Destination Information - Reno, Nevada, USA

Before the 1960s, Reno was the gambling capital of the United States, but Las Vegas' rapid rise, American Airlines' buyout of Reno Air and the growth of Indian gaming in California have seriously reduced its business. Older casinos were either torn down (Mapes, Nevada Club, Harold's Club, Palace Club) and smaller casinos like the Comstock, Sundowner, Golden Phoenix, Kings Inn, Money Tree, Virginian, and Riverboat closed. Reno casinos experience slow days during the week, especially during winter, when mountain passes are closed to through traffic from California. Only during weekends, holidays and special events does Reno see an increase in business.

Some local casinos have shown significant growth and have moved gaming further away form the Virginia Street core. These would be the Atlantis, the Peppermill and the Grand Sierra Resort. The Peppermill is viewed as the most outstanding Reno gaming/hotel property by Casino Player and Nevada Magazines. In 2005,the Peppermill Hotel Casino began a $300 million dollar Tuscan-themed expansion.

In an effort to bring more tourism to the area, Reno holds several events throughout the year, all of which have been extremely successful. They include Hot August Nights (a classic car convention and rally and it has old Rock 'n' Roll.), Street Vibrations (a motorcycle fan gathering and rally), The Great Reno Balloon Race, the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off (held in Sparks), a Cinco de Mayo celebration, bowling tournaments (held in the National Bowling Stadium) and the Reno Air Races.