Blackout
230 N Virginia Street
Reno
1943-1946

According to Dwayne Kling, in his book “The Rise of the Biggest Little City” Jacob’s Clothing Store was at 230 N Virginia Street. Upon the retirement, or death, of Phil Jacobs (Kling relates the story both ways) the store was turned into a liquor store by his son, Murray. The back room of the liquor store had another entrance off of Lincoln Alley.

Bill Harrah leased the room in the back of the liquor store and opened The Blackout Room in 1943, licensed for slots, 21, and craps…it was Harrah’s first non-bingo gaming venue. When Harrah’s lease expired, Murray Jacobs took the property back.