For a change of pace and scenery many gamblers try their luck at the casinos just south of Las Vegas, in Jean, Nevada, about a half hour down I15.

The "Gold Strike Hotel and Gambling Hall", is a quaint little casino that attracts many Las Vegas residents because of its home-spun charm, and it's a favorite among truckers and RV'ers because of its huge parking lot.

My wife and I have a special place in our hearts for the Gold Strike because that's where she got her start in the casino industry many years ago.

At that time the place was owned by the ensign family and they treated the employees very well, like family, in fact.

Casino owners weren't as corporate-minded in those days, and they were far more generous to not only the gamblers, but the employees.

I have fond memories of the great meals we had years ago at the Gold Strike's unbelievably good steak house, all compliments of the owners, as a reward to my wife for doing an exceptional job.

That steak house was better than most of the ultra-high priced Las Vegas Strip casino restaurants despite being located in the middle of nowhere.

As the Casino Promotions Director, my wife, Dolores, devised and coordinated the Slot Tournaments, for which the Gold Strike Casino was known. These were fun events and apparently they are still run quite frequently.

Here's their website and this link will take you to another video I took of the casino's interior.