Reno's Top Casinos Walking Tour (Self Guided), Reno

The Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is a premier destination for those seeking luxurious accommodations, exciting gaming experiences, and top-notch amenities. The property, previously known as the Golden Road Motor Inn, Travelodge, Quality Inn, and Clarion, is owned and operated by Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. With its prime location and opulent offerings, the Atlantis competes directly with other renowned Reno establishments like the Peppermill Hotel Casino and Grand Sierra Resort.

The Atlantis boasts three hotel towers, collectively housing 824 guest rooms and suites. Guests can choose from a variety of stylish and comfortable accommodations to suit their preferences. The original tower, constructed in 1990 and later remodeled in 2002, was rebranded as the "Royal Dolphin Tower." These rooms feature mahogany accents, warm color tones, and an elevated level of sophistication. The second tower, built in 1994, underwent renovations in 2004 and now offers similar high-quality furnishings. It was aptly renamed the "Atrium Tower" due to its stunning lobby atrium, highlighted by signature glass elevators.

The casino floor at the Atlantis spans an impressive 64,814 square feet, providing ample space for a thrilling gaming experience. Guests can indulge in a wide range of casino games, including slot machines, table games, poker, and more. The casino's vibrant atmosphere and attentive staff create an exciting and engaging environment for both novice and seasoned players.

Beyond gaming, the Atlantis offers an array of amenities and entertainment options to cater to every guest's needs. The resort features a spa, where visitors can unwind and rejuvenate with a variety of treatments, from massages to facials. Additionally, guests can enjoy an exquisite dining experience at one of the resort's many restaurants, serving delectable cuisine ranging from gourmet steaks to fresh seafood. The Atlantis also boasts several bars and lounges, providing the perfect setting to relax with a drink and socialize.

Club Cal-Neva is a renowned casino located in Downtown Reno. Established on April 2, 1962, Club Cal-Neva has a rich history and has witnessed numerous changes in the vibrant landscape of Downtown Reno. As one of the oldest casinos in Northern Nevada, it has continuously adapted and evolved to maintain its presence in the region.

The casino spans an impressive 36,454 square feet and offers a variety of gaming options for visitors. With 849 slot machines, 41 table games, and 3 poker tables, there's no shortage of entertainment for avid gamblers. Additionally, Club Cal-Neva features a race and sports book where enthusiasts can place bets on their favorite sports events.

While not a large-scale casino, Club Cal-Neva has expanded over the years to offer an enjoyable gaming experience to its patrons. In the early 2000s, the casino held a lease for the 16-story Virginian Tower, a hotel with 125 rooms connected to the Club Cal-Neva Casino. However, the lease was not renewed in 2004, leading to the closure of the hotel. In the same year, Club Cal-Neva acquired the old Nevadan Tower across the street.

Despite changes in its hotel operations, Club Cal-Neva has remained a prominent figure in the Reno casino scene. It proudly stands as one of the last remaining original casinos in the city. The establishment actively participates in Reno events, including the popular "La Tomatina en Reno," an homage to the tomato fights in Spain. This event drew an impressive turnout of over 10,000 people during its inaugural run.

Harrah's Reno, located in downtown Reno, is a historic casino hotel that has recently closed its doors. The property is currently owned by CAI Investments, which has plans to transform the building into a mixed-use development called Reno City Center.

Harrah's Reno holds significance as the first property of the renowned Harrah's casino chain, established by William F. Harrah. Harrah opened his initial bingo parlor on October 29, 1937, but it was closed just a month later. Undeterred, he raised funds during the winter and reopened his casino under the name Heart Tango. Harrah gradually acquired neighboring casinos in close proximity to his Virginia Street establishment, steadily expanding his operation.

In 1968, Harrah acquired The Reno Golden Hotel and enlisted the expertise of prominent casino architect Martin Stern Jr. to design and construct a luxurious 24-story hotel tower on the site of the former Grand Hotel. This tower, which opened on October 10, 1969, added a new level of sophistication to the property.
In 1981, Holiday Inn, the new owners of Harrah's, added a 100-room tower to the existing 24-story structure. The expansion continued sideways in 1956 when Harrah's acquired Pick Hobson's Frontier Club next door. Gaming space extended to the buildings across Lincoln Alley, where the 1969 hotel tower was constructed, and the 1978 expansion across Center Street, connected via a two-story high airway.

Harrah's Reno boasted a showroom that hosted renowned headliners, comparable to those in Las Vegas. The showroom featured performances by esteemed artists such as Joan Rivers, the Smothers Brothers, Merle Haggard, Frank Sinatra, Wayne Newton, Captain and Tennille, and Mitzi Gaynor. Following the passing of Sammy Davis Jr. in 1991, the Headliner Room, where he frequently performed and was the opening night act, was renamed Sammy's Showroom in his honor.

While Harrah's Reno has closed its casino operations, the property holds a significant place in the history of downtown Reno. With plans to transform the building into Reno City Center, the site will undergo renovation and be repurposed for mixed-use, contributing to the ongoing revitalization of the area. The legacy of Harrah's Reno will be preserved, and the property will continue to play a role in the vibrant evolution of downtown Reno.

The Eldorado Resort Casino is a prominent hotel and casino that forms part of a connected network of hotel-casinos, including Circus Circus Reno and Silver Legacy Reno. All three properties are owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment.

The inception of the Eldorado was announced in July 1972 by a group of six investors, which included members of the influential Carano family in Reno. On May 24, 1973, the hotel officially opened its doors with 278 guest rooms, two restaurants, and a casino featuring 200 slot machines, 9 table games, and a keno game. The property also boasted a ballroom capable of accommodating up to 750 people, an underground parking garage, and executive suites, demonstrating the vision and ambition of the development.

A significant transformation took place in 1995 when the Eldorado underwent further expansion. During this time, the Silver Legacy Reno was being constructed as a joint venture between Eldorado Resorts and MGM Resorts International. As part of this expansion, the Eldorado introduced a crossover connection to the new downtown property, featuring the first-ever micro-brewery in a casino called The Brew Brothers. This unique establishment not only offers a wide selection of craft beers but also operates as a music venue and night club, enhancing the overall entertainment experience.

The addition of the Spa Tower was a highlight of the expansion, providing 10 floors of luxurious accommodations for guests. Alongside this, a state-of-the-art convention center spanning 10,175 square feet was introduced, catering to various events and gatherings. A 580-seat Broadway-style showroom was also included, hosting a range of captivating performances. As part of the expansion, a coffee roasting company was incorporated, further diversifying the on-site services available to guests.

Today the Eldorado Resort Casino continues to be a premier destination for visitors seeking excitement and luxury in downtown Reno.

Silver Legacy Resort & Casino is a prominent hotel and casino situated in downtown Reno. It forms part of a network of connected hotel-casinos in the downtown Reno core, alongside Circus Circus Reno and Eldorado Reno. With over 1,700 hotel rooms and suites, Silver Legacy is known for its extensive accommodations. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the tallest building in Reno, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.

Silver Legacy boasts a diverse selection of dining options, including six restaurants. Café Central, formerly known as Sweetwater Café and Café Sedona, provides a casual dining experience. Canter's Delicatessen, previously known as Fresh Express Food Court and Triple Play Sports Grill, offers a range of deli-style cuisine. For those seeking a fine dining experience, Ruth's Chris Steak House, formerly Sterling's Seafood Steakhouse, is an excellent choice. Other dining establishments include Sips Coffee and Tea, Starbucks, and The Pearl Oyster Bar & Grill, which pays homage to the former Fairchild's Oyster Bar that was open at Silver Legacy until 2013.

In addition to its dining options, Silver Legacy features a variety of retail stores within the resort casino. The Boutique, Tradewinds Casualwear, Reflections, Carriage House, The Gift Shop, and Chester's Harley-Davidson offer guests a range of shopping experiences. In 2015, two new retail stores were opened: Lil' Big Stuff Kid's Sweet Boutique, a children's store offering clothing, toys, accessories, and retro candy, and Libellule Florals, a floral boutique.

As part of the connected network of hotel-casinos, Silver Legacy contributes to the vibrant atmosphere and entertainment options in downtown Reno. Its blend of accommodations, gaming, dining, and retail experiences make it a premier destination for visitors seeking a memorable stay in the heart of the city.

Circus Circus Reno is a well-known hotel and casino that serves as an anchor for a network of connected hotel-casinos in the downtown Reno core, which includes Silver Legacy Reno and Eldorado Reno. All three properties are owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment.

With a total of 1,620 rooms, Circus Circus Reno stands as the second-largest hotel in downtown Reno and the third-largest in the entire Reno area. The casino, covering an expansive 66,515 square feet, offers a wide range of entertainment options for guests. One of the main highlights of Circus Circus Reno is the free circus acts that take place regularly throughout the day, providing thrilling performances for visitors. These acts are held on the midway, where guests can also enjoy 33 carnival games, adding to the lively and festive atmosphere.

The main structure of Circus Circus Reno was originally built as a Gray, Reid & Wright department store, which was the sole department store in the state of Nevada at the time. It opened its doors on November 7, 1957, replacing a previous store location that had been destroyed by a gas explosion on February 5, 1957. The site of the former store is now occupied by the Palladio condominiums. When the Reno Circus opened, it featured a small hotel and offered similar attractions to its Las Vegas counterpart.

The hotel boasts three towers: the North Tower, the Casino Tower, and the Sky Tower. In 1995, extensive renovations were completed, including a remodel of the mezzanine level where the restaurants are located, as well as the midway. A sky bridge was also constructed to connect Circus Circus Reno with the neighboring Silver Legacy. The towers are connected by a custom-made monorail known as the Sky Tower Shuttle, offering convenient transportation for guests. Additionally, two trams, the north tram and the south tram, lead to the Sky Tower, further enhancing accessibility within the property.

J Resort, formerly known as the Sands Regency Casino Hotel, is currently owned and operated by Jacobs Entertainment, Inc. The history of the property dates back to February 1965 when it first opened as the Sands Motor Inn, an 80-room motel developed by Pete Cladianos and his family. Over time, the property underwent expansions and renovations to become the J Resort that it is today.

In 1970, an addition was completed, introducing a five-story hotel building with 24 rooms and a casino featuring 40 slot machines. Despite not being located in the most desirable area of Reno at the time, the Sands Regency steadily grew in popularity. In 1979, the 15-story Regency Tower was constructed, offering an additional 300 hotel rooms and expanding the casino space. To settle a trademark complaint from the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, the property changed its name to the Sands Regent in 1985. However, this led to another complaint from the Regent Hotels chain, prompting another name change to the Sands Regency. By 1988, the Sands Regency underwent its final expansion, adding a third tower to the property.

The resort's reputation continued to grow with the addition of various amenities. In 1995, Tony Roma's, a popular restaurant chain, opened a new location at the Sands Regency. A comedy club was introduced in 2000, along with an original Mel's Diner, further enhancing the resort's offerings.

One distinctive feature of the Sands Regency is its vibrant exterior color schemes. For many years, the building was adorned in red with white accents. However, in 2003, the Sands Regent surprised locals and tourists by painting the exterior bright yellow with blue accents, eliciting mixed reactions. After the Herbst buyout, the resort underwent another transformation, with the exterior painted in a softer gold with red accents, creating a skyline depiction on the hotel towers' facade and garnering attention for its creativity.

The ownership of the Sands Regency changed hands several times over the years. In 2013, Affinity sold the property, along with the Gold Ranch and another casino in Dayton, Nevada, to Truckee Gaming for $19.2 million. Then, in July 2017, Jacobs Entertainment, Inc. acquired the property from Truckee Gaming for $30 million, leading to its rebranding as J Resort.