Corporate and social occasions, including weddings, can be accommodated here as well.
- Harvey’s Lake Tahoe – Owned by Harrah’s, Harvey’s Casino Resort was the first hotel ever to be built on the South Shore. It has more than 700 rooms and suites, many with exemplary views. Harvey’s 52,000 square-foot casino offers slots, keno, table games, poker, and a race and sports book where guests can wager on sporting events taking place throughout the country. Harvey’s also has an outdoor arena where they host a wonderful summer concert series that includes great names in show business, past and present.
- Mont Bleu Resort Casino and Spa – A Tropicana resort, Mont Bleu boasts 437 very luxurious guest rooms and suites, a lagoon-style indoor pool, a full-service plush spa, and several on-site theaters with live entertainment. The casino includes slots and video games, table games, poker, and sports and horse wagering. Like most of the Lake Tahoe casinos, it’s open 24/7.
- Lakeside Inn and Casino – Not as posh as the other casinos, this is the place for those who want the laid-back atmosphere of Lake Tahoe combined with some gaming opportunities. The rooms are done in lodge-style décor and the casino tends to be a lot less crowded than at the large resorts. You’ll find a variety of slots, a poker room, and table games including craps, black jack, and roulette. The casino even offers a “University of Lakeside” program that allows novice gamers to learn a little more about each game of chance offered at the casino.
North Lake Tahoe
- The Cal Neva Resort Spa Casino – Situated in Crystal Bay, the Cal Neva is spending some time closed for renovations but should reopen in summer 2010. Here, you’ll find newly restored guest rooms – 199 in all – with balconies that offer fantastic views of the lake and/or mountains. The onsite Crystal Bay Casino is the longest-running in the state of Nevada and though it’s intimate in size, it’s the preferred favorite of many who shun the larger casinos. Other hotel amenities include a spa, pool, hot tub, tennis courts, fitness center, and more. It’s claim to fame? Sinatra owned it in the early 1960s.
- Tahoe Biltmore Lodge and Casino – This smaller facility offers 113 guest rooms and several cottages overlooking the lake. Quite affordable, there are two restaurants on site – one casual and one formal, live shows, and a small casino with 240 slots, a sports book, and a number of table games. There’s also lots of flexible event space for weddings or corporate outings.
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