Tahoe's Casinos

by Alison Gray

No longer just places to wager a bet, Tahoe's casinos offer a multitude of entertainment options including dining, shows, shopping and spas. Here are some local spots worth a gamble:

Stateline

MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa

55 U.S. Highway 50 • (775) 588-3515 • www.montbleuresort.com
MontBleu caters to the young and chic with its nightclub, blu, Opal Ultra Lounge, big-name concerts and 12th story wedding chapel. Gaming highlights include No Limit Texas Hold'em tournaments and the Zone, a great place to watch—and bet on—all major sporting events. After a winning hand, try the fabulous steakhouse, Ciera, and if you lose, go with the buffet.

Harveys Lake Tahoe

12 U.S. Highway 50 • 1-800-HARVEYS • www.harveys.com
The Basin's biggest gaming space (65,820 square feet), Harveys should be on any gambler's short list. This casino tends to draw a younger crowd with its Cabo Wabo Cantina and six-day-a-week improv comedy at the Cabaret Theater. Be sure to head outside, though, to Harveys Outdoor Arena for concerts under the stars. This summer, look for performances by James Taylor, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.

Harrah's Lake Tahoe

15 U.S. Highway 50 • 1-800-HARRAHS • www.harrahs.com
Pocket your winnings or dinner at one of Harrah's seven restaurants. The popular Summit restaurant boasts food on par with its 16th story lake view. It's also worth leaving the craps table to spend time in the spa, Reflections, which specializes in holistic skincare and global beauty treatments. Also, check out the weekend entertainment at VEX nightclub and the shows at the South Shore Room.

Bill's Casino Lake Tahoe

15 U.S. Highway 50 • (775) 588-2455 • www.harrahs.com
With lower table limits and a more casual atmosphere, Bill's is South Shore's value-oriented gaming spot. As the only local casino sans a hotel, Bill's caters more to gamers than vacationers, and is the only smoke-free casino in the Tahoe area. Fear not, other vices are still encouraged via slot machines, video poker, table games and cheap drinks. Check out Bill's recent restaurant addition, Bar 24 Taproom & Grill, which offers outdoor dining and live music on weekends.

Horizon Casino Resort

50 U.S. Highway 50 • 1-800-648-3322 • www.horizoncasino.com
Considered the most family-friendly area casino, Horizon is home to the large arcade GameWorld, an eight-screen movie theater showing the latest blockbuster hits and all-age entertainment at the Golden Cabaret theater. Grown-up fun can be found on the large casino floor and in the Aspen Lounge, featuring live music and dancing on weekend nights.

Lakeside Inn and Casino

168 U.S. Highway 50 • 1-800-624-7980 • www.lakesideinn.com
The crowd at Lakeside is a little more low-key than its bar- and club-hopping neighbors. Known as the South Shore's locals' casino, it's popular for the wide selection of $2 drinks, prime rib at its Timber House Restaurant and good odds on the craps tables. If you don't know how to play, the friendly staff will help you learn.

Incline Village

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino

111 Country Club Drive • (775) 832-1234 • www.laketahoe.hyatt.com
The Hyatt feels more like a sophisticated mountain lodge than a gaming space. Though it's a 24-hour casino, gambling is almost a sidebar to the resort's other attractions, like relaxing at the luxurious Stillwater Spa, dining at the Lone Eagle Grille or enjoying a cocktail on the beach.

Crystal Bay

Cal Neva Resort, Casino & Spa

2 Stateline Road • 1-800-225-6382 • www.calnevaresort.com
Straddling the California and Nevada state lines, the Cal Neva is the North Shore's oldest casino. Penny slots, the Lakeview Dining Room, the Euro Spa and colorful history keep the crowds coming back year after year.

Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino

5 Highway 28 • 1-800-BILTMORE • www.tahoebiltmore.com
Tahoe Biltmore has no shortage of fun, with hundreds of slot and video poker machines, over a dozen table games and entertainment almost every night of the week. The Breeze nightclub fills quickly on weekends, and Café Biltmore is open round-the-clock.

Jim Kelley's Nugget

20 Highway 28 • (775) 831-0455
The smallest in the area, Jim Kelley's Nugget still manages to pack in video poker, the area's "loosest" slots and live poker games five days a week. For beer connoisseurs, the Nugget stocks approximately 100 brews. Indulge in one of each and earn a spot in the Beer Drinkers' Hall of Fame.

Crystal Bay Club Casino

14 Highway 28 • (775) 833-6333 • www.crystalbaycasino.com
Hosting several live shows weekly, often free concerts in the casino's Red Room, the Crystal Bay Club is the local music Mecca. There's gaming, of course—tables, machines and the popular Sports Book, complete with high-definition plasma screen TVs to track your bets. After a lucky pick, treat yourself to dinner at the Steak and Lobster House.