Official casino games like Blackjack and Poker were played behind prison walls.

In Nevada, a state famous for Las Vegas, unusual and unexpected things have been known to happen. For example, Nevada allowed a casino to operate in a state prison for 35 years. It's a place where extraordinary experiences, such as roller coasters on casino rooftops or luxurious suite stays, are not unheard of. Even climbing a replica of the Eiffel Tower is possible in this unique state.

But it can always be crazier

It was within this storied state of Nevada that an exceptionally hidden casino existed, seldom visited and sparsely known.

The very location of this intriguing establishment contributed to its enigma. This elusive casino was located inside the Nevada State Prison in Carson City — yes, a prison!

You might wonder if the casino existed only after the prison ceased operations. The surprising reality is it operated amidst a full-functioning prison. From its inception in 1862 until its closure in 2012, Nevada State Prison housed inmates. And from 1932 to 1967, it featured a prison casino open exclusively for its residents. A truth stranger than fiction.

When Gambling became Legal

With the legalization of gambling in Nevada on March 19, 1931, today's stringent licensing protocols were nonexistent. Now, even a minor offense could derail a casino applicant, but back then, these restrictions were absent.

The question arises: How did inmates manage to establish a genuine casino within prison walls?

Simply put, the lack of oversight from a regulatory body like the Gaming Control Board in the 1930s meant that actual gambling conduct relied heavily on local law enforcement. Back then, Carson City's sheriff was quite lenient, allowing gambling among prisoners.

Keep them Buzzy and Out of Trouble

Behind this venture was the intent to occupy the inmates constructively, thereby minimizing disruptions. Politician Howard McKissick even went so far as to argue that such engagement might deter what he called ‘homosexual problems,’ reflecting very different social norms of the era.

The Safest Casino in Nevada

This prison casino was notably comprehensive. Inmates had the opportunity to engage in games like poker, blackjack, craps, and even place bets on sports outcomes. Furthermore, other games, such as Gin Rummy, were also available. This facility was uniquely operated by prisoners for prisoners.

If safety was a concern, this prison-based casino might have been Nevada's safest. Cheating was exceptionally rare, likely due to the understanding that fellow players often had histories of severe criminal offenses.

The Close Down

In April 1967, this extraordinary setup came to an end. Carl Hocker, the newly appointed prison director, had previously overseen a correctional facility in California and did not share a favorable opinion of the casino. Expressing his views through the local press, he mentioned:

“In my view, gambling in a penitentiary is disgraceful and serves no constructive purpose. We intend to substitute it with worthwhile and healthier activities to nurture sound mental development.”

Subsequent to the closure, instead of gambling, prisoners turned their focus toward activities like handicraft, chess, and creating bead necklaces.

Not only was the casino closed in due course, but the entire outdated prison complex ceased operations. This closure marked the conclusion of a one-of-a-kind correctional facility, the only one where a semblance of legal gambling was conducted.