Harveys Lake Tahoe

Introduction

Harveys Lake Tahoe is owned by Caesars Entertainment.  It is located in Stateline, NV, directly on the lake.  The town is just east of the state line of California and Nevada. 

Harveys was once known as Harvey’s Wagon Wheel.  The apostrophe was dropped when it was acquired by the company that is now known as Caesars Entertainment.

Harveys was the scene of the largest bombing in U.S. history at the time on August 27, 1980.  An extortionist that lost $750,000 at the casino attempted to get the casino to pay him $3 million in cash in exchange for defusing the bomb.  The plot included a bomb disguised as a copy machine that was delivered to the hotel in the middle of the night.  The bomb exploded when federal agents attempted to disarm it.  All guests had been evacuated and nobody was hurt.  The bomb caused extensive damage to the hotel, which remained closed for a year.  The extortionist, John Birges, was convicted and served the remainder of his life in prison.

Casino at Harveys Lake Tahoe

The casino floor at Harveys is massive compared to casinos located outside of Las Vegas.  There are three table game pits.  There is also a keno lounge, sportsbook and poker room.  More than 900 slots populate the casino floor.  Most are multi-line penny games.  The only video poker game that returns over 99% outside high limit is 8/5 Bonus Poker.  There is $5 and higher denominations for full pay Jacks or Better in the high limit salon.

There are 25 blackjack tables at Harveys Lake Tahoe.  There are six 6-5 single deck games that only allow double down on 10 and 11.  There are five 6-5 eight-deck games.  These all have $10 minimum bets.  There are 14 shoe blackjack games that pay 3-2.  Players can double down on any two cards and after splitting.  Surrender is available.  There is a $25 double deck game that does not allow double down after splitting. The dealer hits soft 17 in all blackjack games at Harveys.

There are two $5 double zero roulette tables and a hybrid roulette game known as Rapid Roulette that has a real wheel, but video betting screens.  There are four $5 craps tables with 3-4-5 times odds.  The Field pays double on 12.

There are several $5 proprietary poker games that include Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.  These include the $100,000 six-card royal flush side bet.  There is also $10 Pai Gow Poker.

Harveys provides a full service sportsbook that uses Caesars Entertainment lines.  The poker room offers 16 tables.  The main games are 2/3 No Limit Texas Hold’em.  There is also a daily 3/6 fixed limit game.  The morning starts with a $40 No Limit Hold’em tournament.  There are also nightly tournaments during the week. 

Hotel at Harveys

There are 740 hotel rooms at Harveys.  Guests may choose between one king and two queens. Those without a preference can save $10 per night when booking on the Harveys website.  There is a base room, mountain view, luxury, and suite option available for room reservations.

Restaurants at Harveys

There is a wide variety of dining options at Harveys.  A Cinnabon and Starbucks are available for quick morning bites.  Casual lunch and dinner options include the Straw Hat Sports Bar and Grill, Cabo Wabo Cantina and Hard Rock Café.  The Hard Rock Café is located in Harveys because it predates the opening of the Hard Rock Casino next door.  Upscale options are available at the 19 Kitchen, located at the top floor of the higher hotel, and Sage Room, a steak and seafood restaurant.

Entertainment

Harveys spreads a large outdoor concert venue.  There is also an Improv Comedy Club open five days per week. 

Environment

The environment at Harveys is the most active in South Lake Tahoe.  The crowd is on the younger side.  The smoke is a bit worse at Harveys than the other casinos in Stateline.

Parking

Harveys provides a parking deck just east of the casino. 

My Conclusion

The gaming is as expected from a Caesars Entertainment resort.  The sports bar has some of the best food for casual options in South Lake Tahoe.  The rooms are nicer at Harrah’s across the street, which is also owned by Caesars.  The two properties are connected by a tunnel.  The view at Harveys from most rooms is better than Harrah’s.  Guests should decide whether they want a nicer room or a better view when choosing a hotel at Stateline, NV.