The Town of Jackpot
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Image Source: Famartin / CC BY-SA via Wikimedia Commons

Introduction: The Town of Jackpot, Nevada

If you happen to take US Route 93 going south between Twin falls and Wells, you’ll find yourself in a quaint settlement, the town of Jackpot. It’s a city of approximately 50,000 people and is considered to be part of the Greater Twin Falls Region. Interestingly enough, it’s located just 1 mile over the border from Idaho. There’s a reason for that as we’ll find out.

Why Jackpot?

A clue to that reason is the name of the town of Jackpot. Also it’s a very popular destination for gamblers from across both Idaho and other neighboring states. Can you add up the clues?  How about the fact that there are five large casinos and a number of hotels and motels that go hand in hand with these casinos. But still, if you want to find the best sites to win the jackpot, you don’t have to go all the way to Jackpot. You can always just come to Jackpot Finder!

An Unincorporated Town

In 1954, the State of Idaho outlawed all forms of gambling. In order to escape this new law, a couple of businessmen called Pete Piersanti and Don French moved their slots machines over the border and out of the state, They didn’t go too far though, just a mile into Nevada. These guys constructed, what to all intents and purposes, was a couple simple cabins.

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But with slots machines. Genius! One was “Catus Pete’s Desert Lodge” and the other, “The Horseshu Club”. As the settlement grew, thanks to all the gamblers pouring in from all sides, the Elko County commissionaires named the unincorporated town, “Horseshu”. Unfortunately, and understandably, this didn’t go down too well with Cactus Pete’s. Because the two owners couldn’t agree on a name, the commission named it simply “Unincorporated Town Number 1”.

A Busy Casino Town

In 1969, the two parties finally came to an agreement and the town was re-named, Jackpot. By the year 1960, the population was around 400. They lived mainly in trailers as the banks wouldn’t loan money as building loans as they were unsure as to the town’s viability. But by 1964, the town was almost fully built. The management of Cactus Pet’s took over the management of the Horseshu and later that would form the foundation of the Ameristar Casino Group. Presently there are five main hotels with casinos. These are The Barton’s Club 93,  Cactus Pete’s, The Four Jacks Hotel, The Horseshu Hotel and finally the West Star Hotel and Casino.

Other Sports And Pastimes

When you’ve had your fill at the casino table and in front of the best jackpot slot machines then there’ lots to do in and around Jackpot.  For example you could go whitewater rafting and hiking. For that get yourself over to River and Adventure Toys as they have all the gear you’ll be needing. They also arrange all sorts of exciting hiking and cross country adventures . If you’re feeling lonely, then there’s one of the few legal brothels nearby in Elko. Called Mona’s Ranch, they claim to have over 2 million songs on the jukebox. Not quite sure how relevant that fact is for a brothel, as not many people go there for the music. If fishing is your thing, there there are a huge number of lakes and rivers to choose from.  Whether your fish of choice is Sunfish, Sucker, Trout or Large-Mouth Bass, it all there for the taking. Just be sure to check out your licencing requirements. We suggest that you visit one of the many bait and tackle shops.