Jackpots and Trailblazers, Reno’s Casino Legacy
When: Tuesday, May 12 at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Nevada Room (West End)
About the Event: Step into the glittering past of Nevada’s gaming frontier with a lively slide show tracing the legacies of two visionary titans: Harolds Club’s Pappy Smith and the Sparks Nugget’s John Ascuaga. From Pappy’s audacious billboard blitz that put Reno on the national map to John’s hands-on leadership and warm rapport with guests, this visual journey captures the spirit, grit, and showmanship that defined Northern Nevada’s casino boom. Using archival photos, extensive research, vintage ads, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, local historians David & Gayle Woodruff reveal how these self-made men transformed dusty streets into neon-lit landmarks, shaping not just the gaming industry but the cultural identity of the Silver State. Free Event. RSVP not necessary.