Best Casino Stateline Nv

The Harvey's Resort Hotel bombing took place on August 26–27, 1980, when several men masquerading as photocopier deliverers planted an elaborately booby trappedbomb containing 1,000 pounds (450 kg) of dynamite at Harvey's Resort Hotel (now 'Harveys') in Stateline, Nevada, United States.^[1] After an attempt to disarm the bomb, it exploded causing extensive damage to the hotel but no injuries or deaths. The total cost of the damage was estimated to be around $18 million.^[2] John Birges Sr. was convicted of having made the bomb with a goal of extorting money from the casino after having lost $750,000 there. He died in prison in 1996, at the age of 74.

Background[edit]

John Birges Sr. was a Hungarian immigrant to Clovis, California. He flew for the German Luftwaffe during World War II. He was captured and sentenced to 25 years of hard labor in the Sovietgulag. Eight years into his sentence in the gulag, he was released during a period of mass repatriation of POWs held in the Soviet Union to their home countries, and returned to Hungary. From there, he immigrated to the U.S. and built a successful landscaping business, but his addiction to gambling led to his losing a large amount of money and prompted the bomb plot.^[3] His gambling debt and experience with explosives were primary pieces of evidence linking him to the bombing.^[4]

Play and stay at Harrah's Lake Tahoe, the hotel and casino with all the action, adventure, relaxation, and entertainment you need for the perfect Tahoe escape. The Sands Regency Casino Hotel in Downtown Reno is a fun locals casino with some great restaurants and the best bingo games in town. The 800 guest rooms and 700 non-smoking rooms have 24-hour room. #4 of 5 Casinos & Gambling in Stateline 'She got us into a Super Bowl event at the casino that was super fun with great food and a complete blast!' 'Of all the casinos in the area, this hotel has the best Sports Betting Area and the best sports bar to watch the games - put at least $20 in the games at the bar - watch the game, drink a beer.

Bombing[edit]

As the mastermind behind the bomb, now-former millionaire Birges was attempting to extort $3 million ($9.3 million in 2019) from the casino, claiming he had lost $750,000 ($2.3 million in 2019) gambling there.

The FBI went to the spot that they believed to be the ransom drop, but due to vague directions, Birges was waiting at a different location. No money was paid to Birges.^[5]

The bomb was cleverly built and virtually tamper-proof. The ransom note stated that the bomb could not be disarmed even by the bomb builder, but if paid $3 million he would give instructions on which combination of switches would allow the bomb to be moved and remotely detonated.^[5] The FBI determined that it would take four men to move it and there was no way to know if the bomb was truly disarmed or safe to move. The FBI decided that the bomb would have to be disarmed in the hotel. All guests and staff were evacuated from the hotel and the gas main was shut off.^[5]

After studying the bomb for more than a day through x-rays, bomb technicians decided that, although there were warnings from the bomb maker that a shock would trigger the device, the best hope of disarming it was by separating the detonators from the dynamite. The technicians thought this could be accomplished using a shaped charge of C-4. The attempt to disarm the bomb failed as the technicians did not know that dynamite had also been placed in the top box containing the detonation circuit; the shaped charge detonated the top box explosives, which caused the rest of the bomb to detonate. The bomb destroyed much of the hotel, although no one was injured. Harrah's Casino (which was connected to Harvey's Resort via a tunnel) was also damaged by the explosion, which broke many of the casino's windows.^[6][7]

The bomb, one of the largest the FBI had ever seen, was loaded with an estimated 1,000 lb (450 kg) of dynamite stolen from a construction site in Fresno, California. According to FBI experts, the Harvey's bomb remains the most complex improvised explosive device they have examined, and a replica of 'the machine', as the extortionists called it, was still used in FBI training as of 2009.^[1]

Are Stateline Nv Casinos Open

Investigation[edit]

Birges was investigated as a possible suspect due to his white van being identified as being in South Tahoe at the time of the bombing.^[5] Birges was eventually arrested based on a tip.^[8][9] One of his sons had revealed to his then-girlfriend that his father had placed a bomb in Harvey's. After the two broke up, she was on a date with another man when they heard about a reward for information, and she informed her new boyfriend about Birges. This man then called the FBI.^[6]

Birges was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole.^[10] In 1996, at the age of 74, he died of liver cancer at the Southern Nevada Correctional Center, 16 years and a day after the bombing.

References[edit]

1. ^ ^ab'A Byte Out of History: The Case of the Harvey's Casino Bomb FBI'. U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. August 26, 2009. Archived from the original on August 9, 2016. Retrieved July 27, 2016.
2. ^Hoffman, Ryan (August 21, 2020). '40 years ago, Tahoe casino bombing was biggest in U.S. history'. The Record Courier.
3. ^'Federal Grand Jury Indicts 6 in Bombing of Casino at Tahoe'. The New York Times. Associated Press. August 19, 1981. Archived from the original on September 14, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
4. ^Esposito, Richard; Gerstein, Ted (March 6, 2007). Bomb Squad: a year inside the nation's most exclusive police unit. Hyperion. p. 178. ISBN978-1-4013-0152-1. Archived from the original on June 26, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2011.
5. ^ ^abcdHigginbotham, Adam (2014). 'A Thousand Pounds of Dynamite'. The Atavist Magazine. Archived from the original on October 9, 2015. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
6. ^ ^abVogel, Ed (August 27, 2005). 'Casino explosion nearly forgotten'. Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on October 28, 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2011.
7. ^Fabio, Adam. 'This is What A Real Bomb Looks Like'. Archived from the original on February 19, 2016. Retrieved February 8, 2016.
8. ^King, Wayne (August 18, 1981). 'F.B.I. Says Casino Bombing Figure Considered Coast Bank Extortion'. The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 24, 2015. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
9. ^Special to the New York Times (August 17, 1981). 'Arrests Reported in Casino Bombing'. The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 14, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
10. ^'Conviction in Casino Bombing'. The New York Times. October 23, 1982. Archived from the original on September 14, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2017.

Further reading[edit]

• Birges, John, Jr.; Arnold, Nina J. (2010). Bombing Harvey. New York: Vantage Press. ISBN978-0533163809. Archived from the original on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2020-01-10.
• Sloan, Jim (2011). Render Safe: The Untold Story of the Harvey's Bombing.

Lakeside Casino Stateline Nv

This entertaining casino right on the border is only one part of a facility that also features comfortable rooms with lake views and access to California's Kings Beach. When you decide to test Lady Luck, you'll find at your disposal 200-plus slot and video poker machines, a sportsbook, and enticing table games of roulette, craps, and blackjack. Regular tournaments are also part of the gaming fun. The Biltmore also offers custom wedding packages that are affordable and elegant. The Tahoe Biltmore is also Lake Tahoe's best lodging value, offering 113 reasonably priced and well-appointed rooms and suites in the main hotel and quaint cottages overlooking Lake Tahoe.

Recommended for Casinos because: The Tahoe Biltmore is located on the beautiful North Shore and is away from the crowds of South Lake Tahoe.

Christina's expert tip: The Tahoe Biltmore's cafe is known for its large, inexpensive breakfasts. Check out the $7.99 buttermilk pancakes.

The Lucky Beaver is a 24 hours sports bar on the Nevada side of the lake that also offers video poker and a large menu full of great burgers, sandwiches, salads and an appetizer menu with chicken wings and the famous Tower of Onion Rings. All of the Lucky Beaver's 1/2 lb. burgers are made with a combination of short ribs and chuck roast and are tall and juicy. The classic Beaver Burger is only $12 with all the fixings and the Gambler with applewood smoked bacon, beer-battered onion rings, smoky BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese is $14. The bar features popular beers on tap as well as in the bottle and serves up signature cocktails, wine and beer. The bar has video poker and large screen TVs that show various sports and special events and the bar is hopping on Super Bowl Sunday and during other local and regional football events.

Recommended for Casinos because: While not an official casino, the Lucky Beaver does have plenty of poker slots located at the bar.

Christina's expert tip: The Lucky Beaver's burgers are some of the best in the area. They also serve the plant-based Impossible Burger.

Boomtown is located just west of Reno and just a few miles from the California town of Truckee. This large hotel and casino offers stylish rooms, great dining and service and a full casino that includes 11 table games like Blackjack and Poker and various slots. Boomtown has been rated #1 in the area for both Blackjack and video poker and has one of the friendliest player clubs in the area. The 318 room hotel is just steps away from the casino and offers suites with Serta pillow top mattresses, large bathrooms and great service. The dining areas in the casino include the Bistro 2100 casual eatery and the famous Lobster Buffet with all you can eat lobster, seafood, salad bar and dessert bar. Other restaurants and bars include the Sports Dog in the sports club and Baja Mexican. Families are welcome at Boomtown and kids will love the 30,000 square foot Fun Center which includes a classic carousel, Ferris wheel, Rodeo Rider, miniature golf, token games and even a bounce house.

Recommended for Casinos because: Boomtown is not officially in Tahoe, but it is about 15 minutes from Downtown Reno and 20 minutes from the international airport.

Christina's expert tip: Boomtown is a large, fully equipped hotel and casino in between Tahoe and Renoâ�' right next to Cabela's.

Harvey's was the very first casino hotel built on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Opening in 1944, Harvey's now has a chic, modern décor in the 740 hotel rooms and suites as well as a full-appointed casino. Located right next door to the Heavenly ski area and partners with Harrah's, Harvey's gives you easy access to all the four-season thrills that Lake Tahoe has to offer. Harveys Lake Tahoe Casino has over 900 of the hottest Lake Tahoe slots, including the only Wheel of Fortune Super Spin machines in Northern Nevada. The casino also has tables games, Keno and a comfortable poker room.

Recommended for Casinos because: Harvey's has a relaxed, low-key casino as well as the hilarious Improv comedy club.

Christina's expert tip: The 19 Kitchen Bar is a modern lounge with a lake view, offering specialty drinks and small plates.

Harrah's Lake Tahoe in Stateline is another of the larger casinos in the area and offers everything you will need for your stay at the lake. The hotel features an 18-story tower with award-winning guestrooms and gives Lake Tahoe visitors' easy access to all the excitement of our casino and the relaxation awaiting at the magnificent swimming pool and a luxurious spa. The casino has over 900 of the hottest Lake Tahoe slots and table games like craps, roulette, blackjack and poker. Dining includes the American River Cafe, Friday's Station Steak & Seafood and the Forest Buffet with views of the lake. The PEEK nightclub is the newest nightspot at the lake and has 40 intimate VIP sections and books the hottest DJs from L.A., New York City and Las Vegas.

Recommended for Casinos because: Harrah's has been offering great resort and casino amenities in South Tahoe since 1955.

Christina's expert tip: Harrah's Forest Buffet is located on the 18th floor and features amazing views of Lake Tahoe.

The Montbleu has 437 luxurious hotel rooms, many with spectacular lake and mountain views. The suites are designed for conferencing and entertaining and feature a living area, big screen TV, dining and wet bar. Wireless internet access is available throughout the resort for a nominal fee. The resort also has several areas for dining including the award-winning Ciera restaurant which features an exquisite array of steaks and chops, fresh seafood and vegetarian entrees, complemented by an international selection of 300 wines and champagnes. The resort has a high-class casino with various table games, slots, tournaments and special clubs for participants. The full service spa includes a fitness center, private relaxation rooms, saunas, whirlpools and eucalyptus steam rooms.

Recommended for Casinos because: The MontBleu is a stylish and fun resort casino that offers great concerts and special events.

Christina's expert tip: The Opal Ultra Lounge nightclub at MontBleu offers weekend special events such as free ladies nights.

The Lakeside Inn and Casino has become of the local's favorite casinos and is more than welcoming to visitors as well. The casino offers a hotel with value rooms that are decorated with a Tahoe lodge style, free WiFi, coffee, a pool and hot tub and some pet-friendly rooms. The casino offers all the favorite games including poker tables, slots, craps, Blackjack and a Player's Club with special offers. The Lakeside also has a race and sportsbook that features all the top betting games and special events like the Super Bowl and the World Cup. When you are not playing at the Lakeside, you can be eating instead. The Inn and Casino feature The Timbers restaurant with its lodge-inspired decor and relaxed menu. The Lakeside also features several bars with table games and slots.

Recommended for Casinos because: The Lakeside is one of the friendliest casinos where you will meet Tahoe locals out for dinner.

Christina's expert tip: The Lakeside Inn & Casino is located a little farther away from the larger casinos, so it has a more quiet and laid back feel in this casino-centric area of the lake.

The Hyatt's Grand Lodge Casino is only one aspect of an enviable resort, which features a spa, top restaurants, a pool, and access to everything from skiing and hiking to golf and boating. No matter your gaming pleasure, you'll find something to test your luck: slot machines, video poker, a sportsbook, and table games like craps, roulette, and blackjack. Weekly video poker and blackjack tournaments invite participants for a $25 buy-in, and live entertainment is an evening standard. The pet-friendly hotel also features 422 guestrooms, including private lakeside cottages. The Hyatt Lake Tahoe is also home to the 10Best favorite restaurant, Lone Eagle Grille.

Recommended for Casinos because: The Hyatt in Incline is a classy and beautiful casino resort away from the crowds of South Shore.

Christina's expert tip: Enjoy one of the best views of the lake on the deck of the Lone Eagle Grille.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is the newest casino hotel in the South Lake Tahoe area. This fully integrated resort has a 25,000 square foot casino with over 500 slot machines and various table games. The hotel boasts 539 rooms as well as multiple restaurants, bars, outdoor venues and the largest outdoor pool area in South Lake Tahoe. The casino's restaurants and bars include Park Prime featuring features local grass-fed beef, premium seafood and specialty cocktails. The Center Bar is located in the heart of the casino and is the place to be seen as is the Oyster Bar. The bar's stage featured nightly music and a large LED screen to watch concerts and videos.

Recommended for Casinos because: The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has nightly live music and regular special gaming events.

Christina's expert tip: The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino features hundreds of pieces of rock and roll memorabilia including some Elvis Presley items.

The Harvey's Resort Hotel bombing took place on August 26–27, 1980, when several men masquerading as photocopier deliverers planted an elaborately booby trappedbomb containing 1,000 pounds (450 kg) of dynamite at Harvey's Resort Hotel (now 'Harveys') in Stateline, Nevada, United States.^[1] After an attempt to disarm the bomb, it exploded causing extensive damage to the hotel but no injuries or deaths. The total cost of the damage was estimated to be around $18 million.^[2] John Birges Sr. was convicted of having made the bomb with a goal of extorting money from the casino after having lost $750,000 there. He died in prison in 1996, at the age of 74.

Background[edit]

John Birges Sr. was a Hungarian immigrant to Clovis, California. He flew for the German Luftwaffe during World War II. He was captured and sentenced to 25 years of hard labor in the Sovietgulag. Eight years into his sentence in the gulag, he was released during a period of mass repatriation of POWs held in the Soviet Union to their home countries, and returned to Hungary. From there, he immigrated to the U.S. and built a successful landscaping business, but his addiction to gambling led to his losing a large amount of money and prompted the bomb plot.^[3] His gambling debt and experience with explosives were primary pieces of evidence linking him to the bombing.^[4]

Play and stay at Harrah's Lake Tahoe, the hotel and casino with all the action, adventure, relaxation, and entertainment you need for the perfect Tahoe escape. The Sands Regency Casino Hotel in Downtown Reno is a fun locals casino with some great restaurants and the best bingo games in town. The 800 guest rooms and 700 non-smoking rooms have 24-hour room. #4 of 5 Casinos & Gambling in Stateline 'She got us into a Super Bowl event at the casino that was super fun with great food and a complete blast!' 'Of all the casinos in the area, this hotel has the best Sports Betting Area and the best sports bar to watch the games - put at least $20 in the games at the bar - watch the game, drink a beer.

Bombing[edit]

As the mastermind behind the bomb, now-former millionaire Birges was attempting to extort $3 million ($9.3 million in 2019) from the casino, claiming he had lost $750,000 ($2.3 million in 2019) gambling there.

The FBI went to the spot that they believed to be the ransom drop, but due to vague directions, Birges was waiting at a different location. No money was paid to Birges.^[5]

The bomb was cleverly built and virtually tamper-proof. The ransom note stated that the bomb could not be disarmed even by the bomb builder, but if paid $3 million he would give instructions on which combination of switches would allow the bomb to be moved and remotely detonated.^[5] The FBI determined that it would take four men to move it and there was no way to know if the bomb was truly disarmed or safe to move. The FBI decided that the bomb would have to be disarmed in the hotel. All guests and staff were evacuated from the hotel and the gas main was shut off.^[5]

After studying the bomb for more than a day through x-rays, bomb technicians decided that, although there were warnings from the bomb maker that a shock would trigger the device, the best hope of disarming it was by separating the detonators from the dynamite. The technicians thought this could be accomplished using a shaped charge of C-4. The attempt to disarm the bomb failed as the technicians did not know that dynamite had also been placed in the top box containing the detonation circuit; the shaped charge detonated the top box explosives, which caused the rest of the bomb to detonate. The bomb destroyed much of the hotel, although no one was injured. Harrah's Casino (which was connected to Harvey's Resort via a tunnel) was also damaged by the explosion, which broke many of the casino's windows.^[6][7]

The bomb, one of the largest the FBI had ever seen, was loaded with an estimated 1,000 lb (450 kg) of dynamite stolen from a construction site in Fresno, California. According to FBI experts, the Harvey's bomb remains the most complex improvised explosive device they have examined, and a replica of 'the machine', as the extortionists called it, was still used in FBI training as of 2009.^[1]

Are Stateline Nv Casinos Open

Investigation[edit]

Birges was investigated as a possible suspect due to his white van being identified as being in South Tahoe at the time of the bombing.^[5] Birges was eventually arrested based on a tip.^[8][9] One of his sons had revealed to his then-girlfriend that his father had placed a bomb in Harvey's. After the two broke up, she was on a date with another man when they heard about a reward for information, and she informed her new boyfriend about Birges. This man then called the FBI.^[6]

Birges was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole.^[10] In 1996, at the age of 74, he died of liver cancer at the Southern Nevada Correctional Center, 16 years and a day after the bombing.

References[edit]

1. ^ ^ab'A Byte Out of History: The Case of the Harvey's Casino Bomb FBI'. U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. August 26, 2009. Archived from the original on August 9, 2016. Retrieved July 27, 2016.
2. ^Hoffman, Ryan (August 21, 2020). '40 years ago, Tahoe casino bombing was biggest in U.S. history'. The Record Courier.
3. ^'Federal Grand Jury Indicts 6 in Bombing of Casino at Tahoe'. The New York Times. Associated Press. August 19, 1981. Archived from the original on September 14, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
4. ^Esposito, Richard; Gerstein, Ted (March 6, 2007). Bomb Squad: a year inside the nation's most exclusive police unit. Hyperion. p. 178. ISBN978-1-4013-0152-1. Archived from the original on June 26, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2011.
5. ^ ^abcdHigginbotham, Adam (2014). 'A Thousand Pounds of Dynamite'. The Atavist Magazine. Archived from the original on October 9, 2015. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
6. ^ ^abVogel, Ed (August 27, 2005). 'Casino explosion nearly forgotten'. Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on October 28, 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2011.
7. ^Fabio, Adam. 'This is What A Real Bomb Looks Like'. Archived from the original on February 19, 2016. Retrieved February 8, 2016.
8. ^King, Wayne (August 18, 1981). 'F.B.I. Says Casino Bombing Figure Considered Coast Bank Extortion'. The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 24, 2015. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
9. ^Special to the New York Times (August 17, 1981). 'Arrests Reported in Casino Bombing'. The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 14, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
10. ^'Conviction in Casino Bombing'. The New York Times. October 23, 1982. Archived from the original on September 14, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2017.

Further reading[edit]

• Birges, John, Jr.; Arnold, Nina J. (2010). Bombing Harvey. New York: Vantage Press. ISBN978-0533163809. Archived from the original on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2020-01-10.
• Sloan, Jim (2011). Render Safe: The Untold Story of the Harvey's Bombing.

Lakeside Casino Stateline Nv

This entertaining casino right on the border is only one part of a facility that also features comfortable rooms with lake views and access to California's Kings Beach. When you decide to test Lady Luck, you'll find at your disposal 200-plus slot and video poker machines, a sportsbook, and enticing table games of roulette, craps, and blackjack. Regular tournaments are also part of the gaming fun. The Biltmore also offers custom wedding packages that are affordable and elegant. The Tahoe Biltmore is also Lake Tahoe's best lodging value, offering 113 reasonably priced and well-appointed rooms and suites in the main hotel and quaint cottages overlooking Lake Tahoe.

Recommended for Casinos because: The Tahoe Biltmore is located on the beautiful North Shore and is away from the crowds of South Lake Tahoe.

Christina's expert tip: The Tahoe Biltmore's cafe is known for its large, inexpensive breakfasts. Check out the $7.99 buttermilk pancakes.

The Lucky Beaver is a 24 hours sports bar on the Nevada side of the lake that also offers video poker and a large menu full of great burgers, sandwiches, salads and an appetizer menu with chicken wings and the famous Tower of Onion Rings. All of the Lucky Beaver's 1/2 lb. burgers are made with a combination of short ribs and chuck roast and are tall and juicy. The classic Beaver Burger is only $12 with all the fixings and the Gambler with applewood smoked bacon, beer-battered onion rings, smoky BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese is $14. The bar features popular beers on tap as well as in the bottle and serves up signature cocktails, wine and beer. The bar has video poker and large screen TVs that show various sports and special events and the bar is hopping on Super Bowl Sunday and during other local and regional football events.

Recommended for Casinos because: While not an official casino, the Lucky Beaver does have plenty of poker slots located at the bar.

Christina's expert tip: The Lucky Beaver's burgers are some of the best in the area. They also serve the plant-based Impossible Burger.

Boomtown is located just west of Reno and just a few miles from the California town of Truckee. This large hotel and casino offers stylish rooms, great dining and service and a full casino that includes 11 table games like Blackjack and Poker and various slots. Boomtown has been rated #1 in the area for both Blackjack and video poker and has one of the friendliest player clubs in the area. The 318 room hotel is just steps away from the casino and offers suites with Serta pillow top mattresses, large bathrooms and great service. The dining areas in the casino include the Bistro 2100 casual eatery and the famous Lobster Buffet with all you can eat lobster, seafood, salad bar and dessert bar. Other restaurants and bars include the Sports Dog in the sports club and Baja Mexican. Families are welcome at Boomtown and kids will love the 30,000 square foot Fun Center which includes a classic carousel, Ferris wheel, Rodeo Rider, miniature golf, token games and even a bounce house.

Recommended for Casinos because: Boomtown is not officially in Tahoe, but it is about 15 minutes from Downtown Reno and 20 minutes from the international airport.

Christina's expert tip: Boomtown is a large, fully equipped hotel and casino in between Tahoe and Renoâ�' right next to Cabela's.

Harvey's was the very first casino hotel built on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Opening in 1944, Harvey's now has a chic, modern décor in the 740 hotel rooms and suites as well as a full-appointed casino. Located right next door to the Heavenly ski area and partners with Harrah's, Harvey's gives you easy access to all the four-season thrills that Lake Tahoe has to offer. Harveys Lake Tahoe Casino has over 900 of the hottest Lake Tahoe slots, including the only Wheel of Fortune Super Spin machines in Northern Nevada. The casino also has tables games, Keno and a comfortable poker room.

Recommended for Casinos because: Harvey's has a relaxed, low-key casino as well as the hilarious Improv comedy club.

Christina's expert tip: The 19 Kitchen Bar is a modern lounge with a lake view, offering specialty drinks and small plates.

Harrah's Lake Tahoe in Stateline is another of the larger casinos in the area and offers everything you will need for your stay at the lake. The hotel features an 18-story tower with award-winning guestrooms and gives Lake Tahoe visitors' easy access to all the excitement of our casino and the relaxation awaiting at the magnificent swimming pool and a luxurious spa. The casino has over 900 of the hottest Lake Tahoe slots and table games like craps, roulette, blackjack and poker. Dining includes the American River Cafe, Friday's Station Steak & Seafood and the Forest Buffet with views of the lake. The PEEK nightclub is the newest nightspot at the lake and has 40 intimate VIP sections and books the hottest DJs from L.A., New York City and Las Vegas.

Recommended for Casinos because: Harrah's has been offering great resort and casino amenities in South Tahoe since 1955.

Christina's expert tip: Harrah's Forest Buffet is located on the 18th floor and features amazing views of Lake Tahoe.

The Montbleu has 437 luxurious hotel rooms, many with spectacular lake and mountain views. The suites are designed for conferencing and entertaining and feature a living area, big screen TV, dining and wet bar. Wireless internet access is available throughout the resort for a nominal fee. The resort also has several areas for dining including the award-winning Ciera restaurant which features an exquisite array of steaks and chops, fresh seafood and vegetarian entrees, complemented by an international selection of 300 wines and champagnes. The resort has a high-class casino with various table games, slots, tournaments and special clubs for participants. The full service spa includes a fitness center, private relaxation rooms, saunas, whirlpools and eucalyptus steam rooms.

Recommended for Casinos because: The MontBleu is a stylish and fun resort casino that offers great concerts and special events.

Christina's expert tip: The Opal Ultra Lounge nightclub at MontBleu offers weekend special events such as free ladies nights.

The Lakeside Inn and Casino has become of the local's favorite casinos and is more than welcoming to visitors as well. The casino offers a hotel with value rooms that are decorated with a Tahoe lodge style, free WiFi, coffee, a pool and hot tub and some pet-friendly rooms. The casino offers all the favorite games including poker tables, slots, craps, Blackjack and a Player's Club with special offers. The Lakeside also has a race and sportsbook that features all the top betting games and special events like the Super Bowl and the World Cup. When you are not playing at the Lakeside, you can be eating instead. The Inn and Casino feature The Timbers restaurant with its lodge-inspired decor and relaxed menu. The Lakeside also features several bars with table games and slots.

Recommended for Casinos because: The Lakeside is one of the friendliest casinos where you will meet Tahoe locals out for dinner.

Christina's expert tip: The Lakeside Inn & Casino is located a little farther away from the larger casinos, so it has a more quiet and laid back feel in this casino-centric area of the lake.

The Hyatt's Grand Lodge Casino is only one aspect of an enviable resort, which features a spa, top restaurants, a pool, and access to everything from skiing and hiking to golf and boating. No matter your gaming pleasure, you'll find something to test your luck: slot machines, video poker, a sportsbook, and table games like craps, roulette, and blackjack. Weekly video poker and blackjack tournaments invite participants for a $25 buy-in, and live entertainment is an evening standard. The pet-friendly hotel also features 422 guestrooms, including private lakeside cottages. The Hyatt Lake Tahoe is also home to the 10Best favorite restaurant, Lone Eagle Grille.

Recommended for Casinos because: The Hyatt in Incline is a classy and beautiful casino resort away from the crowds of South Shore.

Christina's expert tip: Enjoy one of the best views of the lake on the deck of the Lone Eagle Grille.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is the newest casino hotel in the South Lake Tahoe area. This fully integrated resort has a 25,000 square foot casino with over 500 slot machines and various table games. The hotel boasts 539 rooms as well as multiple restaurants, bars, outdoor venues and the largest outdoor pool area in South Lake Tahoe. The casino's restaurants and bars include Park Prime featuring features local grass-fed beef, premium seafood and specialty cocktails. The Center Bar is located in the heart of the casino and is the place to be seen as is the Oyster Bar. The bar's stage featured nightly music and a large LED screen to watch concerts and videos.

Recommended for Casinos because: The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has nightly live music and regular special gaming events.

Christina's expert tip: The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino features hundreds of pieces of rock and roll memorabilia including some Elvis Presley items.

The Crystal Bay Casino has been voted one of the best casinos in the Lake Tahoe area, but they don't let it go to their head. This casual and friendly casino on the North Shore has become known for its excellent selection of live shows as well as for their lively casino. Many locals hang out at the Crystal Bay on the weekends to enjoy the numerous entertainment that the Crystal Bay books. Acts include legends like Dick Dale and Los Lonely Boys as well as fun bands like Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers, the White Buffalo, Super Diamond and Tainted Love. The Crystal Bay also has comedy acts and special events with bands like the Sierra Leone Refugee Allstars. And the best thing? A lot of these music events are free. During the shows in the Crown Room, there is no smoking allowed, but dancing is. The Crystal Bay's Sports Book offers full-service action on HD Plasma monitors, the casino has table games like Blackjack, Double Odds Craps, $2 and $4 Texas Hold'em and Roulette as well as numerous slots.

Recommended for Casinos because: The Crystal Bay Casino is probably the friendliest casino in the area where you can meet locals.

Christina's expert tip: The live music acts, such as Rising Appalachia and the Pink Floyd tributes, at the Crystal Bay Club are some of the best at the lake.