The California/Nevada state line divides Lake Tahoe in half from north to south. Gambling is legal only in Nevada, which means all Lake Tahoe casinos are in that state, but close enough to the state line that you can stay in one state and gamble in the other. You will find casinos at towns on the Nevada side of the lake in North Lake Tahoe or in the town of Stateline, Nevada at South Lake Tahoe.
It would take you 45 minutes to drive from one of those locations to the other. Therefore, your choice of casinos at Lake Tahoe largely depends on where you’re staying.
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Best Casinos in South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is more developed than the north shore. In fact, the casinos are bigger on the south shore, and many of them are newer. Moreover, you’ll find more things to do nearby. You can walk in the main business area for some shopping and catch the gondola lift to Heavenly Ski Resort right in the middle of town.
These casinos are all conveniently located along US Hwy 50:
- Harrah’s South Lake Tahoe: Known for its 500 hotel rooms, a spa, nightclub, and high-profile entertainment, Harrah’s is one of the best-rated casinos in South Tahoe.
- Harvey’s Lake Tahoe: As one of the oldest Lake Tahoe casinos, Harvey’s is now under Caesars’ ownership. The complex features a hotel, several restaurants, and hosts a popular summer outdoor concert series.
- Hard Rock Hotel and Casino: This casino offers a wide array of slot machines and table games, along with over 500 hotel rooms. Additionally, they feature the largest outdoor pool experience in South Lake Tahoe and a vibrant summer concert series.
- Montbleu Resort Casino: With over 400 rooms and suites, Montbleu offers standard casino games and concerts featuring well-known groups from past decades. Their wedding chapel on the 12th floor provides stunning views of Lake Tahoe.
A little further north, just past the Edgewater golf course, you will find:
- Lakeside Inn and Casino: This Lake Tahoe casino markets itself as “the local’s place.” Although it’s a few blocks away from the lakeside, they offer weekly classes for table game fundamentals and are pet-friendly.
Best Casinos at North Lake Tahoe
The North Tahoe casinos are located in Crystal Bay and Incline Village, Nevada, along Hwy 28. This area is more rustic compared to the south shore and is closer to I-80, Squaw Valley, and Northstar Ski Resort. This means fewer shops and restaurants and less pedestrian-friendly access.
- Crystal Bay Club: Offers all the standard gaming options, including slot machines and table games, along with a small hotel hosting music events.
- Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Casino: The top-rated casino on the north shore, featuring a 400-plus room hotel, a spa, and a private beach complete with fire pits. It’s also suitable for weddings with several picturesque locations.
- Tahoe Biltmore: This establishment, located in Crystal Bay since 1946, includes a casino, hotel, and a large ballroom for special events.
What to Expect
At most Lake Tahoe casinos, you can expect a variety of gaming options including slot machines, poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, and sports betting. Notably, they all feature a player’s club designed to encourage engagement through discounts, gaming credits, and special offers.
Importantly, you do not have to stay in a casino hotel to enjoy the experience. While casinos encourage their hotel stays, you may find additional non-gaming hotel options nearby that offer better overall value.
