Reno: Nevada Beyond the Strip

Reno legalized casino gambling in 1931, the same year Nevada did, and was the dominant Nevada casino city until Las Vegas overtook it in the 1950s. Today Reno is smaller, more relaxed, and significantly cheaper than Las Vegas, with the added appeal of Lake Tahoe just 30 minutes south.

Major casinos

The Eldorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus form the connected Eldorado Resorts complex downtown. The Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is south of downtown. The Peppermill Reno is a long-standing destination property. Boomtown is on the western edge near Verdi. Each has table games, slots, hotels, and dining.

Why Reno over Vegas

Significantly lower prices: hotel rooms often USD 60-120 versus USD 200-500 on the Strip. Lower table game minimums. Smaller crowds. Better access to outdoor recreation: Lake Tahoe, Mount Rose Ski Resort, the Truckee River whitewater park downtown.

The trade-offs: smaller casino floors, less entertainment variety, smaller restaurant scene, less impressive resort amenities. Vegas does scale and spectacle; Reno does affordability and accessibility.

Getting there

Reno-Tahoe International Airport offers direct flights from many West Coast cities. From Sacramento, San Francisco, or other Northern California cities: 2-4 hours by car. From Lake Tahoe: 30-60 minutes depending on the lake side.

When to visit

Summer brings warm weather and access to Lake Tahoe water recreation. Winter brings ski access with casino downtime. Spring and fall offer mild weather and lower hotel prices. Major events: Hot August Nights (classic car festival), the Great Reno Balloon Race (September), the Reno Rodeo (June).

Combine with Lake Tahoe

Many travelers split a trip between Reno casinos and Lake Tahoe outdoor activities. The drive between them is short and scenic. Tahoe South (Stateline) on the Nevada side has its own casinos including Harrah”s and Harveys.