What does reno need to do?

The following visitors to this site and RenoGamingGuide.com have expressed their thoughts on what Reno needs to do to keep visitors coming here and how the city and hotels can improve the guests' Reno experience.

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There are currently 214 comments on this page.

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Submitted by daisy from usa on November 11, 2008:
Reno is desperate, losing money, so now guys have changed the odds to butture big profits. The excitement, wonderment of Reno as compared to all of the tribal Casinos, that dominate our Communities, is the sounds of the Dollars cascading into the trays, the weight of the buckets, and the greyish color that we have on our hands, from many hours of playing. ------------------ daisy alberta drug rehab

Submitted by BC Dave from Canada on May 4, 2008:
Reno is great the way it is. Hopefully no more downtown casinos close. It would be great to see something nice done with the Golden Pheonix's Virginia Street casino.

Submitted by Vornuascurashy from USA on July 8, 2007:
I just don't have anything to say these days, but eh. Today was a total loss. Pretty much nothing seems worth bothering with. I've more or less been doing nothing worth mentioning. I haven't been up to much , but maybe tomorrow.

Submitted by Danny from Oregon on June 1, 2007:
I visit Reno several times a year, and have done so for about the last 27 yrs. the days of playing on your money for a while and having fun seem to be gone. the machins just take, there realy are no good deals on anything these days, the casinos have forgatten who pays for all of their lights and profets, this guys like me who come down for 4 or 5 days 3 or 4 times a year and lose 2000-4000 this is where their money comes from. Let the machings payoff like they did a few years back, guys read the writing on the wall, if you don't, you will all close down and lose the the trible casinos.

Submitted by Erin from California on May 26, 2007:
I would first like to say I really like to come to Reno and spend my gaming money with you. My only suggestions are: 1: Easier to read and understand directions for driving downtown (ie one way streets and how to get back onto the freeways easiest) 2: More Shows. 3: Continued upgrading to Virginia Street (ie make it more of an attraction) Thank you for taking your time to read this. Reno is a great place to visit and we hope that it continues to improve. Thanks for the great times we have with you.

Submitted by Scott S from USA on May 17, 2007:
"THE ALL NEW OLD WEST!! - RENO" Advertise and deliver better pay-outs in the slot areas. Nobody thinks " I'll go to Reno to get away with the family." Most people think Reno is evaporating because of greed. I don't know how many times I've heard "Don't play downtown, you get screwed" or, "The Indian Casino pays better than Reno" because the perception up here in the Portland area (for instance) is that Reno has gone the way of Vegas - with no chance to come out ahead. Also, the perception that Reno is desperate, losing money, so now you guys have changed the odds to butture big profits. Offer free flights with a minimum three night stay. Have a designated bank of 20-30 machines (preferrably carrousel style)that payout 99.5% (any denomination) with all the popular games i.e. Cleopatra, Wheel, Jeopardy, etc... Then an "outer bank" that pays 97% (any denomination)Put them in the very back of the casino but advertise them with huge signs. People want the milk in the back of the store, but they buy things on the way. CONTINUE TO SERVE YOUR #1 CUSTOMERS - BOWLERS. Promote tournaments annually that give bowlers a reason to visit more than once every three years. Spoil them with comps, free stays, but most of all added money tournaments in the stadium, or wherever the other bowling centers are. We bring friends if we stay for free. Reno must be "the old west" "the way it used to be - modernized!! People still crave that rebellious cowboy and cowgirl getaway without all of the Vegas glam. Indian Casinos don't offer "the old west". Try this theme... "Come visit the ALL NEW OLD WEST, it's time to STRIKE gold"

Submitted by Terril from Washington on March 22, 2007:
Over the last few years, the casinos in Reno have gone to more and more Papaer in & Paper out machines, instead of Coin in & Coin out. The excitement, wonderment of Reno, as compared to all of the tribal Casinos, that dominate our Communities, is the sounds of the Dollars cascading into the trays, the weight of the buckets, and the greyish color that we have on our hands, from many hours of playing. The trend that you are following may save you some dough in not having to pay as many people to fill change hoppers, and the other costs of coin based machines, but I say to you.... It will cost you very much in the loss of revenue, as I see the streets and casinos, with less & less people than ever before. A winning bell sounds the same, whether it is a penny or a dollar machine, which doesn't bring out the excitement, where coins crashing into trays does. Why would I want to pay a travel agent hundreds of dollars to fly me to reno, and stay in a hotel, when I can spend a whole lot less, to do the same gambling that I have just a few miles down the road. Reno was the Excitement trip for my family, as well as many of my friends & co-workers. I am so very disappointed in the direction your casinos have gone...... before Reno sinks back into the sagebrush and rocks, from once it came, please consider the pleas of my comments as well as the others who used to come hundreds of miles to feel the excitement, that reno once had. I have been coming to Reno for several years, and it gets less enjoyable each trip. I & many people I know, Refuse to patron a machine that does not pay in coins........ Please don't take the Old Reno style......

Submitted by Mary from California on March 15, 2007:
Why wasn't my problem taken care of by the correct people. I stayed at the Sands from a tour bus and got stuck with room #1127 on 3-11-07 and boy itwas so nosie because it was in back of the elvators and I dailed the 0 on the phone in my room and was transfered to security and no one came up to check the probl;em and than I waited about 10 mins, and finally an old gentleman showed up and told us to turn up the tv and try to ignore the noise and left and yet no one took the time to take care of this trouble, I have made attempts to speak to someone in the hotel but with no luck. I did talk to someone and she was suppose to get back and investgate the situation that happen and yet I haven't received a call back yet. Also my daughter and I ate at the diner and the food was horrible but the custoner service was ok. I can't believe my eggs were overcooked and the corn beef hash looked like it was put in the microware and warm up and wasn't fresh. I also asked for a pancake and that too was put in the miroware and not fresh. I really can't believe that I stayed at a place that I though of such a good place to stay at. This situation left a bad taste in my heart and I feel like no one cared about the service I received. Thanks Mary Alvarez

Submitted by Jan from Washington on February 27, 2007:
P.S. The people have offered very sound reasons for returning to Reno, and I have to agree, it would be nice to once in awhile get a payback on the slots as well.

Submitted by Jan from Washington on February 27, 2007:
The Fitz keeps me coming back and bringing my friends. They offer a free room that is clean, and I love the people there. I've only run into a couple of snooty employees. Love JA Nugget and now that they have teamed up with Southwest for a vacation package, it might be worth staying out of the downtown area. We would love to stay at Eldorado, but their rooms are never a real bargain, when we can walk across the street from the Fitz. We just capitalized on a deal with Southwest at $124.00 per person + incidentals, 3 days and 2 nights. I spend more than that going to the tribal casinos here in Washington and much prefer Reno and a great get-away.

Submitted by Ima Winner from USA on December 31, 2006:
Sinners Sinners, drinkin and smokin and gamblin.........and havin kinky sex....................................................................................................my kind of people! Can't wait to go back, have me a drink and some FUN!!

Submitted by william from kentucky on November 18, 2006:
Go back to the promo's of the seventies. Combine air fares with hotel packages. Also now that most non tribal casinos have made it almost impossible to win, loosen up. You can still make a lot of money (you did it back then) When a person plays the slots and 500 dollars will not last a full hour,,, well that's not having fun! Most of us realize that we won't come home a winner, but did we enjoy our self? If you go to Reno with a couple of grand and you are broke within a few hours and now must wait 2 days to get home. NOT FUN. Not to mention the air fare, hotel and meals along with tips. ( I remeber the 99 dollar air fare/hotel packages) You have some of the best money minds in the business, I'm sure you can change the odds, draw the crowds, and make plenty of money. Just like the folks that visit your town, you must work very hard to figure a way to get the visitors. Don't try to be like the rest. Be unique.

Submitted by GIGGLEZ from NEVADA on October 22, 2006:
WELL MY SITUATION IS DIFFERENT....I LIVE IN SPARKS 5 MINUTES AWAY FROM RENO. I'VE LIVED HERE FOR MANY YEARS. I THINK RENO IS A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT AND TO LIVE. I FEEL LIKE I'M ALOUD TO COMMENT ON RENO BECAUSE I'VE BEEN TO LAS VEGAS AND YES MAYBE RENO IS WAY SMALLER THEN VEGAS BUT IT'S NOT SO CROWDED,AND YES WE DO HAVE BUMS BUT WE DON'T HAVE A HUGE CRIME RATE LIKE VEGAS. SO WHEN VEGAS CLEANS UP MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ALWAYS VISITING RENO. VEGAS ALSO NEEDS TO STOP CATERING TO CHILDREN .....IT'S A GAMBLING CITY!!!!

Submitted by James from Minnesota on January 8, 2006:
First, as a frequent visitor to your big neighbor to the South (LV), I would like to say that Reno does many things right, and that Reno is a lot more competative than many people think. You have a very modern, but relatively small airport that is a dream to navigate. Frequently, I can be checked in at my hotel 30 minutes after landing. Try that in Las Vegas! The room rates in Reno are frequently one-third to one-half those in LV for an equivalent property. You have easily obtainable full-pay video poker at all denominations that is virtually non-existant in Las Vegas. Your casino employees are generally much friendlier, your hotels are modern and comfortable, your food is better and more affordable, and you are blessed with easy access to some of the most beautiful natural surroundings on the face of the earth. Now, not everything is perfect. Your downtown is a bit run-down and scary, your entertainment options are somewhat limited, and your shopping alternatives for visitors is fairly poor. However, I see signs that all of these things are being addressed, and I think your future looks bright. It will be truly interesting to see what happens when Station Casinos comes to town. I think they will find that a couple of the local operators (namely, Peppermill and Atlantis) are extraordinarily smart and savvy, and that they will face competition in Reno the likes of what they have never seen before in their home market.

Submitted by George from CA. on December 27, 2005:
I have played slots in Reno for 25 years.They continue to pay less and less. I can go to Thunder valley near Sacramento to play slots that are this tight,and that is what I usually do.I would make the drive to Reno if their slots were worth playing.

Submitted by George from CA on December 24, 2005:
I fly to Reno on Southwest from OAK. Their schedule has deteriorated to the point that I refuse to come to Reno unless it improves. Flying to Reno you either have to take a flight around 9:30am or 3:30pm. The 9:30 flight is so early that you can't check into your room after getting up at 5:30 to catch your flight, and the 3:30 flight really cuts in to your gambling time for that day. Returning is even worse. It's either a 9am flight and who wants to get up at 5:30 when on vacation, or a 3:30 flight. What do you do from the time you check out of your hotel until it's time to go to the airport? You can't gamble because only gambling for a couple of hours will bring down your daily average. I realize thatr people fly to Reno for other reasons besides gambling, but perhaps a letter to Southwest would be in order.

Submitted by Eddie from California on December 21, 2005:
You don't get or you don't care. As a former Harrah's customer (for 30 years)I now go to the Atlantis where the VP payouts are full pay and the comps are good. I don't care about "free play" tournaments or anything else except pay back and room and food comps. I have had a host at the Atlantis since day one and she takes care of me quite well, after 30 years and Diamond status you thought you had me and could take me for granted, well you haven't seen me in 2 years and won't again unless you loosen up your VP machines, and stop your "reward credits" and go back to don't ask - don't tell policy.

Submitted by Wayne from Hawaii on December 11, 2005:
Increase the police patrols between the Sands and downtown. Never saw a COP once when walking to and from downtown center. Why do all those bums hang around your casino all day and night? We even got hit-up for money by a drunk downtown! Next year we plan on visiting Las Vegas instead of Reno.

Submitted by Tom from Wisconsin on November 19, 2005:
Air,Hotel Deals, Air, Hotel Deals. I am from the Midwest and there aren't any good Air,hotel packages from your city and hotels. We love the layback atmosphere, however the last time we were there (three years ago) we seen alot of beggers, dirty streets and hawkers. Surely not a pleasant and safe feeling. In fact the week we were there the news reported muggings and rapes. Now as for the Casino's the slots are so tight that you can hear the computers inside the machines SQUEAK. You guys will eventually get our money but if we are out there for five or six days at least give us a shot at some decent playing time and jackpots. As far as the new casino, The Station, maybe that is what you need is a little competition. Therefore my suggestions are: Clean up the town, Offer reasonable Air, Hotel deals, (and I mean reasonable, check Vegas and Laughlin) Give better Comps, loosen a large number of machines and hotel personal with a welcome and pleasant attitude. These would add up to a Fun City and a place people would enjoy spending their time and money at. Tom Milwaukee, WI.

Submitted by Gayle from California on November 15, 2005:
Reno needs a theme, a few top entertainers,good shows and "Good" marketing to convince people they need to go to Reno. Also a clean-up. My last visit downtown, the sidewalks were dirty, the town looked dirty. It needs to be a 'fantasy world' to compete with L.V. and Indian casinos.

Submitted by Bob from Washington on November 14, 2005:
We fly down from Portland and enjoy spending 4-5 days at a time, in addition to traveling to Laughlin 2 times or so a year. Sure we will probably visit the new Station casino when it opens, just like we visit the Atlantis and Peppermill and the Nugget (Sparks). But our heart is where the group is...namely downtown. It's convenient having a cluster of casinos together, and we don't mind the walk from the Siena to the Circus and points in between. I sure do hope, though, that downtown Reno is able to hold on to all the casinos there now.

Submitted by Daniel from Oregon on November 10, 2005:
send internet deals, good ones I go to Reno, I spend 1500-2000 in 3-5 days. you make your money on me gaming, give me a good deal on rooms. you guys use to give deals on meals good coupons, but not any more , your machines don't pay very well any more, so I know your making more off me by tightining the pay-offs. So kick down with some thing, I don't have to fly in or drive 12 hours to gamble. I can go 1 hour to an indian casino. But I do like reno, so give me some insentive to come down and stay, loosen up alittle or you loose the guys like me who come back 4-5 times a year and give you money. This is the way you stay in buissnes, and it dosen't cost you very much to get more customers who come back often. So cheep room rates, dinning deals, after all I loose you win, right.But if I don't come down, you loose I go to the indian casinos, and they win, see how this can be good for reno, I come ,I spend money, I don't come you don't get my money, your choice. Think about it guys, good will goes a long way, right.Let me know if you wish my buissnes.You all use to know this was a sound practice to draw in the customers, but then you all forgot, guys like me are your bread and butter, shoot the deals out again you will reap the benefits .

Submitted by TIM from California on November 2, 2005:
Have Express Buses from the San Francisco Bay Area. Express meaning only 4 stops or less. Example: From San Francisco: Stop only in Oakland, NE Sacramento, Sands and Circus Circus. Lower Room Rates on the Weekends. More cash back on Players Club Cards.

Submitted by Ron from Oregon on November 2, 2005:
I was a dedicated fan of Reno for years. I lost my host at Harrah's, so I tried several of the other Reno casino's. Next, I tried Vegas, and found out that the comp's are much better. I now go to Vegas 4 to 5 times a year for 9 to 10 days each trip and have not payed for a room for 5 years, and very seldom for meals. I prefer Reno for the friendly atmosphere, but it is not worth it. Airfare is not a consideration, so that is not a factor.

Submitted by Randy from California on October 15, 2005:
Our first visit was in 1974 to the heart of Reno Chaple to get married, that was 31 yrs ago. We have visted several times a year, and have seen a wonderful fun place taking a nose dive the last 5 years. As many have expressed, it needs cleaning up,safty is an issue, Feeling welcome and apprecative of your patronage, Prices have sky rocketed on the price of everything and your machines pay nothing back and we play alot and not the nickle or quarters. We expect to lose some but not all everytime. Listen to us Old timers we were there playing, partying, spending, when it was a fun city, and you can bring it back for the younger generations.They love the excitement and they send lots of money too but theyto want some value for the dollar and lets face it Reno is just not giving that right now. When 9/11 occured it distruped the markets which everyone was vested in and it was expected that it would be tight for a while, but the markets are back and now you need to give back alittle to us who have stayed thur the tight days. You have tighted up soo much that you are strangling your self now, loosen up go back take a look at what you use to do, that is exactly what your California and Other States "Educated, & Savie " Indian Antapunuer are doing, and they are doing it very well. Visit some of their Resorts, you will be suprised to see so many of the Faces that you use to see in your casinos checking in to the luxury hotel room"Compt", lineing up at the Restraunts & Buffets, "Compt" and the most important of all,these "Compts" are given because they are spending lots of money and having fun doing it. Short and long of it we used to visit 3,4,5 times a year and then some, now Our Aniversary and maybe once more. Last visit we were even approched by a policeman that told us they don't like people out on the streets, which were desrted looking and baren of people in the day time hours. They prefer you just stay in the Casinos?? Whats up with that Mayor??? And we were just walking from one casino to another on Virgina street ???

Submitted by Ron from Oregon on October 14, 2005:
Fairer comps and better video poker. I was a Reno regular for many years. Now, I go to Las Vegas at least 4 times a year for 8 to 10 days each trip. I find better comps and better video poker, as well as better Blackjack in Vegas. I have not been to Reno for several years now, but everything being equal, I would like to try it again. I love the friendliness and small town atmosphere of Reno.

Submitted by Daisy from California on October 5, 2005:
What Reno hotels need to do to keep my business is to have more loose machines. In Reno casinos it is not that easy to win unlike in Indian casinos. I think the tribal casino machines are loose because they want to attract more people. Reno casinos should do the same thing. Some hotels like Atlantis, Harrah's, JA Nugget should have entertainment for kids like Circus Circus. Hotels should also stop charging the mandatory fee for hotel phones. This is a rip-off. Reno is 4 hours drive from California which is quite far. Now that the gasoline price is way up high more people would rather go to tribal casinos which is only a couple of hours away. I went to Thunder Valley Casino two weeks ago and I won $900 pretty easy. In Reno, it is very hard to win this much.

Submitted by Mike from Oregon on August 17, 2005:
I have been visiting Reno for 24 years and the biggest problem i see for the downtown area of the entertainment area is all the cheap motels that all the hookers and drug addicta hang out at i have seldom felt safe walking downtown in reno any more plans to make more changes the city has sure made some good changes i hope more to come and what will ever happen to the the old kings inn thanks

Submitted by BarberBob from California on July 28, 2005:
I like the idea of TITO machines but why can't you keep the payouts at full pay -video poker- vs. lowering the payout on the new TITO machines? You are making record profits and now seem to want more. I feel you are cutting your own throat, but it's yours so cut away. The old coin drops you are getting rid of the Indians are buying and leaving the pay out full, so that's where we will end up spending our money.

Submitted by clyde from Hawaii on July 12, 2005:
The Hawaii connection to vegas brings people back 2-3 times a year especially on boyd's....you would be able to attract many from hawaii like me who wants more than gaming with beautiful tahoe and snow topped mountains and the day cruises to virginia city and carson city are great but the connections to fly to reno are not here to entice people to divert to reno......I love vegas only if i have 2-3 day short visits-its intense and over. I love reno for the all around beauty and gaming making a 5 to 7 day adventure some thing to remember..Living in Hawaii is great but we all here need a vacation too.. Aloha from Hawaii-see you soon....

Submitted by Glen from California on June 19, 2005:
Two weeks ago my wife and I enjoyed a four day holiday in Reno. We always look forward to dining and playing at your casino. This time we cut short our playing due to the poor ventilation within the gaming areas. There was a pervasive smokey atmosphere around all of the gaming areas. Even when we retreated to the machines next to the street door, it was impossible to avoid the smoke and stale air. I think that your casino is in need of an updated ventilation system. in particular you should remind smokers to be courteous. Many seemed to be chain smoking and blew smoke towards the nonsmokers. There are a number of efficient filter systems using either ionizing devices or charcoal type filters. With a small investment I think that the air quality could be greatly improved. Until then I must remain a loyal customer of your restaurants but only a short time gamer. ****From Star**** So I wrote them back and asked them specifically where they had been doing their gambling during their visit. This was the response:We played at Harrahs downtown and the air was filled with smoke throughout the main casino area- we even played at a machine next to the door and it didn't help. Also played at the Siena and the casino area had very bad smoke that only let up in the dining area and in the casino during the morning(7:00am prox.). We found some relief at the Atlantis in their smoke free area above the street but again suffered whenever we wanted to play the tables in the main casino area. Even smoke free blackjack tables were covered with fumes due to nearby smokers. Incidently they had modified blackjack rules at the smoke free tables that were less favorable to the player(restricted double down(10 &11 vs 1st two cards and generally only offered double deck play). Hope that this input gets management thinking... Glen

Submitted by Ron from California on June 16, 2005:
You need to have decent pc"s percentages on your dollar and better slots. It seem that winning on slots are getter worse and worse in the past 10 years that I have been coming to Reno. I play a sizable stake $3,000.00 to $5,000.00 and want decent machines. I will not set foot in a California Indian casino that is not regulated nor will relese it's payback information. The last time I visited Cal Neva and Fitzgerald's the machimes sucked! At least put out a few 99% in these casinos!

Submitted by marcus from oregon on May 29, 2005:
I have the solution to put reno back on the map. I have done many good things in oregon to promote the new loved game of texas holdem. guys this is the answer to all the problems. let me go into detail some, first the casinos should start a poker tour that attracts everyone from top rated to ametures. do like what las vegas does with the world series of poker but call it something else or keep it the same. the bottom line is these casinos are filled with people waiting tp play poker and there driving many miles to play anyone in oregon,california,arizona,etc would just as easily drive to reno than those indian casinos that have no feel no look of reno. iam only 28 years old i have been coming to reno for more than 7 years now and i can remember the first time i went seven years ago that place was hopping i mean hopping. there were only few tribal casinos around at that time but u had the goods to bring the people to reno. some people might think that this is crazy but from a spectator standpoint the only way to get reno back on the map is to get so heavily involved in the world of poker. all u have to do is get the people here and thell do the rest. bring in good entertainment give great deals via the televison internet, postcards. I have to honestly say that i would rather drive 8 hours to get to reno than drive 45 minutes to get to a tribal casino. So with my closing i ask you mayor and the casinos on the stip please get involved in poker make it your biggest attraction have a world series of poker just get the people there. please get invoved before its to late i would hate to hear of reno becoming a ghost town. if u would like you can contact me through this site and i would be happy to share more ideas with you. marcus

Submitted by Wayne from Wa on May 16, 2005:
Michael from Kalamazoo was right. They do need that old feeling back. They also need to get back some of the old machines from Harolds club, Nevada club and Cal Neva that payed back once in awhile.The town is filthy and overrun by bums and druggies.Clean it up. We now go to Vegas and Laughlin where we get more Play and fun for our money.

Submitted by Glen from U S A on May 5, 2005:
I now go to Lasvegas because their comps are so much better .

Submitted by Kemila from Reno on April 25, 2005:
You need to keep our restaurant and Comedy Club business by offering *specials through email*, just like Century Theaters does! Give us coupons, and we will travel all over town and gamble. I don't like to have to hunt down your specials. Make them come to me, and then I'll come to you~! Email is my most convienient method of communication.

Submitted by martin from michigan on April 13, 2005:
keep your big board keno alive

Submitted by Michael from Kalamazoo Mi. on March 27, 2005:
Reno Has To ask What Will make us better? Since I Love Reno,, I have an Idea. Take a big building. Reproduce the favorite bars that were in clubs like the horshoe bar that was on the second floor of Harrol's club. The main bar that was at the Horshoe club, etc. There is musicians and comedians as well as the whole bay area that would perform there just for jits and giggles. Yes you would have to have a Simon type personality to screen for lonatics. It would definately bring in a nastalgic crowd,With money to spend],. There is talent that backs the main showroom performers that would love a place to cut loose for laughs. The main attraction that made Reno of old was the variety of things to do. You have talent there that will love to have some fun. Give them a microphone. Offer a recording studio in a nastalgic environment. The talent has'nt gone anywhere. They are just dissapointed in the politics and screening bull pucky they have to put up with. And if you can get that old worn out drink flavored smell back into the carpets.. One could almost close their eyes and think it was the old days.

Submitted by M.D. Moses from Currently Iraq on March 27, 2005:
My name is Mike Moses. I was a bar back at the Harrolds Club. I worked there in 1980 I think. If anybody remembers me ,I'm the guy who worked two jobs on the same shift. I'd Punch into Harrolds at 11:oo and check into the nickalodian bar to see how the prior shift left me set up. If good, I'd then run to my locker and get my smock for club Cal-Neva wich was just ready to open an expansion. Like a supper guy, I'd run down the alley changing from my vest to the smock. I'd punch in at 11:30 and the kaos would be gin. I'd rush like blank to catch up the stocking at my bar there and then switch alley-wear on the run back to Harrolds. On the sixth day, Cal-Neva opened the expansion. I was lucky/unlucky enough to be chosen as the releif bartender. needless to say, I did'nt get back to Harrolds club,[they were quite buisy also]. When I got there my manager asked me where I was. My answer was that I was really buisey. He asked, Where were you buisy? I answered, Helping everybody out. He asked again where? My answer? Cal-Neva, Here, People along the way... You're fired!, he said with an astonished smirk. It seems someone at Harrolds who I served drinks to earlier that night, went to Cal-Neva and seen through my non-prescription eyewear and slicked back hair. He knew my bar mannager and that was that. I had fellow bar folk ask me why I did'nt tell them. They would have covered for me. I was thinking,,,, No that's almost to good a funny to keep to ones self. aso, for six days I had some fun in Reno while on the job. The moral to this tale? Like soldiers, Do'nt put a high-performance barback on an eight stool bar. Do'nt let him or her get bored. They will find ways to buisy themselves. Now I'm a G.I. in Iraq. It's also been said that I'm the youngest Viet Nam Veteran in the Army today. I do'nt know what to think about to that. I will say that I had more fun working in the small clubs and visiting them than anywhere else in the world. No matter who you think you are when you enter your club... Your mentality reverts to your younger eight year old disposition. Never give up the thrill for adventure. I'm at mopooone@yahoo.com. 27March05

Submitted by dennis from vollmer on March 19, 2005:
rebuild downtown with an awning similar to vegas

Submitted by Robert from California on March 10, 2005:
I don't think there is anything Reno could do to keep my business. Unfortunately, the same thing has happened to Reno that has happened to countless other cities in this country--the "Mall" has replaced the downtown, and the truth is, it was Reno's downtown that had made it such a fascinating place for me. That obviously conflicts with the needs of the developers to make money, and their desire to do so by creating mega-casinos far from (and indistinguishable from) each other. Perhaps I am prejudiced....I lived in Reno and worked at a club when I was 21, way back in the early, early 70s. One could walk from casino to casino, instead of being trapped in some gigantic casino-department store. The slot machines had gears in them and made a crunching noise when the handle was pulled. For me, it was downtown Reno and the nearby river that gave Reno its sinful charm. It was tacky and clbutty, sleazy and elegant with only a few steps separating one from the other. Today there isn't a speck of difference between a mega-casino-mall and an Indian-casino-mall. Both are just malls with gambling and electronic slot machines. Ubiquity dilutes curiosity and the uniqueness of an experience. One piece of gambling apparatus looks pretty much like another, and if the atmosphere is the same in all the mega-gambling-malls, then who cares? The developers have made gambling about as interesting as working on an buttembly line. Why would anyone pay someone else to work on an buttembly line? It doesn't make sense. Tahoe is great, though, but that's because of the skiing, not because of any casino experience.

Submitted by Randy from canada on February 23, 2005:
My wife and I used to come to Reno every year. Now that the kids are grown we had hoped to show them the fun we had enjoyed. Reno has changed significantly. Used to be noisy, music, crowds, felt safe, good inexpensive food, some wins, some losses ... but lots of gaming for your dollar. I agree with many of the posters here ... We'd come for the excitement of a few wins, the entertainment, the food, the atmosphere of somebody winning somewhere ... I call it entertainment. Please provide good entertainment for leaving our money here so we go home with good memories. Entertainment comes with "some" wins, music, food, crowds, nice room, and the thrill. Never did we believe we'd get rich - but we enjoyed the get-away, the food, the music, some luck. We compared other vacations ... we spent more. In the end we found we had more "enjoyment" at Reno for the same money. We now go to Las Vegas ... with the offers of cheap rooms, cheaper flights, and more excitement. As we near our retirement days - we are aware of all the other options. Sure do miss the old Reno tho. Randy and Donna

Submitted by Andy from Florida on January 31, 2005:
Looser slots and video poker would definitely be nice.

Submitted by bill from idaho on January 15, 2005:
It is too uncomfortable to play at a "full" table. There are many times when I couldn't get on a table. and I'm NOT going to squeeze into a narrow space - it is uncomfortable to me and the fellow players

Submitted by John from California on January 4, 2005:
I think they need a makeover in the same fashion that downtown Las Vegas was made over. With the close proximity of the casinos in downtown Reno, it seems possible to create an atmosphere similar to that of downtown Las Vegas. You don't need a roof and a neon light show. Just close off a couple of blocks, make it pedestrian friendly, create an outdoor mall type atmosphere with some outdoor vendors, set up a stage and have a weekly free outdoor concert during the warmer months, and that's a great start. Then, like downtown Las Vegas, promote the newly remodeled area, advertise some great low price food specials, and low table limits at the downtown casinos, add a few new shows or bring in some bigger name acts and you'll bring the crowds in every weekend. I'd love to see some of the above happen. I know it would bring me to Reno several more times per year. Thanks.

Submitted by John from oregon on December 13, 2004:
I WILL NOT BE GOING BACK TO RENO UNTILL I HEAR THAT THEY HAVE LOOSEN THE SLOT MACHINES BACK UP.I THINK ITS TOO LATE FOR DOWNTOWN BUT THE PLACES LIKE ATLANTIS CAN STILL SAVE THEIR CASINOS.I GO TO A LOT OF SLOT TOURNAMENTS BUT AFTER THE LAST ONE AT ATLANTIS NO MORE IN RENO. I PLAY THE MACHINES .25 -1.00 AND SOME $5.00 SLOTS IN BETWEEN TOURNAMENT ROUNDS.THE CASINO TOOK THE MACHINES OUT THAT PAID BACK A LITTLE AND PUT IN ONES THAT PAY BACK VERY VERY VERY LITTLE.THE INDIAN CASINOS HERE AND IN WASHINGTON STATE ARE REAL TIGHT BUT RENO HAS BECOME TIGHTER.I WILL PLAY THE INDIAN CASINOS OR TEXAS HOLDEM POKER UNTILL I HEAR RENO HAS LOOSE SLOT MACHINES AGAIN.

Submitted by Mr. R. from California on December 5, 2004:
What does Reno need to do? First, the hotel/casino should start taking notes from the suggestions posted here. These suggestions are from Reno visitors,the tourists, the working-class and pensioners that patronize your businesses. Its their patronage that keeps your hotel/casino alive. The casino business is a "numbers game", it should be your goal to stay competitive and come up with better ideas and new incentives to draw the crowds to your establishment. And then find ways to not only to keep them there but to make sure that the guests keep coming back. A hotel/casino needs an outstanding combination of atmosphere, value, quality, entertainment and excitement to draw the tourists. To accomplish this, a hotel/casino would have to offer something special or unique, something that would set it apart from other hotel/casinos. What do guests look for in a hotel? They want a little luxury while on vacation,they want a little elegance at a reasonable price and made to feel welcome. They look for comfort, service, value and affordability. Price is the first big draw. Lets face it, most average people come to Reno on a budget (there probably aren't many high rollers that stray from Vegas to come to Reno) and will "shop around" for room rates to find the best deal that won't take a big chunk out of their gaming dollars. Who would want to spend $100 per night at one hotel when another hotel close by is offering the same room type for $49 ? If a guest finds that they can get the same for less or more for less at another hotel, then that is where they are going to go. Some hotels in Reno are also tacking on added expenses to their already high room rates, for instance, an energy surcharge or an extra charge to use the exercise/spa room (also known as a "resort fee") or a charge for the phone whether you use it or not. These are not incentives and should be eliminated. If you want to keep your hotel rooms full (remember that its the tourists and not the locals that stay in your hotel), then its time to lower the room rates, offer better room packages and stop adding on extra fees. Next lets address the cost of food. It used to be (years ago) that one could enjoy a nice meal at a low cost just about anywhere in Reno. Now the buffet prices have hit an all-time high, thus making it harder on guests who either have to use some of their gaming money on food or leave your hotel to search for lower cost meals elsewhere (thus taking away paying guests).What happened to the $4.99 breakfast buffet and the $8.99 dinner buffet? Wouldn't it be more beneficial for you to offer your registered guests these lower prices if it meant keeping them where you want them to be? Last but not least, lets address gaming promotions, card clubs and comps. Again, keep in mind that most of your players are average players (meaning they come with a set gaming budget). Players cards/loyalty cards, should be meant to do two things, reward your loyal players for spending their money in your casino and to ensure that they contine to make repeat visits. Truth is, there is a lot of room for improvement with card clubs and its sad that the casinos either don't seem to care or try to understand this. Time to fix what is broken. First, do away with the "use it or lose it" rule, your guests earned those points with their money. As long as loyal players keep their cards active (say over a 13 month period), then they should be allowed to keep their points and spend them as they wish. It seems to me that a casino would do all it could to keep players and their money right there. How? Simple, value is the key, give your players more bang for their buck, they're going to leave most of their money there anyway.Time to increase the points/comps, especially since you've tightened up on your slots, lowered the odds at the tables and the pay tables on the VP machines. The point systems are outdated and are in need of an overhaul. One casino offers 1 point for every $5 coin in reel slots and for $10 coin in on VP machines. Another offers 1 point for every $10 coin in reel slots and $20 coin in on VP machines, then says you need 10 points to get $1 back in comps! One lousy dollar for dropping $100 in your machine? What kind of a reward is that? Its Outdated! Its absurd! Its an insult! It tells players that their patronage and money are taken for granted. With rewards like this you are not going to see crowds rushing in to spend money in your casino. The odds are already in your favor so why not at least make your players "feel like winners" by offering them better comps that they are going to turn around and spend in your hotel/casino? So it would make sense to up it from 1% to 5%, players would be more likely to play longer and make return trips if they recieve better rewards for their money. A better return on their money means more money they have to spend in your casino.Since they can only spend those comps where they earned them, it would create a win-win situation for both the players and the hotel/casino. Casino promotions, another opportunity for casinos to catch and keep loyal players. Free drawings, patrons love drawings of all kinds, cash, free rooms,free meals or a free show. It provides another way for players to "get lucky" in a casino and keeps them in the casino longer (playing) while waiting for the winners to be announced. Offering free drawings is great PR and it will bring them back for more. So you give them a chance to win a free two night stay, you will get back more in the long run when they come back to stay and play at your hotel/casino. One by one we have watched hotels and casinos turn out the lights and close their doors for good. If the ones remaining don't do something now to turn things around, more lights will go out and more doors will close because the tribal casinos will be getting the business that you threw away and gambling in Reno will become only a memory.

Submitted by Eddie from California on November 3, 2004:
up the payouts on video poker to full pay, the new machines payback is worse than the strip in Vegas, why any video poker player in their right mind would play at your casino is difficult to understand. At those odds the Indian casinos start looking good with gas at $2 plus and no weather to deal with no wonder your half full on the weekends.

Submitted by Phil Thum from St.George on September 22, 2004:
Reno the "town of Art? " needs at least a couple of real art events you've got the plays,shows,music, and crafter junk fairs in the mall. But somebody forgot the fine art artist vendor, in the park? in the summer. Not the mall, not the loft, not the one day river walk, not the Galleries, not the casinos, But a real artists meets the public 2/3 day event, in a nice park... 100 artists... selling fine art and "fine" craft. no buy and sell... no junk.. every major city as several of these.. why don't you?

Submitted by Jerry Thomas from Merlin on September 14, 2004:
Reno is doing exactly the reverse of what I would recommend if paid to analyze and report on the trend. The worse things are in Reno and the more competition they have, the LESS they offer. This is counterproductive. You must offer MORE because people have a lot more options and much closer to home. Reno no longer has any glitz==It seems dreary and dangerous. Loosen the slots. Improve the pay tables. My (used to be) favorite casinos have cut back the pay tables on the poker machines. The slots pay even worse than they did. I have never spent a nickel in an Indian casino but others do. I bus regularly to Reno and ALMOST EVERYONE ON THE BUSSES SAY THAT THEY ARE DOING BETTER AT THE INDIAN CASINOS NEARER TO THEIR HOMES THAN THEY ARE IN RENO.. This really surprised me until I tried Reno the last few trips. Offer better food and room deals. These, too, are going up at a time when they should be going down. But this won't help if you don't let the gambler "get some play" for his investment. I love Reno (less than I used to tho) but it has really gone downhill and the casinos have their marketing backward. Even the Brew Bros. cut out the half price for happy hour. Used to be one could never get a seat. I haven't been in there for quite a while. Everything too overpriced even tho it used to be a "must stop" on every trip to Reno. Please realize that 3 of 4 DO NOT SMOKE. I know the % of gamblers who smoke is higher than that but the casinos could do much better than they do. Give the non-smokers a nice area, interesting and fair machines, and low minimums on the tables. Act like you want their business instead of treating them like lepers. In summary, I guess that most of us are still chasing a dream. A dream of something that no longer exists. And, worst of all, the people who could do something about it, care nothing about us. Yet, we are their lifeblood. Little by little, those of us who fondly remember the "Old Reno", are changing our habits. Reno is the loser. It makes one wonder how so many incompetent managers - who ignore the wishes/needs of their paying customers - can rise to the top of the casino game. Reno is quickly dying as a fun/gambling destination. More and more, they are trying to survive by ignoring out-of-towners and appealing to locals. Visitors drop more cash than locals. Yet, the contests/promotions now require one to be a local to benefit from such. I can't even get to machines to play for 75 cents or so per play because the local lushes are sucking up free drinks and playing keno for one cent a game and smoking like steam engines further driving away paying customers. Get rid of the penny keno or put it in an enclosed room for the local lepers. Serve these players Thunderbird wine only and they will still be happy.

Submitted by Dale from Oregon on September 12, 2004:
ITS NO MYSTERY WHAT RENO NEEDS. PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SAYING IT FOR YEARS BUT IT SEEMS NOBODY LISTENS OR CARES? CLEAN IT UP. BRING BACK THE NIGHT LIFE,THE SHOWS. BRING BACK THE PROMOTIONS,THE INEXSPENSIVE MEALS AND THE NOISY-FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE THAT WAS THERE IN THE 1970'S. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE ROSES BEFORE THE INDIAN CASINOS TAKE ALL YOUR BUSINESS.

Submitted by K'ann from Penns. on September 11, 2004:
I stayed at the Reno Hilton from Sept.3rd thru 7th.I was there for the 2004 Poetry Convention.My sister and I had a Great time.They only thing that I would like to see inproved is the spa open 24 hours a day (could not get in to get a massage due to time conflicks with my workshop times).We did get a chance to enjoy the sauna and whirlpool,it would have been nice if they were available 24 hours as well. the stores were great,you had a wide variety of shops to enjoy right in the hotel. Jeff,the bell deck man was great!!He found us a limo we could rent for only $46.00 an hour,we were able to go sightseeing. Crown Limousine Service was the limo company that we got.Merrell,the driver was GREAT!!!!He gave us a tour of Lake Tahoe that we will never forget.With people like Jeff and Merrell you will have no problem getting people to return to your beautiful city. Sincerely Yours,K'ann Strohl (Meshoppen,Pa.)

Submitted by patricia from california on September 8, 2004:
give us some more discount coupons for rooms or make it our wild to come up more

Submitted by Gambler from USA on September 7, 2004:
Save Keno! Keep the Keno! I am a Keno addict!

Submitted by Debi from WI on August 28, 2004:
If I could get cheaper airfare from Milwaukee or Chicago I would visit Reno more often. The prices to fly there are so high compared to Vegas. Maybe some packages with 4 or 5 nights at one of the nicer hotel/casinos could be incorporated.

Submitted by Terry from California on August 19, 2004:
I think in the winter you should run package deals for Seniors and the younger crowd that include some luxury items. For instance, Senior Diva Days, come to Reno Via the train with your small or large group for an exciting 2 nights and 3 days. We will wine and dine you from the Silver Legacy to the Atlantis via your personal Limo and then schedule a day to visit the local museums, Shopping Mall, Virginia City, or Lake Tahoe. We can even run your bath in the evening and have a Massuse standing by for a late night massage, if you so desire. Let's design your Diva dream get-a-way package today. Min. of 6 Divine Divas. Limited availablility, so sign up early. Ladys like to be pampered and get nice gifts. Men like freebies and want to feel like High rollers even if they aren't. Younger version: Ride the train to Reno with your Large or Small group of Skiers (Min.6)and we will set you up with 2 free nights lodging, 2 free or 1/2 off Meals(depending on restaurant) and a Hot tub exclusive evening after hitting the slopes all day,with a casino fun book and a Free chance to win a Skidoo. A continetal Breakfast for those hungry guys and Fresh fruits plates for the ladies. Based on your play you can qualify for a chance to win new Skis, Boots, or Lift tickets. Come Party at Harrahs! Free Room for two nights with lift ticket purchase! Must be 21 to participate. Lift tickets must be purchased through the Casino Guest Services. Casino players like to win something. Even if they loose at the slots and tables all day and free room and a bathrobe are so comfy to the soul. We use to live in Gardnerville and had lots of friends come who went into town to play. We know what they like and don't like. As long as you can win a little bit now and then you stay longer and come back. Another biggie right now is the Red Hatters Society! Try to plan some events around them for a real party!!! Hope this helps! Diva T

Submitted by Michaela from Oregon on August 19, 2004:
Keep it making it FUN!!!! thanks

Submitted by donnell from IL on August 16, 2004:
Hello,I just returned from Reno with my wife my two kids and my sons girlfriend, and my mother and father-in-law, because the Sands have no Saturday check in we have to find a little hotel to stay in until saturday and then wait in a long line, would it be so bad to have a coffee maker in the rooms and get a micro-wave at request for reheating my awful awfuls and why is it that I come every year and I play with my players card for the week I'm there and they have never sent me or my wife and mother and father-in-law any free nights I stay at the same hotel every year because it feels like home coming in the sands I rent a car so my parents don't have to walk down that scary street going to the other casinos.Harrahs send me amd my wife two free nights every year we give them to her parents because they have a hard time affording the eight day at the Sand nowdays.Why don't the Sands send us free nights, we come all the way from chicago every year and we wish they would be a little more giving at the Sands.Please get rid of the casinos that are not in use, it makes Reno look like a ghost town. Fitzgearld use to give $2.00 in the lucky forest now it gives $1.00 what are they broke too.I miss all the old casinos that are gone like harold's club.the Comstock,the Riverboat,Old Reno,and now the Sundowners.It seems like Reno is turning off its lights and turning off its customers. Please look at yourself and make a change for the better...I also miss Cal-neva's $.99 breakfast and the Eldorado Superstars show, Reno what happen to you a very concerned gambler from chicago.

Submitted by laurie from IL on August 16, 2004:
Hello,my name is Laurie Dagley and I have been coming to Reno Nevada since July 1988.People tell me,"go to Vegas" I am not a fan of Vegas my only desire is the last week of July is to come to Reno Nevada. That will never change ,but I also get sad because I remember Eddie's fabulos fifty's where they would at any moment dance on the table , I miss the Comstock's great steaks,I even miss Old Reno with it's penny slots ,I think they were the first to have them in the back.The Riverboat is gone, I bring my kids and they even remenber the places and ask me "what happen to all the places and I have no clue,we stay in the Sands,Why did they get rid of the Palm Court. What is going on, are they trying to make me go to Vegas. Please don't because if they loose the Sands and anymore casinos I will DIE from THE BIGGEST FAN OF RENO..my mom and dad have been coming since the begging of time to celebrate their anniversary every year THANK YOU FOR LISTENING MRS LAURIE DAGLEY CHICAGO

Submitted by Troy from Oregon on August 13, 2004:
Recently returned from 4 Days in Reno. We arrived on a Tues and returned to Portland, Oregon on Sat. Noting that they are in the process of burying the Railroad Tracks, I hope they use the new area as walking Mall for folks to move around between some of the Casinos. It would really help if they could make this a "SAFE AREA" without all the crummy old buildings and bums hanging around at night. My wife refused to walk even the couple of blocks from the Sands down to the Silver Legacy. What we found to be most distressing about Reno was the lack of quality entertainment. A couple of years ago, we were lucky enough to see a young man Gordie Brown at Harrahs, and thought that Harrah's had found a great new Star. Brown was not in Reno, and Harrahs had a awful show called Wonderland, which was a waste of time and money. Frankly, we will pay more attention next time before we go to Reno to see what kind of Entertainers will be appearing. However, we all now are talking about Las Vegas for our gambling trips, because of the entertainment offered. Reno, better figure this out pretty darn soon, as we look for the whole Nevada experience of entertainment and gambling, or we will not be returning.

Submitted by Ann from Illinois on August 11, 2004:
When a room is prepaid, you should not sell it again and tell the person that they have to go someplace else for the night, especially when the room had been paid for five nights. Then all the manager did was give each of us two free nights stay during the next year. They should have done better than that. An to top the stay off, when we got to the airport our luggage was still at the hotel. Why would we want to come back ???????

Submitted by Yunica from us on August 4, 2004:
Have more slot machines with some higher-paying "jackpots", like 600-800 coins once in awhile, and some smaller jackpots more frequently. It would make more of the machines a lot more fun, and we'd be able to stay at them a little longer. I go on gambling trips to have these fun sessions at the slot machines - even if I don't win much in the end, I enjoyed myself the whole time! But Reno has mostly slot machines that just take all your money right away, and are no fun to play. I get mad at this and don't go back for several months. When I lived near Atlantic City it was very different. Their casinos' slot machines have small wins more often, and though in the long run I still ended up playing it all back in, I had so much more fun! I would go back there all the time if I still lived near there. Can you follow this example? You're still gonna take most of the profit, so why not give us some longer plays?

Submitted by Peter Machon from Indiana on August 2, 2004:
I like Reno's size and comfortable Summer weather in contrast to Vegas, however I feel that there is a little more "freedom" there. I noticed, for example, that Casino patrons in Reno are not allowed to remove alcoholic beverages from a casino. This may not be a practice I indulge in frequently, but I was surprised to find this the case when I was in your fair city last year. I would not rule out visiting Reno just because of this; I just thought you might give some thought to maybe allowing pedestrians travelling between casinos to carry their drinks with them. Maybe this could take place in just a particular zone downtown? Thanks to the citizens of Reno and Sparks for their friendliness, and I look forward to coming back! Peter Machon Indianapolis, IN

Submitted by Wayne from WA on July 28, 2004:
Loosen the slots and keep some of the older ones

Submitted by Greg from Wash.. on July 26, 2004:
I haven't been to Reno in around 5 years because my wife refuses to go there anymore. I always loved the place, and I do follow developments there very closely on sites like this and the RGJ website. It's difficult to turn a situation like this around. It requires new investment, and that's hard to attract when things are declining and new competition is everywhere. One thing that would definitely help would be to clear out the no-man's land between the Sands and the Eldorado and redevelop that land with something that would tie the Sands to the Va. St. properties. It would make a nice interconnected "T", which would encourage developmment of the adjacent properties. What I have in mind is something with the feel of the Fremont St. plaza in LV, but without the light show. A plaza like that, properly policed and with room for outdoor activities during the nice weather would help tie the Downtown together, and get rid of a badly blighted area. The open space would hopefully be flanked by casinos as it is in Downtown LV. Of course, a new mega-resort filling that whole area would be great too! I just don't know if Reno can attract that kind of investment anymore. Harrah's still seems to be gagging on putting up the money to redevelop the Harold's/Nevada Club "hole", another thing which is absolutely essential. Also, get rid of the Sundowner quickly before that turns into another white elephant like the Mapes was. As it is now, It costs roughly the same for me to go to Reno as it does to go to LV. And there's really not enough to do in Reno anymore to differentiate it from the tribal places, which are at least new, clean, and safe. When I want to avoid the "big city" atmosphere of LV, I now go to Laughlin. To get me back, Reno has to clean up and revitalize the Downtown casino scene.

Submitted by John from United States on July 24, 2004:
Do it right

Submitted by al from washington on July 20, 2004:
loosen slot machines,loosen slot machines! you make the xtra tight Indian casinos look loose anymore.we will not be back to Reno untill we hear from somebody comeing back with a report that the slot machines in Reno are loose again. ( P.S.) YOU WILL NOT END UP WINNING BUT YOU CAN PLAY LONGER.

Submitted by LV from Las Vegas, Nevada on July 19, 2004:
Get rid of 6 to 5 ripoff "blackjack" games. Get rid of Mindplay cheating tables.

Submitted by amy from california on July 19, 2004:
I would like to see more music entertainment in the Casinos during the week. I would also like to see more downtown casinos. It's rather gloomy seeing the closed-down casinos. Although in the past I have been to many Indian casinos (I no longer go), I prefer Reno and Las Vegas casinos. Reno and Vegas offer a more vacation-type atmosphere. My parents from Yakima, Washington use to frequently visit Reno, but they now feel that there are fewer downtown casinos to choose from. Reno no longer offers inexpensive vacation package deals from there as they did in the past.

Submitted by Frank from Oregon on July 13, 2004:
Most important...Use english speaking employees...( first language ) Keep coins in the machines...not paper Keep the FREE drinks coming Keep meal prices down Give us occasional free accomodations for promotions...( we come ) Hate the hoods wandering along the streets at night keep some mechanical machines here and there..(old style)

Submitted by Myrna from California on July 10, 2004:
I live in Northern California, so a trip to Reno is only about 2 hours or so for us. We (my husband and I) have 2 children (ages 10 & 12) and a dog (who goes everywhere with us, I should say we have 3 kids). We would like to see more family oriented features added to Reno, much like Las Vegas is doing these days. We would also like to see more "dog friendly" hotels. We had always enjoyed staying at the best hotels in Reno, but since we got our dog, we haven't visited Reno for lack of good hotels to stay at with our dog. It's hard to get away without the kids, and they have always loved going to Reno. I just wish there was more for them to do there.

Submitted by Jim from Nevada on July 8, 2004:
Reno's just fine. It has the same problems any other small, older town has.

Submitted by Maria from Stanislaus on July 6, 2004:
you need to loosen your slot machines some. We have been there the last few times and lots our but. Thank you

Submitted by Diane from California on July 4, 2004:
We love going to Reno and the surrounding areas. However in recmt years prices for hotels and food keep going up and up and with all the Indian Gaming Casinos in our area (12 within 25 miles) , we are not getting the value for our money. Also since Reno Air is out of business, flying to Reno is not very practical. Need to loosen the slots, Also the comps should offer more to their regular player, otherwise we can stay home and play weekly at the ndian casions and earn comps for free buffets, rooms, and more.

Submitted by ann from B.C. Canada on July 3, 2004:
Hi, My husband and I have been visiting Reno for the last 16 years. The last year or so we have noticed that the 'machines' seem to be much tighter for payback, and that food prices have increased somewhat. also comps for rooms are less. We believe that if more comps - cheaper food - and definetly looser payback on machines were re-introduced you would get a lot more people to visit more often. We have cut back on one of our trips this year because of this. We feel that with the 'Indian Casinos' now springing up everywhere, you need to be more generous to your patrons, it is short-sighted of you not to do this. We would spend just as much, but would feel that we were getting a 'bang for our buck'

Submitted by Michael from CA on July 3, 2004:
GIVE OUT MORE ROOM SPEICALS AND MAKE THE SLOTS LOOSEER AND ALSO HAVE MORE FOOD APTIONS AND MAKE THE CASIONS COOLER IN THE SUMMERTIME . AND I ALSO COME UP ON GREYHOUND AND WOULD LOKE LATER CHECK IN TIMES FOR THE ROOMS.

Submitted by Bernie from California on July 2, 2004:
Having recently retired, I now have the time to visit Reno more than once per year, the only problem is...the cost. With gas prices out of control I think the least that the Hotel/Casinos should do is to reduce the cost of a room (especially for Players Club Members), offer hotel guests 2 for 1 buffet tickets (dinner), one for each night they stay (your buffet prices are way too high!), loosen up those tight slots and raise the comps a little and please, don't take the unused comps away at the end of the year....roll em over (this would mean a lot to repeat guests). The Eldorado is my choice when in Reno...I hope they read this. I love your Hotel/Casino and would come more often and stay longer if you'd make if more affordable. Show me that you appreciate my business, offer some incentives to make it worth the drive & the gas. Would it hurt to offer your Club Members a free two night stay at least once per year?

Submitted by Rachel from BC, Canada on July 2, 2004:
Something special for far away customers. Maybe a special "far away breakfast deal", or some perk for people who don't come often enough to collect the good perks. We aren't high rollers, nor can we afford to spend a lot on food (reduces the gambling money). I realize you need to keep your regulars coming back, but we come to Reno once a year, and may or may not come more often. We come for the air races, but would like to do Hot August Nights, or the Bike Week, etc. The airlines don't make it easy either. Since Reno Air is gone, the fares are up and the charters from Vancouver and Bellingham are non-existent. You need to keep a good exchange rate for the Canadian Dollar. We do not gamble in or frequent locations with poor exchange rates, when other casinos want our business more. The Cal Neva used to have two for one dinners for exchanging Canadian money, but I think they stopped. We used to eat dinner there all the time, because the food was good, and inexpensive.

Submitted by moneymaker from California on June 30, 2004:
I live in California and it is very apparent Reno is loosing some of their business to the Tribes casinos sprouting up all over the place. Being inside of many of these casinos is the feeling as if you are in Reno with less driving. And not always needing to spend th night in any hotel. RENO- Please get with it, I enjoy spending time there, but you are making it harder and harder for me to convince my group of gambling lovers to head up your way when the fun is soooo much closer now. You need to kick off some new incentives: 1. Don't just have special rates Sun-Thurs when business is low. Offer MORE weekend specials with rooms free or at very low cost. You did not get that big off of rooms sales. Believe me..you will more than make up for the room within hours. Good grief, I'd rather spend the room charge on the tables. 2. Looking at the "winners cicle" for Reno casinos, it looks pretty grim. make some adjustments on your slots... 3. Might want to bring in some "family" entertainment. Get some ideas from Las Vegas..while the kids are out, the parents will play.. You are continuing to loose California gamblers...do something to get us back!!

Submitted by Kelly from Oregon on June 26, 2004:
I think the Reno should have storefronts filled, keep the city streets clean, have visible law enforcement and have reasonable hotel rates.

Submitted by Suzy from Nevada on June 25, 2004:
I've been visiting Reno casinos... on a hot day...and I thought that some of them should make things "cooler" particularly the Gold Dust. I had seen the ad on TV about it being the "coolest" casino and I know that was supposed to mean like "nice" but in this case it was so hot inside I had to leave... sweating outside and even more inside... maybe they ought to do something about that... I know some others that were warm... but this was outright hot (to me)

Submitted by Wayne from Wa on June 24, 2004:
My Wife and I have been going to Reno since 1961 when we were on our honeymoon.When you took out the Nevada club and Harolds it ruined Reno forever. The city should have kept and operated those clubs for a tourist attraction, keeping the old machines that were fun to play. They actually paid back enough to keep playing for awhile. Harolds club was the main atmosphere for the whole town, win or lose. Now all there is to see is bums on the streets,gangs at night and tight tight tight machines. You need to change the town back like it used to be, with coin drop and looser machines. We very seldom come back winners, but we like to have fun while we are there. What happened to all the signs indicating 99% payback that used to be in Reno? We've been to every gambling town in Nevada and most of the Indian casinos in Oregon and Washington and have tighten up so bad that we now go to Laughlin, where they treat us like Royalty. They comp our airfare and hotel, so we don't mind spending our money gambling. By using your players card, on the machines and tables you can add up the points. when we can get our trip and meals paid for, why would we come to Reno or Vegas where the machines are so tight and pay to get there. The Indian casinos are unregulated and with no atmosphere, that they are a complete waste of time and money. When they first open they have a few machines that pay back and the next time you go there the machines have been replaced with ones that don't pay off. As far as Reno goes clean up your town and loosen your machines and get rid of the ticket in ticket out system. People like to see and hear the coins clank.

Submitted by Erin from California on June 23, 2004:
My husband and I love to come to Reno!!! There are a few things that we would love to see more often: More Vegas like shows, a few hotels have them but they aren't up to par with Vegas. More gaming coupons, not just hotel deals. More cocktail servers and change people, at some hotels it is really hard to get a drink or change (not everyone plays late at night). Easier parking access into & out of downtown. Signs on the major roadways telling us what exit and directions to the different hotels. Other than that. Keep up the great work. There are people out there that truely love everything Reno has to offer. I hate Vegas because it is so big and over-crowded, Reno is great because it is much more friendly and has more one-on-one attention Thanks.

Submitted by Elroy from wa on June 8, 2004:
Ima Winner from Lotsofum must be a casino owner. Very touchy!

Submitted by Laura Portolese Dias from WA on June 5, 2004:
One thing that is frustrating as a frequent guest in Reno is that the hotels offer great deals during off time, but as a regular player, we are treated just like everyone else during high season. The hotels should treat their "special" guests special throughout the year, not only when they are desperate for business!

Submitted by ron metal from ca. on June 3, 2004:
I HAVE BEEN GOING TO rENO FOR THE PAST 15 YRS. i USUALLY STAYED AT THE SILVER LEGACY. They seemed to have cut back on the comps. Why travel to Reno if they don't appreciate the business?

Submitted by Gerry from BC, Canada on May 29, 2004:
Dont' forget the Canadians. We too have casinos now but we talk about how great Reno was to us in the 70's to 90's. Canadians will return, just offer them Canadian Club discounts, and 80 cents on the dollar specials, at par rooms whatever. Bring us back.

Submitted by Kathy from California on May 25, 2004:
Non stop flights from Burbank and/or more non stop from LAX. It is a pain getting to Reno.

Submitted by Ima Winner from Lotsofem on May 25, 2004:
Get like Vegas??? Get real, How about we get us a mouse and get like Disneyland, or how about a big pointed thing and be like seattle, or dress like indians and be a tribe.......How about we just turn the lights on at anyplace thats closed, and all you people pissing and mouning about somewhere else just show up and have a good time.

Submitted by Adam from Oregon on May 24, 2004:
Reno needs to take a more Vegas like approach.. They need more Shopping and other activities other than just Gambling. Don't get me wrong, gambling is fun but sometimes you need to take a break and find something else to do... Reno needs better transportation from the Atlantis area to Downtown and the area in between needs to be cleaned up. Maybe putting some kind of tram that takes you around from the Atlantis to Downtown and even to Sparks... The potential for Reno is there, but you need to offer more than just gambling, people are not willing to travel hundreds of miles to just gamble, they can do that at an indian casino close to home... You need to offer what indian casino's can't, and thats a place to go have fun, drink a little, lounge by a nice tropical style pool on a hot day, gamble, shop, party, take in a spectacular show, see some sights, see some extravigant casino's, see a buetiful city and have fun... Ideas like Vega's Fremont Street Experience are along the lines of what you need. Offer something to people that they can't get else where... But the biggest complaint I hear is that the city is a trash pit and needs to be cleaned up.. I like Reno and want to see it survive, the best thing the city has is the gambling and good gambling that I love, but it lacks in every other category.

Submitted by Lewis from Nevada on May 22, 2004:
We need more night life - shows and outdoor activities. Albuquerque has a weekly activity during the summer where the downtown area is closed off and different cultures are spotlighted. One weekend is for the hispanic culture, one is for the Native American culture, one is for the English culture, etc. This would bring more people to the downtown area and lead to greater exposure of casinos to locals.

Submitted by Pat from California on May 18, 2004:
I've been coming to Reno off & on for 30 yrs. and always looked forward to the next trip. Got married in Reno in 1989, stayed at CC, room was nice and was at an affordable rate, food at the buffet was good and didn't cost an arm and a leg, slots were looser back then too. We had been away from Reno for almost 12 years until my husband surprised me with a trip for my birthday for a 2 night stay at the Eldorado. We were both impressed with the Hotel, our room was very nice, the staff friendly and helpful, won a little on the slots. But the cost of things sure have gone up over the years, like the cost of a room and the buffet. I mean, here in Calif. you can go to HomeTown Buffet and have dinner for about $9 per person but its almost twice that at the hotels in Reno! Way too much! I would suggest to the hotel/casinos to first, reduce the cost of the rooms (after all, more time is spent in the casino than in the room), reduce the cost of your buffet or at least offer your hotel guests 2 for 1 buffet tickets for each night of their stay ( for breakfast & dinner). It would be nice to be able to dine at one of the hotel's restaurants (where we're staying) instead of going in search of "meal deals" to save a few bucks. I'd also like to see "in room coffee" and a small frig in the hotel rooms without an extra charge. Bring back the loose slots (we're going to leave most of our money there anyway but it would be nice to get a jackpot now and then to extend our play time). We come up there to have a little fun, can't have fun if the slots won't give back a little to play with. And by the way, please don't change all the slots to "coinless".....I love putting the coins in, pulling the handle and hearing the "plink" of the coins when a jackpot does come along. The Eldorado is our choice when in Reno and we'd come more often and stay longer if it was more affordable (cost of rooms, meals, etc.). I'd like to see better comps too, example: Fitzgeralds offers card members a free two night stay (for playing very little) at least twice per year by mailed invitations. With the cost of gas these days it wouldn't hurt the hotels to offer a "Free Ride", say $25 cash rebate for club members who stay and play. No doubt that $25 would go right back in the slots anyway ( I know mine would). Things like this show guests and players that they are appreciated and it will keep us coming back for more, and more often! What happened to the big name entertainment? I remember going to Harrah's and seeing Jerry Lewis, Sammy Davis Jr., Loretta Lynn, etc. at the "cocktail show" where the cost was about $20 for each of us. Are those days gone for good? Very sad if they are. I still love the Biggest Little City In The World and can only hope that the hotels will read the comments left here by their patrons and do something to show us we're valued guests. Make coming to your hotels affordable again and you'll see more and more repeat guests, loosen up those slots and you'll see more and more of your guests staying at your hotel/casino to gamble instead of going casino hopping in hope of finding the "loose slots" elsewhere. As for downtown Reno, it's a lot cleaner than it was 14 years ago but it would be nice to see some nice shops (maybe even a mini-mall), or an amusement park close by. Something to see and browse through besides pawn shops.

Submitted by donn from oregon on May 17, 2004:
full pay video poker, at least 9/6 jacks or better. get rid of the secrecy in slot clubs , be upfont with the player, tell them what points they earned and what they can be used for. check out the PALMS slot club in vegas ,easy to use and understand.

Submitted by Robbie from Oregon on May 17, 2004:
Any Hotel Wow, this place was GREAT....when we arrived we were greeted by the most cheerfull limo driver as all guests get a free limo ride, when we got to the hotel we were offered a free upgrade to a suite at no additional cost. When we got to the room the bellboy would not accept a tip, only asked that we had a good time.....The in room fridge was stocked with free adualt bevvys....We made a trip to the casino and within 5 mins I hit a progressie jackpot for 50,000 dollers and within 15 mins my wife hit a keno ticket for 125,000..........Then my wife must have hit a bump in the road as I had just woken up....we were still in the car, haddent even got to reno yet, it was all a dream!!!!!!!!!! At any rate, Reno is what you make of it! Long gone is the .29 gas, and a .5 burger at McDonalds.....so get over it, enjoy what you have, don't compare it to other options (Vegas..Tribes, Ect) This place is, and always will be a adult playground.....things will always change..heck in ten years you will still be wishing you would just get off your butt and stop complaining about why your not going to Reno...the other side of the coin

Submitted by jeff from washington on May 16, 2004:
The fundamental problem that I see is the airline schedules. From Seattle, the times to go to Reno on, say, a Thursday, are too limited. Its either very, very early in the morning or very, very late in the afternoon or early evening. Similarly, coming back on a Sunday is too limited. One either must leave before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. There are eight of us that come and stay at the Silver Legacy each year. These times would be the only reason that we would switch to Las Vegas. I really do not know if there is anything you can do about it....but wanted you to know our thoughts.

Submitted by terry from canada on May 11, 2004:
clean up downtown. Reno is nice, but dirty

Submitted by sharon from florida on May 11, 2004:
my family travels to vegas at LEAST once a year. we are able to do tht because of special low-cost flight deals and flight-hotel packages. we would love to add reno to our list "must visit" places (at least yearly) but find that there are no low-cost flight deals. I suspect that this innovation could come to pass with interaction between the airlines and the casino owners. When I can fly from orlando to vegas for $99.00 each way, and it costs me $240.00 to fly to reno ( with no incentives) you can see that it makes for a hard choice

Submitted by Ronald from Nevada on May 11, 2004:
Look at Las Vegas, Get some idea's from them

Submitted by Debbie from NV on May 4, 2004:
We personally do not think the mayor or casinos really give a rats butt about what will make people come. If they did then all of the above would listen when the people speak and vote. We seldom go downtown due to the horrible parking. Now add the train trench which we all voted against and we do not even bother even with our out of state friends. We tell them, between the parking, horrible construction, SUPER tight machines and prices, it is just not worth it. The smoking in restetrants is a HUGE turn off. To the other casinos, when you add the smoke, prices going UP, long walks from parking and over all indifferent service, we have just pretty much given up. The room rates have gotten out of the average workers range. We use to get a room at the Peppermill or Nugget once in a while for fun, but we just can't do it anymore. I think it is a matter of time till the whole down town folds up and walks away in the night.

Submitted by Mike from Washington on May 3, 2004:
Glen might be on to something;-) Actually, has there been any response from the casino's to ANY of these "suggestions"? Any sense that they are listening, or are we just getting blown off? There are many good, and reasonable suggestions on this list.

Submitted by Glen from WA on May 2, 2004:
Topless blackjack dealers.

Submitted by Dennis from Oakland, Calif. on April 30, 2004:
The hotel rates have been too expensive for me. For the same money, I would rather visit Las Vegas. There should be incentives for Bay Area customers to visit Reno more often. I have been receiving less emails with special rates from Circus Circus recently (my favorite place to stay).

Submitted by bill & denise from Beavercreek, OH on April 17, 2004:
Keep the small clubs, Nevada Club; & Harrolds were a great loss. The Nugget, Old Reno, Gambler/Rocky's/? should be encouraged because they and the older large hotel casino's give the atmosphere that makes Reno. If the Nugget(N.Virginia Street) or Old Reno should go broke, the City or Chamber of Commerce might be smart to buy and run them. Tell Ran at the Nugget that we have tickets to arrive 8/17/04. You need small clubs to keep the small town atmosphere.

Submitted by Rene from CA on April 17, 2004:
The panhandlers downtown are what bothers me most about Reno. While I enjoy staying at the Sands, I don't want to be caught walking back there from the strip after dark. The room rates and food prices are generally great.

Submitted by Marti from Oregon on April 16, 2004:
Go back to affordable room rates

Submitted by John Gonzalez from American in Japan on April 14, 2004:
To whom it may concern; I visit Reno at least once a year or more. I have family in the area, and that is the main purpose for my visits. Although, I absolutely love the area, I doubt I would visit, at least not as often if my family were not there. The city of Reno is quite depressing, and really needs to find its "niche" if it is to survive. The downtown area, is dirty, full of old sleazy motels, homeless people, and worst of all are the many closed and boarded up buildings. Reminds me of Detroit! Also, there are no attractions at all except for gaming. That is it. No shopping, no nightlife, no entertainment (unless second rate lounge acts are for you), and the 60+ crowd does you no good either. Lake Tahoe on the other hand has its beauty...it needs nothing more to attract visitors. Las Vegas is big, bold, extravegant, exciting, impressive, and all around FUN. You can go to Vegas, not even as a gambler, and still have tons of fun, without stepping foot on the casino floor. I do gamble while I'm in Nevada, but in Reno the depressing atmosphere, and lack of people drove me out. It was boring. The sad thing about it is that Reno has SO much potential. I guess it just does not have a "visionary" like steve wynn to step in and do something. Use that potential to your advantage, and Reno can come back. My suggestions would be: Start attracting a younger crowd! Dance Clubs (definately lacking in Reno), Popular Music and Comedy acts, a more friendly security, and police force. They seem to dislike young people. (That was my experience, I'm 27 ). More events that appeal to younger people. 1950's nostalgia does nothing for those under 40. I know that is your biggest draw, so I applaud you for doing that...but, why not try doing something similar for younger people too. The most important thing is to CLEAN UP DOWNTOWN! You know what I mean, and you must be blind if you cant see it. Downtown Reno is a dump! Enough said about that. And incorporate the natural and scenic beauty, recreation, and proximity to other sites more to your advantage. Reno seems isolated, and you dont take advantage of what you have nearby. And get rid of the country, cow-poke, redneck image. That is what you have, sorry. And the country bars, hotels, and casinos that seem to glamorize that image dont help! Reno is in Nevada, yet it seems closer to Branson, Missouri than Las Vegas. Not a good idea guys! Vegas is booming, look at what they are doing....and learn from it. Enough said. Again, you can do so much more. Just try a little harder. Reno is dying, dont let it happen. It is all in your hands. Thanks for your consideration. Sincerely, John P. Gonzalez American in Ayase, Kanagawa-Ken, Japan

Submitted by robert from wash on April 9, 2004:
In these days of exorbinate gas prices I would like to see some type of coupon/payoff or whatever as an enticement to visit more often.I like driving to Reno but fuel costs are fast approaching airline costs.

Submitted by Paul from Washington State on April 9, 2004:
Capital improvements. It is sad to see Reno deteriorate into a "ghetto" for gambling. Too many sites are either now vacant lots or neglected and abandoned. It is my belief that if the casinos that are still in Reno should learn to work together to improve Reno's "rust-belt" image. I'm sure that if they worked together to make improvements in Reno that everyone involved will reap the benefits. For example, with the new RETRAC trench going in downtown, it may be prudent to "put a lid on it". Maybe if they put lids on parts of the trench a pedestrian walkway could be built with retail/commercial/residentail could be lined along the sides of the lids thereby creating an inviting atmosphere for both locals and tourists. I think this may attract additional tenants between the Truckee River and the Trench. I truly love the Reno area and am saddened by the lack of cooperation shown by the government and business officials. The Mapes site, Kings Inn, and proliference of "smoke shops" on Virginia Street are good examples of poor foresight. Thanks for your time. Paul Jonas mrpauljonas@aol.com

Submitted by Christian from South Carolina on April 7, 2004:
Clean up downtown, and get a mix of shopping (upscale if possible) mixed in with the casinos. Get rid of the bums, I don't care about their problems, only the ones they cause all the people who are paying the taxes.

Submitted by Alan from California on April 6, 2004:
I used to come to Reno about 4 times a year. I came mostly for the low cost or free shows. I always gambled and usually lost, but it was worth it for the entertainment. The cost of seeing entertainers in Reno costs so much now that I may as well wait until those I want to see are appearing locally.

Submitted by Terri Lee from CA on April 6, 2004:
You need more shows in the casinos. Looser slots :)

Submitted by Jim from Minnesota on April 4, 2004:
I am 43 years old, and have been visiting Reno 3-4 times a year for the last few years. I also visit Las Vegas a like number of times each year. I believe that Reno competes quite well with Las Vegas, and Reno has now become my destination of choice. I am a video poker player, and Reno offers far more friendly pay tables than Vegas. Also, rooms and food are more affordable in Reno. It is easy to get from the airport to the hotels, and the whole city seems much less crowded. I primarily stay at the Peppermill and Atlantis, and have been very impressed with the service and accomodations at both. I believe both of these hotels compete well with the best Vegas has to offer for gaming, accomodations, and food. Vegas still has the edge on entertainment and shopping. Both the Peppermill and Atlantis have very savvy management that should enable them to compete well, no matter what the competition offers. I have also enjoyed a couple of stays at the Sands Regency downtown. While the Sands is far from a luxury property, it is clean, well--managed, and offers a good value. I have a less favorable impression of the other properties downtown, which offer lousy pay tables and tight slots, poor slot service, and expensive/mediocre food. Here is what you can do to keep me coming: 1) offer air travel options at competitive prices to Las Vegas; 2) keep video poker pay tables superior to what LV offers; and 3) build one truly destination type of resort hotel/casino (3000 rooms), with world class entertainment and top tier shopping, and don't put it downtown (Atlantis & Peppermill, are you listening?).

Submitted by canukgal from Alberta Canada on April 4, 2004:
As a Canadian, I have to agree with Garry. I enjoy Reno, even though it's a little more rundown every year. It's the exchange rate that helps convince my cousin & I to go. Having said that....friendly service makes us stay put in a casino longer. We tip rather well, but can't tolerate sullen service.

Submitted by Cary from WA on April 3, 2004:
Nothing!! We love Reno. Please send an Aweful Aweful Burger my way!

Submitted by Rosemarie from SF, CA on April 2, 2004:
So many catholic church's in SF and the entire Bay area go to Reno trips during the week - I think that if more of the younger generation goes thru the church's on weekends! And you made it more affordable for us to stay and play at your hotels that we would definatly go. I am 51 years old and for 10 years have gone with St. Cecelia's church in SF. They always frequent the same 2 clubs, and that is the Sands, and now Silver Legacy. I must work, I have off monday's and if you had a weekend trip I available to people of my age who have to work I do think that we would definatly go and therefore you would attract a little younger generation... I have thought of renting a bus for an overnighter and doing it myself., but with work etc. it is very difficult. I love going to reno, I belong to every club there and would go more often if it were more convienent for me.

Submitted by Jim from Oregon on April 2, 2004:
We this is the second time I have left a message on this site. Just wanted the Hotels and Casinos to know that my wife and I and 3 other couples will be making are third Gambling Adventure from Oregon to Nevada on Easter Weekend. Our first was to Reno in January, our second was to Laughlin, Nev, and the upcoming trip in April will be to Laughlin. The Reason? Quite simple, the Airfare Hotel Package is essentially the same, and frankly the gambling and food and entertainment is more reasonable and better. For example, Blackjack in Lauglin is easily found for $2.00 Minimums. Craps is available for $1.00 to $3.00 Min's, with 5 to 10 times odds. Breakfast goes from specials of $1.99 up. Entertainment even seems to be more available, and reasonable. Last trip Louise Mandrell at the Flamingo put on one heck of show and the price was $20. Now, we still like Reno, but Laughlin reminds us more of what Reno Used to be like. Reasonable gambling, food, drinks, and entertainment. Frankly the only reason we will head again to Reno, will be to see Danny Marona before the end of the year. We think that Reno need some leaders with vision, and who know how to treat their gamblers. Reno needs another Harold Smith, or Bill Harrah. Las Vegas has Steve Wynn. Laughlin has Don Laughlin and Reno has....................???????

Submitted by Star from Reno on April 1, 2004:
I thought that when I started this "what Reno needs to do" section that it would spur Reno into actually doing something about the problems that people experience that keep them from coming to Reno, for the first time... or again. It seemed that if enough people brought up the same issues... over and over...that someone would do more than just read through them, or think about them... it seemed that they should "DO" something... to take enough interest to do something... to take positive action to bring an end to the talk. I'm disappointed. Not in the gamblers, not in the posts... I'm just disappointed in the reactions from those people who could do something and don't. I'm disappointed in those who tell us (John and me) that they aren't learning anything new... they know the problems exist. I think they should be ashamed of themselves for even bothering to say that. I come from communities that take action when they know they have a problem, where if they know they have a problem don't just push it under the table and ignore it... they get off their butts and show interest, try to find answers, and start cleaning up their depleted areas... people proud enough to be part of the community to volunteer a little time, a little paint, a little effort. What's wrong with Reno? Try stopping the "buck passing" and do something! Before coming to stay in Reno, I was a visitor. Just like everyone else that comes to gamble, eat, be entertained, and see some special events. Downtown was a little odd, I've opened phone booths in the wee hours of the morning and have had bag ladies and hobos fall out (they were sleeping) and I heard the talk about "what to do", I've had my pocket picked, my purse snatched, heard the talk about doing something with the bums and the homeless shelters... and that was 15-20 years ago... and you know what? They are still talking and arguing about what to do... why oh why is everybody still talking? It is our community and we should be out doing something... a little corporate funding and a task force or sub-committee would help, casino involvement to make things "safer" would do. Sure, it has been years since I had my pocket picked or my purse snatched... but it doesn't mean that once I step off the main drag that it wouldn't happen again... I just don't step off the main drag! I have to drive everywhere anyhow... the bus doesn't run everywhere, not everyone has a shuttle, and I happen to like many places off the beaten path... but come on Reno... let's do something other than talk. Also... the casinos are disappointing... many words were said during the Gaming Summit, but are they doing anything about it? I paid attention to the Summit, because I really wanted to be there, really thought that this was an opportunity to explain what we, the everyday Joes and Janes might be able to impress some of our needs on the casinos. I learned that one would like a class of people in their 20's to 40's with money who fly in and every casino I visit is heavy on the 50 and over group... Ferenc Szony of the Sands Regency made the most viable statement saying that we have to do something and suggested that the something should be bold and different... which impressed me because I have been shouting that out on the web since the days of my Tahoe Gaming Guide... starting back in January 2000... actually, more like screaming that in every web column and newsletter and phone call and letter. Now it is four years later and everyone is still whining and nobody is really different and bold. Tahoe has been turned into fewer slots and more X-rated shows... if they go the way of 6/5 Blackjack then the tables will be as empty as their casinos are most of the time. Gaming is being turned into alcohol and sex shows... entertainment has been cut back to has-beens at inflated prices (check the tribal casinos... all the popular has-beens at half the price Reno charges) and our buffets are not affordable (unless you go to the Peppermill or Atlantis or take up a special at Boomtown) and only the clubs who aren't whining about their revenues and visitor counts being down have promotions and giveaways and count people's money equally have more people in their casinos... Gee, I wonder why? Could it be if everyone really read the letters posted that they would understand that downtown safety and appearance, direct flights to Reno, cheaper food and entertainment and room deals, as well as better attitudes are paramount to keeping Reno as a viable destination for visitors? Could it be that running some of the bigger properties the same way as they do in Vegas, Atlantic City, etc. isn't the answer? This town used to be run on cheap food, cheap entertainment, and it ran well as a GAMBLING DESTINATION because the visitors weren't having to shell out $100 for food, $100 or more for each show ticket, $100 for a room... and they had more money to GAMBLE with. Instead I look at the hotels giving out rooms during the slow season, empty casinos graveyard, too many people on the floor that don't speak English, and I think to myself that several of our gaming pioneers are just spinning in their graves. What is wrong with running business on volume... what is wrong with working TOGETHER to make things better? I didn't want to have to print this, didn't even think I would have to think this... and I shouldn't have to... but when oh when is Reno going to wake up and take pro-active measures to move ahead? I'm not knocking the casinos, because I think all of them are at their very best at present... I visit them all, I play them all, but having given up a regular lifestyle to do this for the gamblers that I love, I understand what goes on in the minds of our visitors. I'm not making money from anyone on this... I do it because I care enough about my community, and I love the gaming industry and the gamblers and tourists... and think that Reno is a place worth sharing with the rest of the world... I just hope that I'm not the only one that would get up and do something about it. If Mayor Cashell started a sub-committee today I'd have my shoes on and be down there in a heartbeat!

Submitted by Ron from California on March 31, 2004:
I do not gamble. I've come to Reno for its events - Hot August Nights, the Blues Festival, Sparks' Rib Cookoff, etc. Now that California has legalized gambling, us kooky Kalifornians have little reason to come across the Sierras to burn our money. So if the area between I-80 and the Truckee River could be diversified to include more nightspots besides gambling, and more restaurants, that could work. In San Francisco and New Orleans, locals mix with tourists easily in many spots, and I've noticed that the locals tend to stay away from the casino district unless they're going to Reno Live (or whatever it's called now) and the Eldorado clubs. It is pretty seedy in this area, anyway. Point is, more activities to draw the locals, like the French Quarter and Union Square, would do a lot for that part of Reno.

Submitted by Lisa from Washington on March 29, 2004:
My husband and I love vising Reno--we prefer it to Las Vegas for gambling. We often get great room offers from the hotels that we have players club memberships. We would absolutely take advantage of these if we could get a better deal on the airfare. Unfortunately, it is more expensive to buy airfare only than to buy a package deal through the airline, so it would actually cost us more to take advantage of the players' club savings. How about working with the airlines to come up with special flight/room packages for the players' club offers?

Submitted by Ed from California on March 28, 2004:
More reasonable food and room prices, better pay tables on Video poker and start treating regulars like you really want them to return vs. taking them for granted. With Gas at $2 per gal. I don't need to drive 250 miles to be taken for granted the Indians do that but it's only 45 miles.

Submitted by Richard from Montana on March 28, 2004:
We here in Butte, MT, if we do want to fly, have to by way of Salt Lake City. Is there some way that there might be a sponsored bus or something that might make a trip from here to Reno? Jackpot, NV offers specials every once in awhile, but few people take them, because there is not much to do in Jackpot. Also, it would be nice to have some of the special 5-reel slot machines mentioned that have paid out some nice cash amounts. Lots of the folks here in Butte are not rich, so they like to play the nickle machines. My wife and I will be coming to Reno in early June (we will be driving), to spend a week. So at this time I am trying to decide where the best place to go to gamble.

Submitted by Jeff from Oregon on March 27, 2004:
Interesting site, and I hope that some of the casinos actually take a look at the comments. I just had to comment today, as a group of friends last night completed reservation to head north to the Muckleshoot Casino in Auburn, Washington on the weekend of 4/16/04. Everyone has the "itch" for a little casino action and entertainment. The reason we are not going down to Reno, is the Entertainment! Friends in the Seattle area noted they have been seeing TV AD's from the Muckleshoot Casino, and the the Society of Seven will be performing there Tues. thru Suns, (note nightly). This is a group we last saw a couple years ago in Reno at Harrah's in Sammy's Showroom, and in Las Vegas at the Aladdin. We discovered this group years ago at Harrahs when they still had Lounge Shows. Why one of the Casinos in Reno has not signed this group is just amazing. We would much perfer Reno for gambling, but why drive all the way to Reno (10 Hours) when we can head north and see Society of Seven, and make our "donation" after seeing great entertainment. By the way, the SOS Show is FREE!

Submitted by Marilyn from Washington on March 24, 2004:
Reno has the activities that I'm looking for.

Submitted by mike from ca on March 22, 2004:
need airline service from fresno ca, used to have delta & allegiant air. go to vegas more often because of flights

Submitted by James from California on March 20, 2004:
Hello Reno, I love very much coming to the Reno area visit and have fun. But as late, I'm finding the Calif.Indian Casino's are doing a great job keeping me in California. The gambling is actually better now then it is in Reno. In order for Reno Casino's to keep us coming, i think you need to have a loser gaming, keep your great eats and room rates. Good luck, james

Submitted by Judy from Oregon on March 19, 2004:
The casinos need to have more promotions, including coupons for meals, drinks, and gambling.

Submitted by Jake from Oregon on March 16, 2004:
Heck, what is going on with Downtown Reno? What a mess, railroad crap, and where are all of the old Casino's. Yeah, I know they are all going bankrupt right? Major problems as I see them. I rarely see anyone winning, gee give a few bucks back. What's up with $16.95 Buffet prices in RENO? ANYBODY EVER HEARD OF A LOUNGE SHOW IN RENO ANYMORE? Sorry, but Reno just doesn't offer the value in gambling or entertainment it once did. It will be tough for us to go down there when we have decent casinos, and better entertainment right here in Oregon.

Submitted by Nick from California on March 15, 2004:
Pattern yourself after the Peppermill. They provide the most comfortable experience. Big, comfortable, oversized seating at the slots and in the restaurants (ever sit in the chairs at Romanza?), self service bill exchangers, Ticket In/Ticket out machines. Excellent restaurants and rooms. Friendly and attentive people on the floor. AND...they reinvest! Look at the new seafood restaurant going up! Their floor always looks fresh and clean. Visited the Sparks Nugget last time I was in town. Sat in an uncomfortable chair waiting 20 minutes to get a stinkin' $50.00 hand pay. Way to keep up with the times, guys! At the Peppermill, I would've had my $50 bucks in 2 seconds and been at the Sportsbook with my money betting a game or a horse race. The rest of these places can take their old broken down chairs, with their old broken down machines, and their old worn out carpets, and get ready to follow the likes of Comstock, Holiday, and Sundowner into the old Casino graveyard. Open up your wallets and make us comfortable when we visit.

Submitted by Judy from Oregon on March 13, 2004:
We would like to see you go back to the "good old days" when you enticed people into your casinos and restaurants with coupons for gambling, food, drinks, and lodging.

Submitted by Susan from Washington on March 11, 2004:
Reno needs to clean up downtown --- as an over-55 lady, it is not safe to walk in and around the Sands' parking lot and to/from the downtown area to the Sands after dusk. We do not face this problem in Las Vegas --- even on Fremont Street. I have personally been followed (but not robbed) and have observed drug transactions near the entrance to the Sands (their security personnal were not interested in following up (the same cast of characters appeared night after night - observed from the safety of my room).... I never saw a police car near the RR track area (easiest way to town)...but the prostitutes were out in force (and appeared to be minors). The police were responsive to my emails when I got home --- but they cannot do this without your help. Reno needs a cleanup plan and the social services (rehab, Salvation Army etc)to address the addictions which create the crime. How can I be of assistance? Susan Billings Redmond, WA (tourist)

Submitted by garry from canada on March 11, 2004:
a really good canadian exchange rate. I love reno but the exchange rate really hurts. give me a good rate and I'll come down more often. You'll get it all back on the machines' I promise!

Submitted by Laurie from California on March 10, 2004:
Hey, would it hurt you to let us have some pay back money so we can play for longer? You know we will sit there and play till it's all gone anyway. That's why we go. But at least don't suck it down from us in the first 10 minutes and leave us twiddling our thumbs for the rest of our trip. I'd like to feel like I could play something other than nickel slots so my money will last till I'm ready to head for home. I remember hitting a few jackpots in the past. Does anyone do that anymore? I also remember when you could get real deals on food so you could spend your money on what you really came there for....Gambling!

Submitted by Marcus from Washington State on March 9, 2004:
Casinos: Be competitive with Off-Strip and "locals" casinos in Las Vegas as far as your Video Poker (VP) PayTables go. Add new machines, use Tiket-In-Ticket-Out (TITO) and Improve your PayTables. Every extra unit of payoff helps attract the smart players that are ready to swarm. Example: a VP game called Double Double Bonus is very popular. Silver Legacy has .25 and $1 versions which pay a progressive Royal Flush (good!) and 9-1 for Full houses (average), plus a $5 coin version paying 9-1 FHwithout the progressive Royal. All are the old clunker coin type machines. Now Peppermill has many newer, fast TITO machines that do not have the Progressive ROyal, but they pay 10-1 for their Full House on Dbl Dbl Bonus. Something SIMPLE like that will lure me to the Peppermill over the Silver Legacy. There are lots of other good-paying VP: Deuces Wild Progressives (like the new TITO's at Silver Legacy and older machines at the Hilton) Joker Wild (pair of Kings or better) with a 20-1 payoff for 4-of-a-Kind (Legacy has 8 @ .25c coin) Keeping these machines around or adding them to your inventory help keep a LOT of VP players coming in the door. Some of us fly in just to gamble on these good video poker paytables. Loosen up ! It can't cost you that much! Many people play VP incorrectly, I find it hard to believe that the Paytable makes that much difference to your bottom line. I like Reno over Vegas as the hotel/casino employees are still very friendly and personable like you'd expect in a smaller town. Vegas is large, crowded and impersonable. And the casinos collect more from gambling than from room rates, dining profits and show ticket sales combined, so... THAT is how you lure us to Reno, us gamblers. Marcus

Submitted by Hammer from california on March 9, 2004:
reduce the price for buffet. slot machines are too tight. need better lounge act.

Submitted by McKenzie from Maryland on March 8, 2004:
Keep all the live music. I love the old showrooms and cabarets in the casinos. The cabaret bars can be a great time and we have nothing like it in the big city. My favorite is at JA Nugget. It is so nice to see the great entertainers is a more intimate venue. I also love the city's events. Coming from D.C. area we have so many rules and regulations at any big events that they are no longer fun to attend. Instead of the fireworks here I've flown out to Reno to enjoy yours. Only complaint I have is that sometimes for a woman to get waited on in the casinos is not easy. They need to remember that not everyone in there knows their little procedures or sections.

Submitted by Jeff from Washington on March 7, 2004:
I come down with a total of 8 guys every year. There has been a lot of consolidation of properties in the last 15 years which, I believe, has somewhat limited Reno as a destination. We enjoy the golf and shows and dining which is very good. Two comments, though. First, we would like to bring our wives every other year but there is not enough to do for them. I have often wondered why you have not developed some other entertainment in the city core. As an example, bring in antique stores or other distinctive shopping. The second comment involves the airlines and the very limited choices we have for flying in and out of Reno from Seattle. It always surprises us that we have very, very limited times in and out. I might suggest that the Chamber of Commerce talk to the airlines. Thanks. Otherwise, Reno remains the "greatest little city in the world" to us.

Submitted by Aloha from Evers on March 6, 2004:
I love Reno! Bring Gordie Brown back!! I've seen him twice and really love him! More inexpensive shows. More coupons on line for restaurants in Reno.

Submitted by Evandors from Washington on March 6, 2004:
In my opinion there is nothing that can be done....Reno needs to completely reinvent itself and give people a reason to come there other than gambling...The Indian casinos and state run games are changing the business forever....In Portland Oregon there is a dogracing track that was hugely popular 15-20 years ago....They had a parking lot the size of a WalMart and on Friday and Saturday nights you would struggle to find a place.....Now when you go there might be 100 people there....When Oregon started having state run video poker in taverns and then the Indian Casinos opened people could get their "fix" without leaving the state...Almost everyone admits it is not as good as Reno, but you can't justify the time and expense to go to Reno just to stay in dingy hotels (you know who you are out there) and be treated like the casino is doing you a favor by taking your money....Also, there are now 6 less casinos in downtown then when I started coming to Reno 15 years ago...(Harolds Club, Nevada Club, Virginian, Comstock, Riverboat, Sundowner, The main thing I liked about Reno was being able to hop from place to place....We would gamble in almost every casino each day of our trip...Now there are so few it is not the same...I am afraid to say Reno is in a slow (or maybe not so slow) downward spiral that it will NEVER recover from....We have decided to start going to Las Vegas instead.....

Submitted by Kathy from washington on March 5, 2004:
It has been a little while since my husband and I have been to Reno...but the last trip shocked us with the change going on. Casinos closed and how bad some of the downtown area has become. Reno always has a special place in our hearts as we like the small town feel, and used to be able to come more often. Anyway, we would still come, but the biggest disappointment I have only yet heard about is the coinless slot machines. I thrive on the feel of coins and the clank of a win. You can get coinless at any Indian Casino. What are they thinking???

Submitted by Al from New York on March 4, 2004:
My girlfriend and I visited Reno so that I could go to the International Game Technology Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 2. We flew in Friday from JFK Airport in New York City via Salt Lake City and did the reverse on our return on Wednesday. The biggest problem I see for people who live on the East coast is the lack of non-stop direct flights. Although we opted to use our mileage points for a free round-trip with Delta, in checking the flight situation I saw how difficult flying to Reno would be. Last Sunday we took an excursion offered by Scenic Tours of the Reno/Lake Tahoe/Virginia City area and points between which we both thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. We were both very taken by the beauty of the area. It's too bad that many people will not get the chance to see your beautiful area because of the difficulty of flying to Reno.

Submitted by bill from illinois on March 4, 2004:
Only visited once almost two years ago for a convention in Tahoe..Almost impossible to get a direct flight from Chicago. Went to San Fran and then to Reno. It took the better part of a day..Only direct flight was off hours.Make it easier to get there and maybe more people from Midwest would come....

Submitted by Jake from Washington, D.C. on March 4, 2004:
Ban indoor smoking.

Submitted by Blake from Oregon on March 4, 2004:
Just a brief comment as we used to have a large group of couples who would fly down to Reno for Winners Weekend Slot Tournaments, I think the most was maybe 9 couples. Many of these folks were going to Reno for the first time. The combination of low Room Rates, and the $100 entrance fee, and the free drink badge given to everyone in the Tournament was a hell of a deal. Make no mistake, I am sure many in the group managed to easily drink more than $100 of booze on the weekend. These Tournament at the Nugget in Sparks were great fun, really a major party and everyone went home feeling that they got more than they deserved for the $100 entry fee. Now, nobody in the group would tell you how much they lost over the weekend in the Casino, and it really did'nt matter, as there was so much fun. Now the Nugget has cut back on the drink badges, passing out a few drink coupons. Well whoopeee! They just cost themselves a hell of a bunch of new business out of Oregon, as it is now harder to excite our group and any new couples to fly down to play in the touraments. Frankly, they have screwed up big time on the Winners Weekends.

Submitted by Allan from CA on March 3, 2004:
First, why isn't the Peppermill, the Sienna and the Hilton on this list? Maybe they don't care? Perhaps they should, or they will find themselves losing business -- then they will care. 1. Quit GOUGING customers on the weekends with room rates that are triple or quadruple the weekday rates, with 2 or 3 night minimums. What if we WORK on Friday? Come on.... 2. Get some DECENT ENTERTAINMENT in town! Do you all think we drive up from CA just to play slots? Heck, we can do that in any number of Indian casinos in CA now. Big whoopie. 3. Do something about cleaning up downtown -- it's kinda scary at night. 4. Do something about TRAFFIC. It positively sucks during large events, like hot august nights. Takes forever to get anywhere. Takes all the fun out of the event. Can't you get cops to direct traffic instead of just leave the signals to their own standard (and inadequate) timing? 5. For big event weekends, get some BIG NAME ENTERTAINMENT -- not lame-os like the has-been Olivia Newton John, like last year at HAN. Surely you can do better than that! (South Lake Tahoe did, which is where we ended up on Friday night during HAN last year.) 6. Seems like Reno is doing their best to put themselves out of business. Things keep getting worse and worse, not better. Maybe when you start losing business you will wake up, but then it will probably be too late. I feel sorry for all the employees in Reno who will lose their jobs due to the neglect of the city, the promoters, and the casinos.

Submitted by Richard from Tracy, CA on March 3, 2004:
I need to win more. The more I spend the less I receive. I always forget my player card. Thanks. Richard

Submitted by Gregory from Oregon on March 3, 2004:
Too stingy with the drinks! can't find a cocktail waitress in any casino I go to! Keep the machines stocked for payoffs. I hit a moderate payoff and wait 45 minutes to get $2.00 worth of nickles. Don't use "paper payoffs". I can go to any Indian casino and get No Drinks, Paper Payoffs, and thrown out for bringing my own six pack into a casino!!!

Submitted by Alan from CA on March 3, 2004:
Do something about the traffic congestion during major events. During hot august nights, there is hardly a cop to be seen anywhere directing traffic. Heck, you don't even need a cop -- a security guard would do fine, and for a lot less money than a cop costs. When people sit thru 3 or 4 light changes trying to cross an intersection or get on the freeway, that is just plain ridiculous. You simply can't rely on normal signal timing when the city traffic doubles or triples during major events. I've been to hot august nights many times, and the traffic keeps getting worse and worse, and the city is doing nothing about it. The event has become almost no fun since it is a major undertaking to get from event to event. Also -- the entertainment last year was terrible. Friday night was dark at the Reno Hilton ampitheater! Unbelievable. Surely you can plan better than that to provide some decent concerts to the people who PAY big bucks to attend the HAN event and spend our money in your town. It isn't like the concerts don't sell out -- come on! I am strongly considering not attending HAN this year, due to the poor experience we had last year. I'm waiting to see the entertainment and concert choices first.

Submitted by lori from washington on March 3, 2004:
We go to Reno at least once a month and is just not the same anymore. The last time we were their it was awful. The people who work at the casinos were not very friendly, you had to wait forever to get a drink. In the morning circus circus has coffee on the sky tower casino area because the bar is closed the worse thing is when you are losing and pour yourself a cup of coffee and it's ice cold. Nobody would help and said you have to wait until something opens. We were at the Eldorado and i was playing a machine tat gives paper instead of money i had put 100.00 in it and pushed the button to cash out instead of giving it to me i had to wait 15 min for someone to come and it was only 10.50. April 15 we usually go to Reno but we've decided to go to Vegas this time. They just don't really care anymore.

Submitted by James from Washington on March 2, 2004:
The one thing that I've noticed that Reno is lacking in is full time big name entertainment. The big stars go through Reno of course, but it's really not much different than I can see at my local Indian Casino, in fact some of the biggest names that appeared locally were at Reno a short time after. It would be nice fot Reno to be a "Branson West" where there was full time entertainment that would draw for the whole region and not just specific Hotels. An idea that I've kicked around is having one big theater with a well known name that hosted an on going show, and the traveling names would appear there with them like a variety show. They could still do there regular act at whatever Hotel they were going to appear in, but would also make an apperance at the Central theater. It might help to also have Television coverage like from Country Music TV or some other venue using that theater in a variety show type atmosphere. I think it's worth a try. Get a name like Crystal Gayle, Kenny Rogers or someone of that high caliber and people would want to see it. Another idea I have is to bring back the "Real" night club. The club of the 40s and 50s with a big band and play the beautiful music of that era. This is different than having people portray Elvis, or the Rat Pack type of show. They would be themselves, but play and sing the music that made Sinatra, Nat King Cole and so many others house hold names. An important part of this is also having a nice big dance floor. I think of the generation that really knows how to dance and that is the WWII - Korean War era folks, you know the ones who really made Reno and Vegas what they are today. Give them the music that they want and love and another chance to get out on the floor. These are two ideas that I've had for a while and I think both are worth your consideration.

Submitted by Gary from Idaho on March 2, 2004:
First off, let me thank John and Star for their great newsletters. They both provide a very valuable (and under appreciated) service to Reno and the casinos. Reno has some unique things to offer visitors. It is far less congested with traffic and people than Vegas. There are a number of things to do and see in Reno as well as areas surrounding Reno such as Virginia City and Tahoe. In reading comments from others here, I would certainly agree that the downtown area needs to be cleaned up and become more visually attractive. Also I agree with the issue of feeling safe especially after dark. These two areas should be high priorities and I see no reason why they could not be addressed. I'm not totally sure Reno is all that alone in its need to bring in more business. I'm also not sure that the recent economy hasn't had its effects. One common thread I pick up on from all the comments seems to be affordability. While I realize the costs of everything just continue to go up and up, there probably comes some point in time where other options are simply less expensive (and of course casinos closer to home meet this criteria). Not everyone can afford a 5 day vacation for $2000.00 (it is no problem whatsoever for a party of two to go through $400.00 a day simply gambling, let alone food and lodging). To travel a distance to a place such as Reno requires at least a several day stay to make it worthwhile. While I can certainly understand people wanting a fair deal on their rooms and food, I do have a problem with a casino subsidizing those costs off of gambling. I gamble for entertainment and I have gotten far less entertained over the last several years as the slots have tightened up. If you consider watching $20 bills disappear in a few minutes entertaining I guess you will be very entertained today. When I go to gamble, spending over $100 an hour makes other options seem far more attractive. I remember not that many years ago playing $20 on nickle machines and playing for hours. That is now reduced to minutes. I'm sorry, but this is way out of my income bracket. I'd far rather pay some reasonable amount for my room and meals and be able to afford the gambling than to have the gambling tightened to cover the casinos losses in room rates and meals. There is no guarantee to a casino if they offer low room rates and meals that the person will gamble in their casino, or at all for that matter. Comps are supposed to get around that dilemma, however I really can't see gambling away $1000 to receive a free $15 meal. Comps are really only of value to people with huge bankrolls or those who are located close enough to Reno to visit often. As to entertainment, again I agree. Where are the groups from the 50's, 60's and 70's? The ages of people visiting should support those vintage groups. In conclusion, clean up downtown, increase safety and security downtown, provide good (fair) deals in food and lodging, have slots and games that can be played by other than millionaires (be played for a reasonable length of time on a reasonable sum of money--penny machines don't solve this problem either)and access via air for visitors at reasonable cost. Related to this last item, I have yet to see any Reno casino offer a vacation package, air fare and a couple nites plus food deals for a great deal. Also remember that not everyone out there is retired and can visit Reno Sunday through Thursday, as much as I realize you need to fill your establishment during the week. And finally, thank you to Boomtown for continously offering opportunities for free nights and matches to any of the other casinos comps! I have no idea how they do it, but I'm impressed (as is Star apparently!). Really surprised they elected not to be on this list.

Submitted by kevin from southern oregon on March 2, 2004:
My wife and I go to Reno on an average of 5 times a year. The downtown strip is really crappy. Do something about the bums that litter the streets, we are tired of being asked for any spare change. We like to stay at Fitzgerald's because of the good rates that we receive. It seems as though the room rates at other casino's are really high compared to the Fitz, and there isn't anything spectacular about them. In fact the rooms at the Fitz, in our opinion are nicer and cleaner than others on the strip. There needs to be more entertainment than just the casino's. Don't get me wrong, we enjoy gambling, but there needs to be other types of entertainment and things to enjoy. A few suggestions: Clean up the strip, cheaper hotel rates, an outlet mall, theme park, etc. Don't try to compete with Vegas, go back to what works. Reno will never be Vegas!

Submitted by Carol from California (Bay Area) on March 2, 2004:
We like the small town atmosphere and friendliness of Reno. What you need to change to keep us from wandering is:1) Cheaper hotel rooms -quadruple the price on a Sat nite? - they are almost free in LV M-Th. 2)Reasonably priced entertainers. Variety. Jazz,Magicians,Comedy. 3)Safer streets especially in the evening. Provide Police foot or bicycle patrol (which I noticed in LV)4)Bring back the funbooks. CC is the only one I have seen. Las Vegas is already trying to entice us to return and its only a matter of time before the Indian Casinos start sending flyers and offers to us. What is Reno going to do???

Submitted by debra david from florida on March 2, 2004:
It would be nice to have casino vacation tours from the Tampa or Ft Myers area. We used to use Santos but now can not find anyone who goes to Reno from this area of Florida. Market your differences from Vegas. We love Reno for it's small town atmosphere and the very friendly people in all areas.

Submitted by Jerry from Oregon on March 2, 2004:
I used to work as sort of an efficiency expert. Reno is doing exactly the reverse of what I would recommend if paid to analyze and report on the trend. The worse things are in Reno and the more competition they have, the LESS they offer. This is counterproductive. You must offer MORE because people have a lot more options and much closer to home. Reno no longer has any glitz==It seems dreary and dangerous. Loosen the slots. Improve the pay tables. My (used to be) favorite casinos have cut back the pay tables on the poker machines. The slots pay even worse than they did. I have never spent a nickel in an Indian casino but others do. I bus regularly to Reno and almost everyone on the bus says they do a lot better in the Indian casino nearer to their home. This really surprised me until I tried Reno the last few trips. Offer better food and room deals. These, too, are going up at a time when they should be going down. But this won't help if you don't let the gambler "get some play" for his investment. I love Reno (less than I used to tho) but it has really gone downhill and the casinos have their marketing backward. Even the Brew Bros. cut out the half price for happy hour. Used to be one could never get a seat. I haven't been in there for quite a while. Everything too overpriced even tho it used to be a "must stop" on every trip to Reno. Please realize that 3 of 4 DO NOT SMOKE. I know the % of gamblers who smoke is higher than that but the casinos could do much better than they do. Give the non-smokers a nice area, interesting and fair machines, and low minimums on the tables. Act like you want their business instead of treating them like lepers.

Submitted by Sadie from California on March 2, 2004:
Please feel free to send these comments to: Reno Hilton and Boomtown. What Reno needs to do to keep my business: FREE parking everywhere downtown Those parking tickets, receipts, etc. are a pain in the butt. Also, please do something about the aggressive panhandlers. It is NO FUN walking around late at night and running into one or more of these guys. MOST of them are too tipsy to do anything, but there are just enough mean and hostile ones to deal with. And--loosen up those slots! Change the chip or whatever but get those machines to pay off more often. We really enjoy the other activities that Reno offers--art shows, museums, etc. We go up several times a year for the Big Reno Gun Show at the Hilton. And--one more thing--how about CHEAP airfares between SFO and Reno? I can fly to NY for what it costs to fly from SFO to Reno. Remember Southwest Airlines and those $12.95 LA-LV trips? We would certainly come up to Reno more often in the winter (like over a weekend) if we could fly from SFO. Thanks for the oppty. for some input.

Submitted by Andrew from California on March 2, 2004:
I've been going to Reno since 1963. Its a great place and always was wonderful to shop in town, go to Parkers, JC Penny, Woolworths, Harolds, the Overland, and today all of them are gone. The biggest thing I see is that the people in the SF Bay area are no longer aware of Reno. Gone are the days of 30 or more busses and special trips. I think more television advertising is needed and less newspaper ads. The Indians are on the warpath where their gambling and hotels. I think Reno should let people know what a nice city it is and that during the day time there are wonderful things to see and do and then after 5 head for the favorite hotel casino and spend your time there. Perhaps advertising the employees individually "This is ...... a dealer and this is .... a waiter might be a good campaign to let the public know that friendly employees are waiting to serve them. I hate the fact that 10 casinos closed in 10 years. I do not support Indian gambling and will not go to any of their casinos and bypass them all and head for Reno with my family. Thanks. Andrew Betancourt

Submitted by Roy from California on March 2, 2004:
I enjoy coming to Reno, but the lack of no smoking slot sections in the casinos reduces my enjoyment. The only nonsmoking slot section in Reno I am aware of is in the Atlantis' bridge over Virginia St. (kudos to Atlantis!). Many of the Indian casinos here in California do have nonsmoking slot sections, and it's a real attraction for me and many others, since they are always full! Having more of these sections in Reno would keep me comng back. thanks.

Submitted by Mike from South Bend on March 2, 2004:
Wow, I am so impressed that there are so many people out there who feel the same way I do. Affordable fun! If the rooms and food are reasonable, the tourists will dump more money into gaming. Why is that so obvious to the consumer, but such a foreign concept to the so-called experts. It's not Vegas, it never will be. Quit trying to play catch-up with the big boys. Work with Reno's strengths! Affordable fun for the common man. Let us win a couple of bucks once in awhile too! Maybe kick in a couple of bucks to clean the johns at the airport occasionally too.

Submitted by Marcus from California on March 2, 2004:
We visited a couple of weeks ago and noticed the following: Poor quality of food in several restaurants Poor service in several restaurants and at bars in casinos Downtown is looking severely run down. Maintenance of slot machines in El Dorado/Silver Legacy is poor My suggestions, treat your guests like you they are gold (or green currency and lots of it) and clean up the downtown. An empty lot looks better than a shuttered building.

Submitted by Robert from CA on March 2, 2004:
1. Book better entertainment during Hot August Nights. Last year it was positively dismal. Olivia Newton John? You folks can certainly do better than that. The Hilton ampitheater was even closed on Friday night! We went to South Lake Tahoe for a concert on Friday. Last year I wrote the director of HAN and the entertainment manager of the Hilton, complaining about the poor entertainment during HAN. We book almost a year in advance and then get crummy entertainment -- or no entertainment on Friday of HAN week. Pretty bad. 2. Quit gouging people with hotel rates that are triple or quadruple on the weekends, with 2 or 3 night minimum stays. The major casino hotels are just plain greedy. 3. Improve traffic flows during large events. It takes "forever" to get anywhere in town due to all the red lights and traffic backed up for blocks. Can't the police direct traffic? At least change the timing of the signals so that traffic FLOWS at a regular pace instead of stops every block and taking 3 light-changes to get thru an intersection. I was so disgusted with Reno after last year's HAN event we haven't been back since. And we are still thinking about this year.

Submitted by Brenda from Canada on March 2, 2004:
There's not as much ongoing entertainment available while gambling in many of the casinos. And certainly not as many good entertainers/groups appearing in the showrooms and lounges. Circus Circus used to have "theme" promotions, with coupon books, discounts, etc. for example a "Down Under" theme, a "Pirate" theme. We loved them and would like to see more. Silver Legacy - laser shows under the dome are gone. Other complaints: Silver Club - why have you removed most of upstairs slots area? - used to be cleaner and quieter than the downstairs area. Most casinos and on Virginia Street as well - seem to be more security problems with teenagers. We go to Reno to get away from kids!

Submitted by Dave from Calif.(just moved) on March 2, 2004:
you need more comps and stuff, loosen up the machines , the indian casinos are paying out like crazy , advertise more, we use to get a little paper up in Wash. St called Reno's Best Bets and we'd plan a trip according to the entertainment listed, it was a very useful tool, get a few web cams going so people can see the City and check the weather there, that's one of my biggest concerns is it snowing on Donner Pass , so let's see some ads , get the travel channel to do a show on What Reno has to offer!! within 2 years we'll have 3 indian casinos with hotels within 10 miles of Fresno, already have 2, get crackin , and i'll be up first week in April Maddog

Submitted by Anon from Oregon on March 1, 2004:
I stay at the Hilton. Why isn't that listed above as a place for comments to be sent to??? I agree about cleaning up downtown. Used to be fun to go there and walk around, but no longer. Air service needs to be improved, particularly for people from the East. It's a real shame that Reno Air got bought, then dismantled. Delta cancelled all their big planes; Vanguard was going to start, then went banko, etc. Maybe more charters from the East. If Elko can do it, why not Reno? Perhaps the biggest problem is that many of the larger and nicer properties are not downtown, e.g. Atlantis, Peppermill, and Hilton. People go there and stay because there's a reasonable level of food and entertainment right there, and no reason to go downtown.

Submitted by Anonymous User from CA on March 1, 2004:
More family friendly resorts and more dog boarding options.

Submitted by Dennis from Oregon on February 29, 2004:
I just read a very interesting comment from a Jody about how the Casinos seem to treat tourist. I would agree, it seems they would just like to open the darn Casino door, throw our dollars in and get the hell out of town. I don't think that the Casino Executives remember that Gaming is a entertainment experience for anybody in their right mind. Most of us know we more than likely will leave whatever we planned on gambling in the Casino. But, we would like to be able to play for a few hours, eat well and see live entertainment which we would never or rarely see in our home towns. We are currently looking at another Gambling trip in May, and our normal group is now looking into Las Vegas and Laughlin, as it looks like Reno is only offering some Shows on the weekends. I do believe the ladies are going to win out on this trip, just because of all of the live entertainment options in Las Vegas. Sorry Reno, hope you turn things around.

Submitted by JW from Texas on February 29, 2004:
I think it was about 1996 that I made my first trip to Reno. A promo from the Hilton through the Hilton Hhonors club. When I got there and became oriented I thought to myself “I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on this place”. We had been going to Vegas and never thought of going to Reno. Great place. Ski during the day, gamble at night. The best of both worlds. After that trip we started making several trips a year to Reno. Stayed at the CC, never spent more than $20 for a room. Usually $15 during the week and sometimes free on certain days (this was without a slot card). Just call and ask for the rate. The slots actually paid a little which made them fun to play. The VP had good paytables. The service was excellent on the gaming floors of all the casinos. People were friendly. You had those beautiful Mountains to drive to. The airport was small and had free shuttles to the hotels. And best of all, Southwest Airlines flew there NON-STOP on Saturdays for $99 one-way from Houston. (Same fare as going to Vegas). And the flights were always full. I even saw Reno advertisements on the TV here in Houston. After a few years of the good stuff we started to notice a bad trend. The TV ads stopped, casinos were closing, the streets did not seem safe to walk down in the evenings. The CC rates went up. (as did everything else) The slots got tight. Food got worse. Hardly any good shows or entertainment. Comps were practically non-existent for the middle of the road player. The SWA flights were less than half full until finally the flights were cut out all together. Now I have to make a stop in Vegas before going on to Reno. So I say to myself, “why go on to Reno when it’s no better there anymore than just staying here in Vegas”? Too bad, you have such a beautiful location for tourist. You could do so much more.

Submitted by Gene from California on February 28, 2004:
It seems every body who post here agree that low room rates really attract all of us gaming tourists. As mentioned in my earlier post, Reno room rates needs to be low, much lower than Vegas, not just marginally lower. Low price rooms, shows and food/buffet will make most of us happy during our stay, even if we lose a few hundred gambling in the Casino. Reno casinos listen up, please do not nickel and dime us. $3 energy charge??? What's that crap? Remove it! Remove all hidden misc charges on rooms! I lose trust if I realize they are trying to extract every penny possible during my stay. And please be generous and make it easy to earn comps for slot club members. Gambling a couple thousand dollars coin in only earns a bowl of noodle? Come on. And please have more food promos like $5 steak meal like in Vegas. I can go on and on, but it's all about one thing: make gamblers/visitors happy. As long as people are happy and are attracted, they'll come visit and play; and as long as there are enough people coming to play, casinos will profit (the games are all in their favor). Isn't this the philosophy of the early casino pioneers in Las Vegas and Reno? What happened now? And How to make us gaming tourists happy? What better ways than bargain priced meals, shows, rooms, and generous comps? It’s that simple.

Submitted by alison from washington on February 27, 2004:
Hi, I have been going to reno now for the past 3 years. I personally like Reno and will continue to go. Reno really should though work on clenaing up a bit the downtown area and making it feel safer. They need to do something about the run down buildings. It looks very unattractive and uninviting. Clean it up! While Reno will never be Vegas, they should work on doing some more "vegas" type things, such as shows. People like that and by reading the other posts, are very willing and wanting to go. Not that Reno itself has anything to do with this, but the airlines should make flights to reno cheaper. It costs only $40.00 more to fly to vegas from seattle, instead of going to reno. Not to mention some of the carriers have very limited flight schedules to Reno. Reno should offer more discounted rooms for people. My attitude is the less i spend on my room, the more i have to gamble. If you lowered room prices, more people would come therefore, more money will be spent in the casinos!!!!

Submitted by Trey from Washington on February 26, 2004:
I have a rather large groups of friends that used to go to Reno on a semi annual basis. We would take our wives and head down and stay for at least three nights, twice a year. Quite frankly it has changed for the worse. Last time there a few of my buddies wives decided they would much rather make the trip to Vegas. AGGGHHH! I have only been to Vegas once and that was enough. The price of the flights there from Seattle and the rooms are almost identical. So Reno you are not giving me much to argue for here! Please bring back the shows and make the town safer. You used to get us there with cheap flights, food, drinks and roooms. We would get down there and gamble away our $ and have a ball doing it. PLEASE get back to what it was that made Reno such a wonderful place to go! I really don't want to do Vegas but Reno has to get their act together! Come on people! I love it there!

Submitted by Jody from Oregon on February 26, 2004:
I no longer have a need to go to Reno to spend money in a Casino. If Reno would like some of my money then they need to offer cheap rooms and food, and most important better shows. That last really good show was at Harrah's with Gordie Brown, and he apparently is long gone. What has happened to the 2 Shows a night, with famous entertainers? I get the feeling now in Reno that they would just like me to open the door of the Casino and throw my money on the floor and go home. No way I am going to drive down to Reno to just play a slot, without some excitement and good entertainment.

Submitted by Gene from California on February 26, 2004:
Ok. Here are my suggestions to Reno and its casinos: 1. Reno Needs more quality, crowd pleasing shows, especially comedy and magic shows similar in style (if not scale) to Vegas, and keep the prices low. 2. In downtown replace those small tacky shops, motels etc. with impressive casino/resorts. 3. Have more promotional deals, food/room/show specials. The deals should be really good deals to the tourist. Isn't it true that casinos make money on gamgling, not on sales of food and hotel rooms? Food, shows and low rate rooms are supposed to attract people to come to the casino to stay, eat and play. 4. One of the reasons I come to Reno is its affordability and casual atmosphere. Please keep it that way. Keep the meal and show prices and rooms rates low, unbelievably low. Keep Reno as an affordable alternative to Vegas. Thanks.

Submitted by Daniel from California on February 26, 2004:
* Promote Hotel Resort Property, vacation destinations, tour interest for Reno/Sparks/Tahoe at city and county fairs in the bordering states. Especially in Northern California. * Open Visitors & Travelers Information centers in key freeway locations along Interstate 80, 5, and Highway 99 in Northern California. These center could handle room booking, rate information, entertainment venues & events, promotions, contests, discount deals from various properties willing to group together and promote themselves. * Modify the plans for ReTRAC to possibly include AmTrak Visitors Center/Station to be located next to the track using the old Kings Inn building. * Offer promotions, discounts, and information to various private, local, county, and state groups and agencies. Union members, such as myself, in California are found of gaming and entertainment and would prefer Reno to these California properties.

Submitted by Tom from Wisconsin on February 25, 2004:
My wife and I would like to visit Reno more often but the number one reason we aren't is because (1) there are no inexpensive direct flights from Milwaukee,Green Bay and (2) The connecting flights that are available are very expensive. We did come your way this past September. It was tied in with an extended trip to visit friends in California. I must say that we were a bit disappointed. This was our first time back after serveral years and things changed for the worse. The employee's at the casino's wern't as friendly, the employee's at the hotel check-in counter were unfriendly. It just gave you a feeling of not being welcome. Everyone had their hand out as expecting some monetary payment for their service. We are not big gamblers or whales as they call them. We came Little Reno for some fun and relaxation. To us fun starts with a little winning at the slots. Well let me tell you, everywhere we went the slots were so tight that you could hear the RNG squeak. The streets downtown could be made safer. My wife and I didn't venture far at night from the place that we were staying. We heard of a few muggings and rapes that occured while we were there. It was scarry. We would have liked to eat out at some better places however the prices were a bit high. In closing this is what Reno needs to do: 1 Reasonable flights from Wisconsin 2. Loose Slots to give the average Joe a chance with more smaller jackpots. Not these Mega things that are untouchable. 3. More high class acts and shows. 4. Reasonablly priced rooms and finally,people that make you feel at home and not out to clip you. Thanks for letting me air my thoughts.

Submitted by Shannon from Washington on February 24, 2004:
I have been coming to Reno for 15 years now and we always try to make it down with our entire family. 8 adults usually make the trip. Through this time we have sure seen a LOT of wonderfully fun casinos shut down. I don't feel near as safe in downtown at night as I used to. The food seems to be getting a little more expensive and not as good as I remember it. I would sure be excited about anything that you people could bring back to make Reno more like it once was! I know times and places change but I don't think Reno's casinos can match Vegas but we come to Reno for a different reason. I like the smallness and the friendlier people that you come across. Please get the cheap room rates back and some great shows for a fair price and we will continue to come and play there. I hate the Indian Casinos here because I don't like blackjack out of a five deck shoe and I like to drop the coins in the slots (as well as hear them coming out)! Please stop messing with the black jack payouts! That is appalling! I love Reno so much as does my family and we really want you to clean this city up and keep plugging on. Thank you SO much for taking the time to listen to me and people like me. I truly have SO many memories of your city and I hope I can one day take my kids there with me when they become old enough to gamble. Thanks, Shannon

Submitted by mark from nv on February 24, 2004:
Clean up downtown. Put a new casino on the east side of Virginia St. in the area across from the Eldorado. It would make for more of a "casino center" feel. As it is now there is little of interest across from CC/Silver Legacy/Eldorado. At Fitzgerald's the action crosses the street to Harrah's and Cal-Neva with mostly liquor stores and pawn shops on the west side. KEEP THE OLD RENO LICENSE DOWNTOWN, don't let them move it to another neighborhood casino.

Submitted by Mike from Unspecified location on February 20, 2004:
Star: I appreciate your comments on the current (sad) state of affairs in Reno. It seems to me that Reno casinos have forgotten what it took to be a gaming destination in the first place...namely a fair gamble, good, inexpensive food, great entertainment, and friendly people. Basically, the opposite of Las Vegas, except perhaps the entertainment. I just had an interesting email conversation with Mr. Rennert, the Casino Manager at Harrah's asking about the onerous cancer of 6/5 blackjack games extending to his casino. He matter-of-factly stated that his patrons in Las Vagas WANTED it! Hard to believe, but true! The Reno property has only TWO standard 3/2 single deck games in the entire casino, boosting the casino percentage on blackjack by 800%. And these are $10-$25 minimum tables. Bill Harrah is spinning in his grave. I let Rennert know in no uncertain terms that I'm taking my Super Bowl weekend blackjack action to the Peppermill, where virtually ALL the games are single deck 21 at 3/2 odds. The problem is, that with stockholder pressure to be profitable in the big corporate casinos, they look down on the little guys and have now taken to fleecing the whales and unsuspecting tourists. No wonder no one is going over the hill to Reno--if you are going to get ripped off, why drive two more hours and put on chains to do it? And how safe do you REALLY feel downtown at 2:00 AM? Not to sound racist, but it is starting to have an Oakland crusier feel to it, especially on summer weekend nights. Not exactly conducive to bringing Joe Gambler, is it? All the marketing in the world is not going to solve that problem. In the 60's, my parents wouldn't think twice about sending me down the street by myself to see a movie while they played. Now? Are you kidding? Every Reno casino employee and executive should read "I Want To Quit Winners" by Harold S. Smith Sr. to really understand customer service and what Reno was all about. I remember great times as a kid at the Mapes, the Holiday, Harold's Club and other places that are now just memories. It seems that the Reno I remember went with them. If they want to stem the bleeding, they need to get back to their pioneer roots and offer fair games with real dealer shuffling and interaction, loose slots, and a fun, safe environment. How about reasonably priced food and rooms and exciting entertainment? Choices right across the street, games you can't find in California. Then the indian casinos will lose their appeal in a hurry. I've played in both and I always feel luckier in Reno. Perhaps the powers that be will figure it out, but I'm not betting on it. Mike

Submitted by Bob from Portland on February 20, 2004:
Hi Star! I got your weekly letter today. I actually saw it first on Rolling Good Times, which I read daily. You've got a good point about the Reno casinos needing to spend a little extra money to get people to fly down there. Certainly a hotel room promotion would be an enticement. I'm on Circus Circus's email list, but haven't gotten a promotional email from them in weeks now. Probably the best postal mail and email I receive from Reno comes from Boomtown. I'm going to Laughlin two weeks from today, because of a promotion their casinos have through Sun Country Airlines. My trip from Portland to Laughlin will only cost $233, including RT airfare and hotel (four nights). Certainly I can fly from Portland to Reno for about $100 less right now, but end up spending more than $100 for four nights hotel room. Portland should be part of Reno's "territory" and they should pound this area with promotions, and get the people out of these indian casinos up here. Keep up the good work, Star. I read your articles religiously. Bob

Submitted by Mike M. from Oregon on February 19, 2004:
I have been coming to the Reno area for over 20 years and just love everything about Reno. I am originally from Portland and have lived there for 41 years, but have lived and worked in the Reno area in the gaming industry for about 2.5 years. I even got Sober in Reno and have been in recovery for 14 years. I moved back to Portland in 1990. The one thing that sticks out in my mind is the downtown area has always seemed to have a problem, especially at night, a feeling of not a safe place to be. I do not think I have ever walked the streets of Reno at night, and sometimes during the day, with my wife and felt safe. And I think a big reason for that is all the cheap motels in the downtown area. I have seen prostitution and drug deals going on while my wife and I are walking around downtown at night. The problem seems to be on the North side of 2nd St. We have seen some great changes with the River, The Bowling Pavillion, and Ice Rink, but I know everyone that is from Reno knows this has been an ongoing problem for years. It might be a reason why some of the downtown hotels have struggled and closed and the outlying casinos Peppermill, Atlantis, Reno Hilton, JA Nugget seem to be doing fine. I stayed at the Sands recently and really enjoyed it except did not feel safe walking back to my Hotel. My next visit, we will proably stay at one of the outlying Casinos. I am totally against the Indian Casinos and State Lotterys, they have made gambling accesable on every street corner in our State at least. I will not even play $1 at an Indian Casino or Oregon Lottery. I beleive gambling needs to stay in Nevada. I love coming to visit and Nevada serves a need to provide gaming to those you want to come and visit. It would be great to see a big developer come in and buy up the motel propertys and build a new Hotel Casino or maybe a shopping mall of some sort. Whatever happens I will continue to visit often. Reno Rocks!

Submitted by Deb Wittner from CO on February 17, 2004:
We love Reno for the smaller, friendlier feel than Vegas. We always seem to have a better time in Reno, but have found the prices of the hotels/resorts beginning to creep up over the last couple of years. Can they offer more promotions and price cuts? My husband and I have discussed it many times; if someone would offer deep discount on hotel/casinos, we would stay there and gamble more actively if we knew they had an interest in keeping us at their facility. Also, please keep Reno "adult" friendly. Kids are great, but they have no place in a gambling town. We were so disappointed years ago when Vegas started catering more to families. If families want a vacation, let them go to Disneyworld. Let's keep Reno for us. Thanks for your time. Deb Wittner

Submitted by kevin from oregon on February 16, 2004:
i love reno, but my wife would like to see more stores downtown. i would like to see a mall close to the strip, like las vegas

Submitted by J. from Louisiana on February 16, 2004:
Hi Star You hit the nail right on the head in your first paragraph in that Reno needs good and reasonable transportation. I am a bowler from Louisiana and as you may know, Reno hosts the American Bowling Congress National Championship Tournament every third year, as well as several other national and International bowling tournaments yearly at the National Bowling Stadium. Yet, when you can fly over Reno to San Francisco or Seattle cheaper than you can fly into Reno, well, somethings wrong there! I have been to Reno several times over the last several years and would probably come out more often if it was as economical to get there as it is to Vegas. The several different Hotels that I've stayed in were fabulous and the food is fantastic, but I fear that this coming March may be my last trip to Reno, unless the big name Casino's can work something out with the airlines. Thanx for your concerns. J. Edwards - Louisiana

Submitted by Kay from Vancouver BC on February 16, 2004:
I recently posted an enquiry regarding flights to Reno out of Vancouver, BC. We and many other gamblers used to fly many times a year, and as I said recently there are no direct flights from Vancouver. We have an overflow airport - Abbottsford, BC which we feel could be used for charter flights to Reno. We feel that many of us gamblers who used to fly 3 or 4 times a year would welcome this, instead of having to go into Washington State to get a plane, which can be a pain. Surely it would benefit the Casinos to have an arrangement with Alaska Airline, Westjet or even AirCanada, etc. Sincerely hoping; Kay

Submitted by Rich from arizona on February 13, 2004:
Just keep it friendly. Vegas is closer to our home, but we like the small town atmosphere of Reno. Once in a while we encounter some surly dealers and other hotel employees in Reno, but not as much as in Vegas.

Submitted by srm from ca on February 13, 2004:
Low or free Hotel rooms will get me there more often and more willing to take a chance at the tables. My wife is an avid video poker diva good video poker odds would be good. Finally food deals always help. I feel better about leaving my money in the casinos

Submitted by Michael from Lee on February 13, 2004:
Some casino needs to step up and produce an adult dinner/review (are you listening Harrah's?) at an affordable price. Part of the charm of Reno when I first started going there was its affordablity. It was cheap to go there and that left more money for gaming. Duh! You'd still get the coin from the players and your people numbers would be up. Cheap food? What happened to that? Reno was the inexpensive alternative for working class stiffs. Its success was based on it being a low-cost alternative to Las Vegas.

Submitted by CHERYL from CALIFORNIA on February 13, 2004:
WE ENJOY RENO EACH TIME WE COME. WE COME OVER THERE BECAUSE. WE GET DISCOUNT OFFERS ON THE ROOMS, THEY ARE AFFORDABLE THAT WAY. WE USE OUR O'LUCKY BUCKS POINTS. WE ENJOY THE REASONABLE PRICES ON THE FOOD. WE EVEN LIKE PLAYING SLOTS. MOSTLY PENNIES AND NICKELS ALTHOUGH WE DO PLAY QUARTERS AND DOLLARS. THE FACT THAT YOU CAN PLAY ON A MACHINE FOR LONGER THAN A FEW MINUTES IS WHAT KEEPS US COMING BACK. WE DON'T CARE ABOUT WINNING BIG BUCKS. WE JUST WANT TO PLAY FOR A WHILE. IT'S WHY WE PREFER RENO OVER INDIAN GAMING CASINOS. WE CONSIDER OURSELVES WINNERS EVEN IF IT'S $50.00. WE GIVE IT BACK BUT BY GOD WE WON. THANKS! LEAST FAVORITE CASINO TO PLAY IS ATLANTIS, MOST WE HAVE EVER WON ON THEIR MACHINES HAS BEEN $5.00. TO EXPENSIVE. FAVORITES IS FITZ, LITTLE NUGGET AND HARRAH'S. SANDS FOR THE PEPSI AND WATER. IT'S THE MOST FUN!!!WE HAVE CHALLENGING EACH OTHER TO SEE WHO CAN GET A 6 PACK FIRST. SILVER LEGACY - GREAT FOOD.

Submitted by Dave from Washington State on February 12, 2004:
I have been coming to Reno for the last 14 years. I am only 35 but in that time I have seen so many changes that depress the heck out me.Sundowner, Riverboat, Comstock, Nevada Club, and please don't add your name to this list! Reno is definitely changing and it is not for the better. Never seen so many pan handlers outside of your casinos. It is getting to the point where it truly seems a little dangerous to be out at night. As far as Casino changes go I think the thing that disappoints me the most is when I read different reviews (trip advisor, messago board, fodors) and I hear how rude some people are treated. I want to say WAKE UP Reno if you want to keep people coming back while competing with Indian Casinos and Vegas you need to do it by treating people right. I don't mean kissing up to them I simply mean being friendly. Please remind your employees how to treat guests! What a terrible feeling to feel as though you are being nickle and dimed for everything while visiting the Casino. Another thing is the new 6-5 pay out on Black Jack. Shame on you for even trying that crap. While I won't step foot in the Indian Casinos around here because I would rather save it up for Reno and take a few trips a year you keep trying junk like that and I won't be back. Not a threat it is just NUTS that some of you are trying to get away with that! I always love to go to Reno for the cheap food, rooms and great deals. Nearly every time I am down there I leave most of my $ there and that is ok as long as I have a good time and am treated well. I realize times are changing I just wish for Reno it was changing for the better. Thank you so much for reading this and I hope it helps to improve Reno becuase it is truly a place that I love!

Submitted by Marnie from Canada on February 11, 2004:
- keep the drinks coming. So far the service has been good. - Restaurant pricing is OK and food seems to be good. - Table limits run according to how busy Reno is, that's OK with us. - Get rid of the new Blackjack tables 6/5? - Make the downtown more interesting, exciting, too many closed casinos. - Street entertainters - all year round, make the outside downtown area a bit more like Vegas, where you can walk around and be entertained. - The main thing, in my opinion, would be to have more day time and night time shows and entertainers. 3 years ago we stayed in Reno for 4 nights, and went to 6 shows (2 the last night). It was great. We saw - Skintight(Harrahs), Chubby Checker(Nugget), Carnival(Hilton), some kind of stomping thing(Eldorado) and a comedy/magic show and an afternoon show at Harrahs. That's why I love Reno. I love to go to Sammy's show room at the Harrahs and try to imagine what it would be like to be there back in the day. This time (December 2003) we were there again for 5 nights, and we had trouble finding shows to go to. Some rooms were dark. So - I would love to see more top name entertainers, not neccessarily the newer ones, even to have the enterainers from years ago would be great. I bet you think I am retired? We are in our late 30's. Love to gamble drink, eat, people watch and go to the shows. Thanks. Marnie Hunt

Submitted by David from Canada on February 11, 2004:
Keep up the good work! If possible breathe some new life into Virginia Street between the Cal Neva and Eldorado.

Submitted by George from Washington state on February 10, 2004:
My wife and I used to visit Reno every couple of months but we now split our visits between Reno and Vegas and will probably be going to Vegas more. Reasons: 1. Panhandlers and other assorted characters making walking around an adventure. 2.Food prices going up-quality going down-esp the buffets. 3. Lack of cheap transportation between downtown and outlying properties. 4. Slot club comp polices that are impossible to understand by both customers and apparently the employees(Peppermill in particular).

Submitted by Christian from South Carolina on February 10, 2004:
Harrah's should be ashamed of the way they tore down Harolds, and Nevada Club only to put in a piece of concrete that is not good looking, and detracts from downtown. It sets the door to Harrah's far off the sidewalk in one area. Harrah's I hope you continue your slump til you are sold. Vagrants need to be swept out of the downtown area. Eldorado, CC, Silver Legacy are the only hope for that end of town, with Cal Neva being the only anchor on the other end. Make the table games the most adventageous to the customer (single zero roulette, single deck blackjack (3 for 2), full pay poker machines, etc. Many of us do know the difference, and will go to Vegas versus getting bad odds in Reno. Stop the train trench, that is a really poor idea, and this will cut into the tourist trade. There is nothing wrong with a train in downtown, Sacramento has it, and many other cities have it. It is not worth tearing up the entire downtown to do it. Lastly, don't think that people will come to Reno because you are close. Vegas is just as close by plane, and not too expensive.

Submitted by Roland from Washington on February 10, 2004:
Glad you asked. I don't understand why the city of Reno is burying the railroad tracks when there's so much needed improvement in the downtown area. I'd rather wait for an occasional train in an attractive, enjoyable environment than stroll freely with panhandlers. This track project will take how many years? I hope Reno survives it - I love the place!

Submitted by Thom from CA on February 10, 2004:
1. Clean up downtown. It's a pit. Though my wife and I go to Vegas and Tunica together, she is not interested in Reno as the areas surrounding the casinos are nasty. The LAST thing patrons should be worrying about is safety as they go from property to property. 2. Better table odds. Harrah's has 2X odds on their craps tables. Terrible! Because the slots players can get their fix at Thunder Valley, why not try to draw craps, BJ and roulette players with the opportunity for a good gamble? 3. How about some tournaments? Other than slots tournaments, tournaments in Reno are pretty rare. Besides, if I was invited to a weekend craps or BJ tournament, I probably WOULD bring my spouse. And of course, while I'm playing in the tournament, she'd probably be cruising the slots carousels. 4. Travelling to Reno by anything other than by car is expensive! Why drive all the way over the mountain when you can stop in Auburn? If flying into Reno were cheaper, both from CA and from further out, Reno wouldn't be so reliant on the day trippers from CA. Most of the time I can fly to Vegas and spend a weekend less expensively than if I made the 3 hour drive. I get better comps, (free weekend room offers UP FRONT) and flights are frequent and cheap. 5. Better entertainment. There's been a decided decline in the quality of entertainment over the past few years. Good luck! But I believe it's going to take a few more casinos closing their doors before Reno gets its act together. That's sad, because I enjoy the more personal feel of Reno, which is also why I go to Tunica once or twice each year. Unfortunately, since I am also GAMBLING, I want to also get the best gamble for my dollars, and expect a safe and fun experience.

Submitted by Thomas from California on February 10, 2004:
First let me say that this is a great idea - Reno can no longer take certain things for granted and needs to be proactive in light of indian tribal gaming in California. I play exclusively at Silver Legacy and have done so for the past 18 months. I have an Executive Casino Host who takes good care of me, and the Silver Legacy has an atmosphere that works for me. I've heard many complaints on this board about SL but they don't hold water with me. But isn't it nice that we have choices in downtown Reno? Now the goal should be to make sure there are plenty of choices instead of having them disappear such as Sundowner. Some ideas of what needs to be done: - make the "Strip" part of Virginia Street a pedestrian mall with no traffic. Only on special events (Hot August Nights, Street Vibrations, etc.) should traffic be allowed. - get rid of the panhandlers and parasites. There are some weekends where I won't even leave SL except to step outside, get a breath of air and watch the freak show. Don't let Reno turn into another San Francisco where Market Street has been taken over by the "hardcore homeless" and has become the Calcutta of the West. While I don't think Reno will ever be a "family town" (it didn't work for Vegas), visitors should feel like they can go walk down to the River Walk without being hassled. - market other attractions such as the Museum of Art, Automobile Museum, River Walk, etc. - more "history" on Reno. Very often, cities with large gaming industries are devoid of a sense of history. Few people realize that Reno in the 30's was a destination for a quickie divorce! More exhibits on early days of Reno, gaming, dude ranches etc. - casinos should also market "last minute web fares" to Reno for their dedicated players who don't want to "drive over the hill" from the SF Bay Area. Example: for the past few months, I've been able to snag a $99 round trip fare on United Airlines on a Tuesday, can fly Saturday and return first thing Monday morning. Reno has some of the most down-to-earth and friendliest people I know. I've made lots of friends over the past 18 months and still look forward to every trip I make.

Submitted by Jim from Kansas on February 10, 2004:
NO 6/5 blackjack. If I see it in a casino, I am walking out, probably never to return. Math is on the side of the casinos anyway. I will not frequent a place that is more concerned about the bottom line than their customers that make the bottom line happen in the first place. To me seeing a 6/5 table indicates that something else is wrong and their slots are probably tight also. My bottom line is that you loose my trust, you loose my business.

Submitted by Dan from Oregon on February 10, 2004:
I would visit more often if I could learn of upcoming entertainment, and the earlier the better. Some places are pretty good at this (Silver Legacy), and some are awful (Nugget). I think the combination of several entertainment venues, a grouping of competitive casinos, and better odds than in other states are the assets Reno has to attract me.

Submitted by Tracey from ca on February 10, 2004:
There are basically 4 things that Reno needs to do to get people coming back to Reno 1. Clean up the main downtown area where the majority of the casinos are. Make it more attractive to the people. Maybe closing off the street for a few blocks like they have down in Vegas on the Fremont Stret experience. Not necessarially put up a canopy. But make it safer for people who want to casino hop. Also in the winter if people are walking outside, it gets chilly out there. Put up some portable heaters to keep people warm 2. Make comps easier to get at the bigger places. Fitzgeralds is the only casino that I can get a free room for playing very little. And they are very good rooms in my opinion. I don't want to have to spend a whole lot of money to get a free meal or room. I just want to know that I am appreciated. 3.In the winter have personalized bus tours that have a certain casinos brand on it and say pick up in certain cities at a particular time at no cost and then return a day or two later. 4. Casinos complain about the indian casinos in California. One way to compete is to honor thier coupons that they give us. Example is that I got $10 in free play and double points. Well if the casinos were to honor them .. then i would go up there more

Submitted by John from California on February 9, 2004:
1. Single deck tables will $3 minimum that pay 2-1 on a blackjack. Not just a few tables. If I want to play with tables that are packed, $5 minimum dealing out of a shoe, or worse, autoshufflers, I can visit the Indian casino 15 minutes from my home. 2. Decent entertainment. The show quantity and quality seem to have been steadily declining over the years. I have been visiting Reno since the 80s and it seems there are fewer entertainment choices. 3. Outdoor events like the " Blues, Brews & BBQ". Accidently stumbled on that event and have come back twice just for that event. 4 Club card rewards that are great: for example FITZGERALDS!

Submitted by Marian from BC Canada on February 9, 2004:
I think they need that "old town" feeling again. Reno can't compete with Vegas so stop trying. Harrah's has been my casino of choice for many years but each time we go something old has been replaced by progress. I loved the day of the old mechanical video poker machines. Harrah's had a number of them up to 3 or 4 years ago and then they were replaced with computerized machines. Now all those have been replaced by Game King multi denomination machines. With regular slot machines I doubt if Harrah's has 50 quarter regular machines. They are being snuffed out by multi-denomination machines where they would like you to play from 9 - 45 coins for the most part. Can you imagine how busy Reno would be if they were unique and had stayed content with how things were? I know it's impossible to go back to mechnical machines but let's have some regular machines. Here in Vancouver we now have several casinos and they are mostly all straight machines. More and more people are tending to keep their money here in B.C. Thanks for listening, Marian Hughes

Submitted by mark from ca on February 9, 2004:
i've been comming to reno for over thirty years and loving it.but we in california have many options now that we didn't have before.i live in vacaville and right down the road 30 miles is cache creek,and 50 miles up is thunder valley.i come to reno at least once a month but to be quite honest i stay where the deals are.overall the sands gets me there the most.their mailers treat people like me the best.they get me there and they get the chance of getting my couple of hundred bucks.not big money but i gamble for fun and entertainment not to break the house.the problem i see for reno is that the gamblers will gamble anywhere.cache creek is full of asians betting big bucks.and thunder valley is full of people gambling everything from nickels to limits.reno needs to do what las vegas figured out a few years ago.make it a family destination before it's too late.the charm and excitement that was once there is fading.

Submitted by Nicky from Washington on February 9, 2004:
We recently stayed at the Nugget in Sparks. We were very amazed at the poor condition of the hotel, (the carpeting in the halls was frayed and dirty) The service in Rosies Cafe was poor and the food was only a little better. Good gracious what is going on at the Nugget? Then we went downtown! What has happened to all of the Casinos? We can only guess that most have fallen on hard times, and what a shame. Reno used to be so much fun, with many Casinos, all kinds of action. Where are all of the Big Name Entertainers? What has happened to the big Shows at the Reno Hilton? If all I want to do is play a slot machine I can drive over to the Muckleshoot Casino in Auburn, Wa and have a heck of a time. Reno needs to create a "hook" like becoming a great live entertaiment center, where we can see shows and have dinner at a fair cost. Branson, Mo. type maybe. I have no reason to drive to Reno now, unless we are going for some other kind of excitement. Good Luck Reno, we have had great times there in the past!

Submitted by SEBASTIAN (SAB) from CA on February 9, 2004:
THESE HOTELS NEED TO OFFER DECENT RATES ON A CONSISTENT BASIS.SOMETIMES YOU CAN GET SOME GOOD OFFERS,BUT THEY RARELY INCLUDE A SATURDAY NIGHT.THE SANDS IS THE ONLY ONE THAT WILL INCLUDE SATURDAYS WITH THEIR OFFERS.THESE CASINOS NEED TO OFFER SOME OF THE BETTER RESTAURANTS(STEAKHOUSES)AT A MORE REASONABLE PRICE. THE PEPPERMILL OFFERS SOME DECENT EARLY BIRD SPECIALS AT ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS,BUT MOST OF THE CASINOS ONLY OFFER SPECIALS AT THEIR COFFEE SHOPS. WHILE THESE ARE SOME DECENT OFFERS, I WOULD LIKE TO DINE IN A NICER SETTING WITHOUT SOME OF THE EXCESSIVE PRICES. THE SPARKS CASINOS AND THE OTHER BIG CASINOS NOT CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN SHOULD OFFER SHUTTLE SERVICE TO AND FROM THE DOWNTOWN AREA. THIS WOULD ALLOW PEOPLE TO VISTIT THEM WITHOUT HAVING TO PAY 15-25 DOLLARS FOR A ROUNDTRIP TAXI FARE.SOME OF THESE PLACES (GOLDEN PHOENIX,FITZ,AND HARRAHS)NEED TO GET RID OF THEIR UNFRIENDLY DEALERS.THOUGH THEY MIGHT HAVE A FEW FRIENDLY FACES ALL IT TAKES IS A C0UPLE OF HARSH DEALERS TO RUIN THE GAMBLING EXPERIENCE THAT PEOPLE FEEL AT THESE PLACES. I REALLY ENJOY ALL OF THE ANNUAL EVENTS THE THE CITY HAS(BREWS n BLUES,HOT AUGUST NIGHT, RIB COOKOFF, ITALIAN FESTIVALS,ETC.)BUT THERE SHOULD BE AT LEAST A LITTLE SOMETHING GOING ON DOWNTOWN AT LEAST TWICE A MONTH. THAT WAY YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE OTHER THINGS TO DO DURING THE DAY. THE CASINOS NEED TO STOP GETTING RID OF ALL THE REEL SLOTS AND REPLACING THEM WITH THESE NEW MONEY HUNGER VIDEO MACHINES. SOME LOWER MINIMUN TABLES AT THE BIGGER CASINOS DURING THE SLOW TIMES WOULDN'T HURT EITHER.ALL IN ALL I WILL ALWAYS MAKE RENO MY 1ST GAMBLING CHOICE.

Submitted by Jim from Oregon on February 9, 2004:
Being a long time Reno Vistor and having many, many friends who have traveled over the years to party and gamble, we have seen Reno slip from a exciting and fun town to a blah, nothing new, and why bother gambling center. In Las Vegas we see this huge investment in new and exciting Hotels, and Entertainment. What we see in Reno is that are spending a ton of money to bury the Railroad Tracks. Sorry folks, but that is just plain stupid. As vistors from another state which has Casino Gambling within just minutes, here is my list of what I want from Reno. 1. Excellent and Reasonable costing rooms. 2. Excellent and reasonable food cost. (Food Prices are up, and Reno Food quality is down) 3. Better Show Entertainment! (What Entertainment now?) 4. Lower Table Min's! 5. More Slot Winners! (Not so many Huge Jackpots.....more smaller winners!) If I owned a Casino I would start a Winners Beginners Casino, have low limit games, great dealers who would spend the time to teach any and all how to play the games. This would be a Party Casino with many drinks and new gamblers, with many leaving with a few bucks. I would throw in a rock'in Cabaret and let the good times roll. With all of the baby boomers reaching retirement age, they are going to be spending their cash somewhere, and why not Reno! I tell you this joint would be the talk of the Town!!