Quick Fact – Seer Balzar
1930 In December, while vacationing in Southern California, Nevada Governor Frederick “Fred” Balzar — foretelling the future — told reporters that gambling already was wide open in his state and that a bill making it…
Quick Fact – Peephole Vetting
1931 Even after wide-open gambling became legal in Nevada, many of the exclusive clubs continued to vet the people who wanted entry. Someone inside the establishment would look through the peephole in the door and…
Gambling License
Games / Races: Roulette
It Really Happened
Law Enforcement / Judicial System: Washoe County Sheriff E. Russell Trathen--Nevada
Nevada
Northern Club (Las Vegas, NV)
Owl Club (Reno, NV)
Politicians / Politics: NV Governor Frederick "Fred" Balzar
Yes To Open Gambling: No Big Deal
1931 Despite an influx of newsmen into town to report what gambling now looked like in Nevada’s biggest city immediately following legalization, a move they described as “reviving the days of the pioneer west,” the…
Was Betting on “Old Maid” Legal?
1861-present Since becoming a U.S. territory, Nevada has undergone periods of full, partial and no legalization of gambling. Here’s a timeline of what types of games of chance legislators allowed or disallowed and when: 1861:…