Beyond Vegas: Reno’s Peppermill Casino offers many delights (w/ photos)

Friday, March 7, 2025 9:53 AM
Photo:  Courtesy Peppermill
  • Commercial Casinos
  • Kelly Koffler, Special to CDC Gaming
  • Rege Behe, CDC Gaming

Since starting my YouTube channel, Casino Kelly, in late 2020, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting many casinos across the country—many of which rival Las Vegas properties in terms of service, amenities, and gaming options. However, I’ve noticed that properties outside of Las Vegas often receive less attention.

Peppermill Casino in Reno, Nevada, is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to visit due to its ever-changing slot floor, which frequently features many of the newest slot releases. It also offers great video poker pay tables, a wide range of table games with player-friendly rules (such as 3 to 2 blackjack), live poker, and sports betting. If you’re looking to gamble, Peppermill has what you need.

Peppermill Casino floor

That said, there are times when it’s beneficial to get out of the casino during a multi-day trip for some sanity. I love that Lake Tahoe is just a short drive away. Who doesn’t enjoy walking around Tahoe and taking in its scenic beauty?

Lake Tahoe is just a 45-minute drive away

If leaving the property isn’t an option, the spa provides a great opportunity for relaxation. During my visit, I experienced what was perhaps the most relaxing massage of my life before spending an hour enjoying spa amenities, including a hot tub, sauna, and steam room. It was the perfect reset I needed.

Peppermill’s Spa Toscana

Unfortunately, it was too cold to use the outdoor pool area, but I’m looking forward to it on future visits- it is a beautiful space.

Peppermill’s pool area

On my way back to my room, I loaded a $100 bill into Lion Cash slot, a new AGS game, and ended up winning a jackpot of over $1,400 from a $4 bet! I’m not saying that my relaxed energy after a day in the spa contributed to my win, but I’m not saying it didn’t.

After a day of gambling and enjoying the amenities, a great dinner is always a necessity. Peppermill has several delicious restaurants to choose from, with Romanza being one of my favorites. On this trip, my husband and I decided to venture off the property for dinner. We thought it would be nice to visit Peppermill’s other property, Western Village, about a 15-minute drive away in Sparks, Nevada. This is a smaller local’s casino that was rumored to have a great steakhouse.

Top: Romanza at Peppermill
Bottom: The Steak House at Western Village

Being from New Orleans, I am quite biased when it comes to food, but I entered the steakhouse with an open mind. Let me tell you, they weren’t lying! I have to admit that it was possibly one of the best meals I’ve ever had. The flavors were spot-on, the service was stellar, and the prices were reasonable. It will definitely be a staple for future visits to Peppermill.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my favorite hangout at Peppermill. The Fireside Lounge, tucked away behind a door in the nonsmoking slot area, is a small yet relaxing lounge with a great cocktail menu. As the name suggests, there’s a firepit right in the middle of the room, surrounded by cozy seating areas and a bar that features video poker. I ordered a frozen cocktail, and it was the perfect sweet ending to a long day.”

Fireside Lounge at Peppermill

Kelly Koffler is a slot influencer. She can be reached at kellykoffler@gmail.com. Follow Kelly on YouTube at CasinoKelly (@CasinoKelly).

Rege Behe is lead contributor to CDC Gaming. He can be reached at rbehe@cdcgaming.com. Please follow @RegeBehe_exPTR on Twitter.