Gaming News

Reno's building boom

RENO, Nevada -- As reported by the Reno Gazette Journal: "The building trades have been making a killing in many Reno-Tahoe casino resorts.

"Armies of carpenters, electricians and other hard-hat workers have seemingly joined the gaming work force, signaling a big transformation in the Reno-Tahoe resort industry.

"Faced with the growing threat of tribal gaming in California and the planned expansion of neighborhood casinos in Reno and Sparks, many of Washoe County's major properties are pouring millions of dollars into expansion and modernization.

"Combined, Washoe County gaming properties are spending or planning to spend almost $800 million in upgrades and expansions in the next year, according research by the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority and Reno Gazette-Journal.

"...The recent flat gaming win totals for Washoe County, plus the in-state and out-of-state competition has proven to Northern Nevada gaming moguls that they must improve or perish, experts said.

"...The Peppermill Hotel Casino in south Reno is currently immersed in the city's largest expansion, a $400 million venture that includes the construction of a 600-room, all-suite hotel tower, new pools, shops, restaurants, convention space and a sports book.

"...The Peppermill's chief rival in south Reno, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, is investing $50 million in an expansion that will include renovation of rooms, new restaurants and a larger casino area. Not included in the $50 million price tag are construction costs on a new skywalk that will connect the Atlantis to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center..."

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