Casino Fandango gets preview

About 200 people were invited to a preview of Casino Fandango in south Carson City on Tuesday evening. The parking lot was packed, and it was standing-room only in the New York-style deli designed to seat 180.

"This is very nice, very elegant," said Carson City resident Celia Robles. "I love the decorations."

The casino has a tropical theme. Birds of paradise and tropical foliage line the tables in the eating area, and in every room, palm trees reach for the mirrored ceiling.

Fandango has 175 slot machines, including lots of penny games. All use a new type of ticket/credit system, eliminating the little cups to carry coins from machine to machine.

"People don't have to cash out when they're finished with a machine," said Court Cardinal, director of operations. "It's convenient, fast, and they don't have to wait for attendants."

A Carson City resident identified only as Otto pointed to the deli menu, which offers everything from shrimp cocktail to braised short ribs. The breakfast menu includes eggs Benedict, and nothing costs more than $8.

"Nevada was built on cheap food and gambling. People forget that," he said. "This casino offers both. This is going to be good for Carson City."

Under Carson City's new building ordinance, the casino had until Aug. 1 to open, which in part prompted the rush to complete the first phase. It includes a nine-seat sports bar.

"The next phase will include a buffet, coffee shop and Hong Kong Grill, Infinity pool slots and a large cabaret with a stage and dance floor," Cardinal said.

The project is being developed by Navegante Group, a team of international gaming and hotel executives with offices in Las Vegas and Toronto.

Founded in 1995 by casino executive Larry J. Woolf, the company has casinos worldwide, including Bally's and the Venetian in Las Vegas, Crown Casino in Australia and Casino Niagra in Canada.