Nevada's Lakeside Inn and Casino to stay permanently closed

Lakeside Inn and Casino, located in Stateline, Nevada, announced Tuesday through an emailed newsletter and a post on its website that it is permanently closing after 35 years “of being a source of entertainment for thousands of guests.” The closure includes all areas of the business including the casino, restaurant and hotel.

After being denied an emergency small business loan to help out with finances while closed during the COVID-19 crisis, the owners of the popular locals' casino decided it was time to pull the plug, according to Lakeside Inn President Stacy Noyes.

"I feel extremely let down," said Noyes, as reported by News 4 & Fox 11. "We had a lot less resources available. The State of Nevada and many other states have gaming, but we are the first domino to drop and more are to come."

While some relief was expected from the Cares Act, none came. Noyes explained because small businesses don't qualify if they make more than 30 percent of their revenue from gaming, the Lakeside Inn had to lay off more than 200 employees, some who have worked there for years.

"Until the Nevada unemployment system kicks in or there is some whole change to the SBA (Small Business Administration) not singling out small casinos for this disaster, they don't see a light at the end of the tunnel," said Noyes. Although the U.S. Department of Treasury has since revised the SBA's provisions to include businesses with 50 percent or less of their revenue from gaming, most casinos say that's still not enough.

The casino needed to see a strong summer financially to make up for being closed for a couple of months, and the forecast figures weren't there. The 218 employees were being told on Tuesday afternoon via texts, emails and through an employee page on the website. Plans will be to market the 124 room hotel and casino and sell it, according to Carson Now. 

“This decision was not made lightly,” said the casino website post. “We hoped that we would be able to resume operations once this COVID-19 situation improved. However, that’s just not in the cards for us. We were able to stay open for 35 years because of our tremendous staff, loyal guests, and a supportive community. The relationships we have created with our guests are just incredible.”

Lakeside said in the upcoming days to check the website for information on how to cash in slot tickets or table games chips. The company is also receiving any memories guests would like to share by sending an email to [email protected], and they plan to post them on the website for all to read.