Casinos in Carson City - Find Casinos Near You in Carson City

Carson City Casinos: The Basics

Top 7 Fun Things to Do in and Around Carson City

1. Carson City Rifle and Pistol Range: Washoe County proudly maintains its Old Wild West traditions, including this safe place for firearms practice and training located on the outskirts of town.
2. Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory: This is undoubtedly the sweetest spot in town. Be sure to visit the biggest candy store in northern Nevada and sample handmade sweets, fudge, peanut brittle, caramels, saltwater taffy, and so much more.
3. Governor's Mansion: The state governor still resides here but the house also has a remarkable history all its own. A guided tour will provide a glimpse of what life in pioneer Nevada was like 150 years ago.
4. Lake Tahoe: Located just 20 miles west of Carson City, the biggest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada and the largest alpine lake in North America is an extraordinary place to visit. If possible, drive around the entire lake which takes about 3 hours. It's an amazing discovery. Better yet, stay longer. You won't want to leave this breathtaking natural beauty.
5. Nevada State Museum: This building used to be the old Carson City mint, which mostly made coins. It now houses prized collections related to the history of the American West, while also revering the traditions of Native American people who first lived on these lands. The museum has a little and even a lot of everything - including an expansive slot machine collection, a display showing classic guns of the Old West, and even the skeletal remains of a giant Woolly Mammoth which was discovered and excavated in Nevada.
6. Nevada State Capitol Building: Take a tour of the legislative chambers when not in session; or you can watch actual laws being passed in person, if they're in session.
7. Nevada State Railroad Museum: Nevada was built with the might and muscle of railroads. They're on display here. Locomotives and treasures obtained from various Hollywood studios, many used in popular movies and television shows, are shown.

Planning Your Carson City Casino Trip

Let's face it.

If you visit Carson City, you likely either have government business to tend to (and are combining some fun to go along with the job)....or you're more than likely visiting nearby Reno and/or Lake Tahoe, and are curious about what this spot has to offer. 

Smart choice. Enjoy the town, either way.

Transportation Options

Getting here, you'll either drive in, or most likely will arrive at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. There's shuttle service from the airport to some Carson City hotels (check their websites).

However, reserving a rental car is probably the best option so far as getting around. 

Rideshare is also available, but that could get expensive given the distances to get to the places you'll want to see. 

Let's make this simpler - if you don't have one already, then rent a car.

It's also worth noting there are two primary routes between Carson City and Lake Tahoe, which is the "must see" destination in this region.  

State Route 50 is the quickest and fastest drive, which takes only about 25 minutes, perhaps longer in the winter months when snow is common. 

The more interesting local's route is driving along Kingsbury Grade Road, which follows steep inclines up and down the mountain. 

But only take this road when clear because snow and ice can make the trip treacherous.  

Expert's Pick: Virginia City (closeby)

Virginia City is an old mining town located directly across the mountain range from Carson CIty, due east, 15 miles away, and a 25-minute drive. It's as close as most of us will ever get to experiencing what life was like in the Old West.  

Today, Virginia City is still a thriving community. Many stores, bars, and restaurants are along a wooden-ramped street that's easy to walk around and navigate.

The town looks much the same way it did back in the 1860s, where the famous writer and humorist Mark Twain lived here.  

Be sure to take lots of photos, drink a beer in a cowboy saloon, check out the gambling tables, and take a ride on the V&T Railroad to Gold Hill, which is a narrated tour and half-hour train ride. 

It's a marvelous experience.

Fun facts about Carson City: Did You Know?

Question: What's the smallest of all the fifty U.S. state capitals?

Answer: Carson City, Nevada - with a population of only 58,000

Nevada's small but influential capital city is named after the famous adventurer-explorer Kit Carson. 

The town initially began as a stopover for settlers who were bound for California. When a huge silver strike was discovered in the nearby mountains, Carson City quickly boomed into one of the American West's bustling frontier towns. 

The city has served as Nevada's capital since statehood was granted for the Nevada territory, in 1864.

Most of the time, Carson City is a quiet town with a relaxed atmosphere. However, all that changes for six months every two years. 

For 120 calendar days in odd-numbered years, Nevada's Legislative sessions are held from the first Monday in February after the election of members of the Nevada Senate and Nevada State Assembly until adjournment, usually in June.

More Carson City History (because it has so much cool stuff)

Nevada became a state during the American Civil War. 

Since Carson City was the largest city within the new territory at the time, it took its rightful place as the permanent capital. 

Since then, state government remains a major part of daily life in Carson City, though the community has thrived from a remarkably diverse economy and the cultures of newcomers.

Much of Carson City's importance comes from its location. 

The Virginia and Truckee Railroad was built as a link between Carson City and Virginia City, a nearby mining town. 

Part of that rail line can still be seen and ridden today (which is highly recommended). Incredibly, an expansive log flume was also built from the adjacent Sierra Nevada mountains directly into Carson City. 

This provided plenty of wood to build new construction.

However, Carson City has always been closely linked to gold, silver, and currency. Not only were precious metals mined in the area, the United States Mint also operated the Carson City Mint between the years 1870 and 1893, which struck gold and silver coins which were commonly used throughout the United States. 

These coins are now rare highly-sought collectibles, some being worth lots more than their face value.

Because of the rapid influx of people in search of riches, the Carson City region quickly became diverse both racially and ethnically. 

Many settlers came from China during that time, most of them to work on the railroads. 

Some Chinese immigrants established successful businesses and by 1880, nearly 20 percent of the area was made up of Chinese people, highly unusual for cities and towns at the time.

Carson City continues to take pride in its rich history and welcoming spirit. 

The area has been growing fast in recent years, as new technologies have moved into the region, most notably the company that produces batteries for Tesla cars.

Carson City and Tesla

Take a guess where Tesla car batteries are made. That's right, the lithium-ion batteries for most sedans are manufactured right here in northern Nevada.

Gigafactory Nevada has turned into a giant. It's one of the world's highest plants in volume output for electric motors, energy storage products, vehicle powertrains, and batteries.

Gigafactory Nevada produces billions of cells per year. 

This emerging technology is certain to expand even further, which means Carson City will be a storage site for even more power (we had to play on words).

The plant and associated business employ 12,000 workers (and growing), making it one of the largest employers in the entire Reno-Carson City-Lake Tahoe region. 

The manufacturing plant is located east of Reno. 

However, its close proximity to Carson City as the head of state government makes Tesla impossible to ignore as an influence in Carson City and the rest of the region.

Is It "Carson" or "Carson City?"

When visiting, you might hear locals say, "I live in Carson." Or, "I"m going to Carson." In fact, you’ll hear this a lot.

Hey, wait a minute.  Isn't it supposed to be "Carson City?"

Well, it's both.

All official references to this town include "City." However, inside local hangouts, you'll hear most of the residents and especially natives simply say "Carson." Go ahead and say "Carson" if you visit.

But they'll probably think you live here.

The 7 Best Carson City Casinos You Don't Want to Miss

If you want to find Carson casinos near you, use our dedicated map and let us give you a hand. Here is our curated list of the top 7 Carson City casinos:

Bodines Casino

Newly designed and updated casino with all the most popular gambling games. Known for a lively bar, live music and entertainment, and a thriving sportsbook, Bodines is cozy, but also looks and feels ultra-modern. 

This casino is also the only Carson City venue to offer parimutuel horserace betting, which makes it very popular with handicappers and a gathering spot for the biggest races. 

The $6 breakfast and $13 prime rib also keeps Bodines busy during all hours of the day and night.

Cactus Jack's Senator Club

When you think of a casino that's fun and one of those rare places you just have to visit, put this destination on top of your list. 

Take a look from the outside with the old neon sign of the Cactus jack himself, a throwback to years ago before so many casinos started all looking the same. 

There are no high rollers here, but this isn't about maximizing gambling edges - it's a place to relax and have a good time. 

The casino offers 130 slot machines, and a small poker room spreading Texas Hold'em (call in advance to make sure there's a game going). 

The Corner Cafe offers homestyle dishes and daily specials for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Carson Nugget

This casino features slots, table games, keno, three restaurants, meeting spaces for conventions, and 83 hotel rooms. 

This spot also has the distinction of being the longest continuously-running casino in Carson City, which has been open since the early 1950s. 

The casino founder even created a house speciality that's become an institution for more than 60 years, which is a hamburger known as the "Awful Awful Burger." 

Why so? That's because the burger is "awful big and awful good." As this place sounds, it's a fun place to have a drink, grab a burger, and do some gambling.

Casino Fandango

Here's the biggest casino-hotel in town, located on the far south part of Carson Street, a bit away from the city center. 

The casino which opened in 2003, boasts more than 700 gaming machines, 10 table games, and a sportsbook (William Hill). 

Located next to the Courtyard Marriott, this location is perhaps the crown jewel of newer casinos in the area. 

Live music onstage, four bars, five restaurants, and a movie theatre are more than enough to keep any visitor busy.

Comstock Casino

The Comstock Casino is a friendly, relaxed venue with the excitement of a lively casino floor. The Mexican restaurant (Juan's) also offers good food. 

Gold Dust West

With over 350 slot machines, ranging from 1¢ to $1, plus video poker, keno, and table games, Gold Dust West has plenty of enticing options to try out your luck. 

Tables include blackjack, craps, Pai Gow (with the progressive jackpot), and 3-card poker. This casino is affiliated with the Gold Dust Reno and Gold Dust Elko. 

They all specialize in offering a cozy and comfortable gaming experience.

Max Casino

Perfectly located in the center of downtown Carson City, this casino is attached to a boutique hotel, and a sportsbook. 

The famous Black Bear Diner (located inside) is also very good.

One Expert Opinion About Slot Parlors

Our advice is simple - don't play in them if you have other options. 

These joints are called "casinos," but that's misleading. They only have slot machines and video poker.  Services are limited. Some do offer drinks and light snacks. 

However, these machines pay poorly. And please listen up - don't ever put money in a machine at a grocery store or gas station, many of which have slots. 

These "convenience" machines pay the worst of all.

Most casinos offer better odds, give better comps, and provide a much better experience. Slot parlors in Carson City include Dottys, Red Dragon, and others.

Restaurants, Bars, and Hang Outs

Carson City may be small but the city offers many surprisingly tasty food options. We especially like the Thai and Mexican restaurant choices in town. 

In fact, Carson City might be best known for breakfasts with plenty of friendly diners and cafes that are hang outs for locals and visitors.

Here are some of our favorites:

• The Basil: Artisan Thai place in the heart of town serves excellent Asian food, spiced precisely to order.
• Great Basin Brewing Company: Bar and grill specialising in local Nevada-crafted beers (15 locally-brewed beers are available!).
• Red's Old 396 Grill: Offers an extensive menu, including more than 100 beer choices; best known for hearty food including steaks and burgers.
• Francisco's Mexican Restaurant: We love two local Mexican spots; the first is Fancisco's with standard Tex-Mex fare and friendly service; good lunch specials.
• San Marcos Grill: Authentic, traditional, delicious Mexican cuisine – some say the best in Carson City. Try the Lava Rock Molcajete, the house special served in a fire rested lava stone bowl.
• Heidi's Family Restaurant: Swiss-German themed breakfast and lunch spot; a locals favorite (there's also a Heidi's at South Lake Tahoe)      
• Black Bear Diner: Well-known diner chain with multiple Nevada locations - remarkably good and affordably-priced food, including daily specials. Excellent homemade pies. Lots of stuffed black bears, too. Located in the Federal Hotel, above the Max Casino.
• Cracker Box Diner: Old-fashioned no-thrills diner; Other breakfast spots are fancier, but there aren't many places like this around anymore.
• LA Bakery: Who loves daily freshly baked goods, like we do? You're in luck! Here's the best bakery in Carson City. Offers a nice variety of baked goods, including pastries for special diets.
• Villa Basque Deli: Carson City has a thriving Basque community, which means the food is authentic and delicious; here's a breakfast and lunch hangout serving homemade chorizo, olive oil, and traditional Basque favorites. Here's a great place to try the paella.

Carson City Gambling Laws and Regulations

All Carson City and surrounding area casinos strictly enforce the legal gambling age restriction, which is 21.  This applies to all casinos in Nevada.  

The gambling laws and regulations are enforced by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), which is the state-run government agency involved in oversight and law enforcement, along with the Nevada Gaming Commission. They are headquartered right here in Carson City.

Casino players can be assured casino games in reputable establishments, including slots and video poker, are run fairly and on the square.  The risks of scandal or fines are too great to risk by cheating players.

One characteristic that makes Carson City a little different from Reno and Las Vegas is that there are no giant casino conglomerates located here. 

All the casinos within the city limits are owned and operated by smaller entities, and some are even family run. 

This makes Carson City a throwback to the old days when gambling was initially legalized in Nevada.

Conclusion

Carson City isn't a big city nor a world-class casino and resort destination. However, that's its special charm. 

This once-old mining and railroad community has transformed itself into an ideal destination for visitors who want a little gambling excitement at casinos near them. 

With the gorgeous Sierra Nevada Mountains towering from above to the heart of state government on main street to plenty of casinos and museums, Carson City casinos offer a wide variety of opportunities to play, learn, and explore.