Experience the Thrill of Lake Tahoe Gambling

Harveys Tahoe is where the “modern” South Shore casino became a reality when Bill Harrah bought the “Gateway Club” in 1955 for $500,000. He renovated it, added improvements and named it Harrah’s Lake Club. He later sold it to Harvey Gross for over 5 million dollars. It was the most expensive casino purchase of the time. Harveys has undergone several upgrades and remodels over the years, but there are some standouts. The Sage Room, on the 19th floor, has gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra, making the fine dining experience even tastier. Harveys Summer Concert Series hosts some of the biggest names in music entertainment. Aerosmith, Elton John, Sting, Lady Gaga, and Ken Chesney are just a sample.

The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Lake Tahoe opened as Del Webb’s Sahara Tahoe in 1965. Elvis Presley was the opening act and the featured act from 1971-1975. Elvis’ penthouse on the top floor was available to lodging guests when he wasn’t in-house. The property changed ownership several times before Hard Rock took over and spent over 60 million dollars renovating the property to keep its musical legacy in place in conjunction with the company’s core principles. Live music is a staple on weekends, and Vinyl is an after-hours club that hosts a variety of entertainment.  The Park Prime Steakhouse offers fine dining, and the Oyster Bar is a unique place for seafood, craft beers, and spirits. Fans of rock will find logo wear and memorabilia in the Hard Rock Shop.

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe is directly across Hwy 50 from Harveys. It was originally the Stateline Country Club and Nevada Club. Bill Harrah bought an interest in it in 1958. Harrah opened the South Shore Room in 1959 at a cost of 3.5 million dollars. Red Skelton performed to a sold-out 750 seat room. Harrah really wanted to add a hotel and was able to by going public for the financing in 1971. The hotel opened in 1973. Each 500 sq ft room was furnished with a fully stocked bar, bay windows, TVs, telephones, and two bathrooms. It earned the first five-star diamond rating in casino history. Harrah’s has been remodeled several times to retain its aura. Friday’s Station is on the top floor, and like the Sage Room at its sister property, Harveys has magnificent views. The South Shore Room is still hosting top talent, and Peek Nightclub rocks DJ’s nightly. 

Bally’s Lake Tahoe (formerly MontBleu) was founded in 2006, but the original casino opened in 1978 and was named the Park Tahoe for the historic, pioneer Park Family that owned it. Caesar’s World took over management of the property in 1979 and it became Caesar’s Tahoe. In line with Caesar’s name, the decor and uniforms of some staff became Roman-themed. Caesar’s brought some of the glitz from Las Vegas to Lake Tahoe. Caesar’s showroom hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Jimmy Buffett, Tony Bennett, and Cher were among the famous singers to perform. Joan Rivers, George Carlin, Jerry Seinfeld, and Rodney Dangerfield made people laugh. Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley gambled many nights and dollars away. Today, MontBleu hosts live entertainment from music to comedy on weekends; Opal Ultra Lounge is a top club to dance the night away, and Ciera Steak and Chop House is a Four Diamond fine dining restaurant.