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1385 U.S. Hwy. 93
Jackpot, NV 89825
(800)821-1103
(702)755-7777
Cactus Petes opened in 1956, as a small roadside stop with a building only four cars wide. Today, Cactus Petes is one of only ten properties in Nevada to earn the distinction of a four Diamond Award from the American Automobile Association.
Cactus Petes success is attributed to its loyal base of customers and the resorts strong commitment to quality and diverse resort options. Cactus Petes celebrated its 43 rd Anniversary in 1999.
The original roadside stop was just a small cinder-block building with a small bar, several slot machines, six rooms and hot mineral-water baths. Situated on U.S. Hwy .93, which stretches from Canada to Mexico, Cactus Petes quickly became a favorite stop for weary travelers and locals. Besides good food at reasonable prices guests tried their luck on Petes slots and enjoyed relaxing in the mineral baths.
History of Jackpot
Originally Jackpot was an unnamed Nevada town just across the Idaho border where Don French opened the Horseshu Club. Six casinos opened in the area, Par-O-Dice, Stardust, Diamond Jim's, Lucky 7, Tex's Gateway Club, but none could compete with French's Horseshu Club.
In 1956, The Cactus Petes Desert Lodge was incorporated as Cactus Pete's Inc. A.L. "Bud" Gurley, a former coin machine operator convinced Piersanti, a slot machine expert, and Dale Wildman with table game experience that the Jackpot border location was an ideal location to operate a casino. As equal partners they constructed a casino, cafe, lounge and gas station across the highway from the Horseshu. Idahoans flocked to Cactus Petes to try their luck and enjoy Piersanti's company as he tended bar.
Cactus Petes publicist, Carl Hayden, succeeded in his one-man campaign to put Jackpot on the map.
In 1958, Cactus Petes hired the Neilsen & Miller Construction in Twin Falls to build the Desert Inn, a 15-room single row motel. Four years later Wildman sold his shares to the corporation making Gurley and Piersanti 50-50 partners.
For several years Jackpot was without phone service, electricity or any type of full-time law enforcement making it a "Wild West" town.
In the early 60s Jackpot matured and Cactus Petes grew at a rapid pace. Residents in the area moved to Jackpot. The elementary school was relocated to Jackpot and the post office was relocated inside Cactus Petes - - making it the only place in the world where you could pick up your mail and gamble at the same time.
Around '64, the owners of Cactus Petes took over management of the Horseshu. Three years later Gurley died. Three new partners, Ray Neilsen from Neilsen & Miller Construction, George Detweiler of Twin Falls, who assumed control of the Horseshu from French in '59, and Al Huber of Elko, Cactus Petes' bookkeeper became partners with Piersanti.
Under the new leadership construction began on a two-story 50-room motel that was completed in 1969. Piersanti decided to move to Las Vegas and Huber moved to Jackpot to manage Cactus Petes. When Neilsen died in 1971, his wife took over his shares but their son Craig assumed the day-to-day operation responsibilities.
In 1973, Cactus Petes' added the Desert Room restaurant, a keno lounge and expanded the Gala Showroom known for staging the best in live entertainment. An RV park was added at Cactus Petes' and a 9-hole golf course on the northeast edge of town.
As Jackpot and Cactus Petes grew in popularity in the 70s guest where drawn from the entire Pacific Northwest and parts of Canada. Cactus Petes added more casino space in 1981, demolished the Desert Inn and constructed a three-story 89-room Granite Range.
Neilsen became President in 1984, as the property was becoming one of the largest gaming facilities in Northeast Nevada. In '86, Huber sold his shares to the corporation and Neilsen became the sole owner.
In '91 a $22 million expansion was completed which included the Diamond Peak Tower, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, the Ruby Mountain Ballroom, more casino space, the Canyon Cove Buffet, Cherry Creek Lounge, Bristlecone Emporium gift shop, a sports book and keno lounge. With the 10-story 210-room Diamond Peak Tower Cactus Petes' has the tallest buildings between Boise and Las Vegas. The Gala Showroom hosts nationally known entertainers such as the Smothers Brothers, Tammy Wynette, the Temptations and Waylon Jennings.
Neilsen's commitment to Cactus Petes won him the "AAA's" Four Diamond Award and placed Cactus Petes in the same category as top casino's in - - Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe.
Join Cactus Petes Plateau Senior Players Club
Anyone 60 or older is eligible. - 15% discount on rooms & food.
20% on purchases in the Bristlecone Emporium.
Complimentary dinner for two on your birthday.
Special coupon books for hotel guest.
Suites available, call for rates.
