Players clubs are an important marketing tool of almost every Reno and Sparks casino. These clubs vary greatly as to what they offer their members. The “rewards,” as they are commonly called, include complimentary meals, drinks, spa treatments, hotel rooms and shows.
It’s obvious that a player’s value to the casino increases in accordance with the amount of time and/or money he or she spends gambling. Players, therefore are awarded “comps” according to their level of play (referred to with such names as Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum or Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, etc.). Since players who earn their points at one casino receive more comps than those who divide their business among several casinos, these single-casino players should take several factors into account when choosing where to play.
Ambience and Amenities are Most Important Consideration
Most important is ambience, so it’s a good idea for potential club members to visit several casinos before making choices and some information can be collected from websites like Online Casino Thailand. No matter how liberal a club’s comp policy is, the player should enjoy his or her surroundings while playing. Harrah’s, Eldorado, Silver Legacy, John Ascuagua’s Nugget in Sparks and the neighborhood Peppermill are among the favorites with an up-scale clientele. High Sierra and Atlantis are popular convention hotels that have large casinos.
Gaming visitors who plan overnight trips must also consider room quality as it’s usually more convenient to gamble and stay at the same hotel. Location is important, too. While downtown Reno and the stretch of South Virginia Street to the south of the casinos is considered safe, the areas occupied by some of the outlying casinos aren’t.
Quality and variety of restaurants is another important choice factor, as is the kind of entertainment offered. Free tickets to live entertainment that’s country music-themed aren’t valuable to people who prefer other kinds of shows. Factors that also should be considered are casino ventilation, noise levels, lighting and whether there are areas for non-smokers.
Variety and Frequency of Promotions Make a Difference
Some players will also be influenced by the number of special events and how often they are held. Most of these promotions are drawings and weekly slot, poker and/or blackjack tournaments. While some casinos hold the slot tournaments on only one or two days a week, others have them more frequently.
Although they’re often advertised as free, some of the tournaments in reality are not. To enter either of Gold Dust West’s twice weekly slot tournaments, club members must earn 50 points (using their own money) on the day of the tournament. If the player comes out ahead while accumulating those points, his entry is, in fact, free. However, if the player isn’t on a winning streak, getting those 50 points can cost a significant amount of cash.
By contrast, printed information about the video poker tournaments at John Ascuagua’s Nugget tells players in advance that they cost $5 John’s Club dollars or $5 cash to enter. The Nugget is one of the area’s most straightforward in explaining and expediting its awards. Each of the comp points is worth $1 in value at the casino’s restaurants, bars, shows and other amenities.
Understanding The Award Structure is Sometimes Difficult, but Vital
It also makes a difference whether a person is an area resident (referred to as “a local”) or a visitor when he or she decides which club to join. That’s because some Reno-Sparks casinos do not treat all members equally. Out of town members of Reno’s Peppermill, for example, receive offers of discounted or free hotel rooms, which Reno residents do not.
Before joining any player’s club, it’s important to be sure that one understands the award structure, as most of them tend to be obscure. It is also difficult – but not impossible – to figure how much money recorded by the machine results in the accumulation of one point.
Top Reno and Lake Tahoe Casinos
So, where’s the best place to play in Reno and Lake Tahoe? Well, a lot of that is relative. It depends on what games a person prefers, the atmosphere, the entertainment, and a whole variety of options. Here are some of the top casinos in the area, based on gaming, atmosphere, service, drinks, and food. Have fun, and play responsibly!
The Grand Sierra Resort
The Grand Sierra makes the top of the list because there are just so many gaming options there. The casino floor is massive, and they offer just about every slot and game imaginable. They still have the biggest showroom in the area, and they book a lot of big-name acts. They also have the only “celebrity” chef restaurants, with Charlie Palmer Fish and Steak. They have also added the famous Nikki Beach club to their list of entertainment options, so the Grand Sierra is one of the hippest resorts in town, too. The Grand Sierra is located at 2500 East 2nd Street, in Reno. Call 800-501-2651 for reservations.
The Peppermill
The Peppermill is a locals favorite, and has been for years. They offer a wide variety of table games, slots, and a poker room, along with the some of the most beautiful cocktail waitresses in Reno. The food is good to excellent, and they always have popular entertainment on their stages. Oh, and it consistently gets “Best place to gamble” awards locally and nationally. They have completed two major renovations with brand new rooms within the past few years, making it even more attractive and appealing. The Peppermill is located at 2707 South Virginia Street, in Reno, call 800-282-2444 for reservations.
The Eldorado
The Eldorado is another local favorite. It’s a big casino floor, they have a lot of games, including a poker room, sports book, and keno lounge, and the food at the Eldorado is always top notch. The Italian restaurant, La Strada, is always good, and they just spent millions to expand their buffet and add more food to the menu. Older rooms, but the best, most comfortable showroom in town, with some great shows, too. The Eldorado is located at 345 North Virginia Street in Reno, call 800-879-8879 for reservations.
John Ascuaga’s Nugget
This Sparks legend has been around since 1955, and it’s still a local favorite. The Nugget has great food, plenty of table games and slots, (big casino floor, actually), and free slot tournaments. Good cocktails and shows throughout the casino, too. Don’t miss bingo in the bingo parlor downstairs, too! The Nugget is located at 1100 Nugget Avenue in Sparks, call 800-648-1177 for reservations.
MontBleu Resort
The ultimate south shore destination, the MontBleu (the old Caesar’s) They have plenty of gaming action, good food, and entertainment, and the entire property has been upgraded since MontBleu took over. They are pet friendly, too. MontBleu is located at 55 Highway 50, Stateline, Nevada, call 888-829-7630 for reservations.
Harrah’s Tahoe
This is another big casino with lots of different gaming action. They have over 900 slots, host a leg of the World Poker Tour, and offer baccarat too. Great food and top-notch entertainment help Harrah’s make the list, too. Harrah’s is located at 15 Highway 50, Stateline, Nevada, call 800-HARRAHS for reservations.