Gambling fever sets fire to the lake

Blackjack, poker, baccarat, craps, roulettes, bandits and slot machines - the dozen or so casinos on the lake have it all. But to have fun, you have to pay. And to pay, you have to have money. So it's a rather singular concept of entertainment and holidays that's at play here. Spend your savings to have fun. But apparently it works for a significant number of South Lake Tahoe holidaymakers. Presumably those who come for that very reason.

The question here is not whether the hotel has a casino, but which hotel depends on the casino. The two areas are interdependent. When you've spent the night playing craps or poker, it's best to have a quick drop-off point to hand. And a pillow under your ears.

The first 4 casinos featured here are in the south of the lake, at South Lake Tahoe and Stateline, and the next 2, including the Hyatt, in the north, at Incline and Crystal Bay.

What sets this casino apart from its competitors is the sports betting available here. Of course, the usual attractions are there too, with craps, roulette, blackjack and poker tables. The slot machines are not to be outdone, with more than 1,300 one-armed bandits and other video poker machines constantly waiting for you.

Video poker involves a player trying to make the strongest possible hand against the casino computer, which will have dealt him 5 cards after he has placed a bet. From then on, the player can swap cards or keep them. His winnings depend on the combination he obtains according to poker standards: pair, three of a kind, straight, full house, etc.

To help you recover, the hotel has its own swimming pool, spa and fitness centre. Holidays are tough! When it comes to dining, the casino has the hotel's own restaurants: a seafood restaurant, an Italian restaurant, a steakhouse, a café lounge and a Starbucks. It also boasts the South Shore concert hall, which has been giving concerts for 50 years. An institution!

We're in Stateline, Heavenly, not far from Heavenly Mountain Resort, also in South Lake Tahoe.

Still at Heavenly, on South Lake Tahoe, this casino, which belongs to the previous one to which it is geographically opposite, is once again a giant covering more than 8,000 square metres. The space is not left fallow, of course, with 1,200 slot machines and 100 gaming tables. There's plenty to do, have fun, play, bet, lose, do it again, play again, bet again, and so on until the end of the night.

For pure relaxation, the casino-hotel boasts a heated outdoor swimming pool and a spa with a whirlpool bath, with direct views of the often snow-covered Sierra Nevada.

In terms of gastronomy, the hotel boasts Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen, a restaurant run by the famous Michelin-starred British chef. You can also enjoy a meal at the poolside bar or in the steakhouse. The Cinnabon serves gourmet pastries.

The appeal of the venue is rounded off by a high-capacity, open-air stage for shows and concerts, Harvey's Cabaret, right next to the lake.

Located in Stateline, less than a kilometre from the border, this casino has all the comforts you could wish for: several restaurants with an oyster bar and steakhouse, an outdoor swimming pool and a sports hall. A subsidiary of the Hard Rock chain, this casino and hotel have a unifying theme: rock! You'll find emblematic objects from the American history of rock'n'roll, including photos and objects linked to The King, throughout the establishment!

The casino alone covers more than 2,300 square metres, with everything you need for gambling. Live entertainment events are held throughout the high season.

This casino prides itself on offering the most comprehensive service possible in terms of sport and relaxation, combined with the world of gaming. Still located in Stateline near Heavenly, it, like its competitors, complements its casino with a relaxation area including a gym, indoor pool and spa, as well as à la carte services such as golf, horse-riding and fishing.

The establishment has its own theatre, the Bally Theater, where shows, stand-up comedy and concerts are performed. A nightclub completes the picture. The casino also has its own restaurants.

Set on the shores of Incline Village, this establishment is first and foremost a luxury hotel, with its own beach. It has no fewer than 7 restaurants, all of which overlook the lake (seafood, steakhouse, poolside grill, etc.).

The casino awaits you with open arms, with over 270 slot machines and all the usual gaming tables.

The outdoor swimming pool is heated and has a spa. A la carte activities are also on offer, including guided walks and cycle rides. And in winter, skiing.