Some homeowners consider casinos an amenity

For more than 20 years, Las Vegas neighborhood casinos have catered to locals with special discounts and services. Many have been designed to fit into communities with low signage and toned-down lights, almost serving as community centers with bowling alleys, bingo halls, theaters, bars and restaurants.

A few — Green Valley Ranch and Summerlin's Red Rock Casino — have grown into entertainment, dining and shopping super hubs. While drawing tourists with its spas, hotel suites and upscale dining, it still takes care of the locals with affordable buffets, sports book lounges and movie theaters.

The neighborhood casino is considered among many homeowners as an amenity.

Summerlin resident Julie Prager said she travels 20 minutes at least twice a week to Aliante Casino in North Las Vegas to gamble, watch a movie or eat at one of the property's seven restaurants.

"Even though it's a casino, it feels like my neighborhood club," Prager said. "I really like the fact that they treat you like an individual."

According to Prager, neighborhood casinos like Aliante offer something that properties on the Strip don't.

"You're going to see more regulars there because it's in the neighborhood," she said. "On the Strip, it's mainly tourists so it's the hit-and-run players versus the long-term customers."

Prager said she considers Aliante an amenity that enhances her overall lifestyle.

"They treat me great there and I always have so much fun," she said. "Whenever I take someone there for dinner I know they'll have a blast and I won't have to worry about whether they'll like it or not."

For Summerlin resident Kimberly Miles, living within walking distance of the J.W. Marriott and Suncoast, both of North Rampart Boulevard, has its perks.

"I love to walk to Sun Coast to see a movie or go to the Marriott for the spa," she said. "It's also great if I have guests in town because I can easily put them up at either of those properties."

According to Miles, she's able to use various amenities at J.W. Marriot, including services to the Strip by signing up as a Marriot member each year.

"By signing up for a yearly membership I'm able to use the pool, cabanas, outdoor venue and receive discounts on weddings and special events," she said. "I have no amenities where I live now so I absolutely consider it one."

On the other side of town, Henderson resident Melissa Biernacinski said she and her husband visit Feast buffet at Green Valley Ranch at least once a month and meet friends at the property's movie theater, restaurants and pool.

"It's great to live so close to a place where everyone seems to want to meet," she said. "I appreciate all of the dining and entertainment options they have available."

While living so close to Green Valley Ranch didn't factor into Biernacinski's decision to purchase her home nearly two years ago, it's an added bonus.

"It was important to live in a location that's convenient to different things and being close to The District and Green Valley Ranch were a nice benefit," she said. "It's also pretty awesome to be able to watch their Fourth of July fireworks for our backyard. It's an attractive property that adds to the neighborhood visually as much amenities-wise."

— Contact reporter Ann Friedman at afriedman@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4588. Follow @AnnFriedmanRJ on Twitter.