Harrah's and the De-Local-ification of Tahoe

I recently had some house guests from Seattle who were visiting South Lake Tahoe for the first time. As I wanted to show them a good time in local style I opted out of the nightclub scene in lieu of something a bit more personable. We decided to hit up Bills Casino, specifically for the good vibe, cheap beer and of course the pool tables.

I parked in the back lot, patronized the ATM (knowingly paying an extra $4 to get my own money) and then went straight to the the back bar when something hit me.... The Pool Tables were GONE!

From my very advanced investigative reporting, you know... talking to the bartender, the security guard, and a few local personalities I discovered that a new GM of Harrah's was not very excited about the crowd the tables were attracting.

For better or worse, Bill's has attracted a local crowd. While I do understand that locals are not the prime market that Harrah's is aiming for, they must like the money that we bring in. I would be willing to claim that on a Tuesday night in the middle of May you'll be hard pressed to find a tourist that is going to drop more then any local in the house.

I understand that Bill's (the Harrahs Corporation) would like to attract Mr. and Mrs. Worthington in their tuxedo's and top-hats, this specific property just doesn't have it. I suppose if the Worthington's wanted to choke down a meatball sub, get some fresh ink (tattoos) and enjoy a cold domestic beer... then Bill's is the place.

As a long-time Tahoe local, I would like to ask that everyone who claims the "Tahoe Local" title temporarily refrain from giving the Harrah's corporation any of your hard earned dough. Let's get those tables back! The following businesses have recieved the TahoeLocals.com stamp of approval:

• The Tudor Pub
• Whiskey Dicks
• Mc P's
• The Goal Post
• Tahoe Underground
• Turn3
• Sam's Place

If this article should happen to make the desk of any execs at Harrah's please contact me webmaster@tahoelocals.com as I would enjoy the opportunity to speak with you.