The legendary Sahara Hotel & Casino announced the launch of a special locals program today, which includes a designated part of the casino floor called "Locals Lane." "Locals Lane" will feature machines that have better odds and payback percentages, comparable to those offered in neighborhood casinos.  While locals have long been a prized patron of many casinos; the Sahara is the first strip property to openly cater to and reward local gamblers.  In the sea of glitzy resort casinos that save the red carpet for the occasional whale or high-roller, the Sahara instantly classifies local gamblers at a VIP status.  In conjunction with the designated local's area, the Sahara has a new "Gold Card" for locals that offers bigger incentives and discounts for meals, shows, drinks, hotel rooms and merchandise.  Card members will be treated like royalty at the Sahara, earning immediate access to all "Loyalty Pays" benefits, free gift days, and daily free pulls for a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize.


The Sahara, being one of the last remaining "classic Vegas" hotels, is using this program to pay tribute to their family of loyal local gamblers.  The casino has already planned an exciting schedule of upcoming benefits for Gold Card members including special room rates for friends and family, a privileged VIP parking area, line passes to all outlets, members-only slot and table tournaments, and even exclusive pool access with entrance to the Saturday Pool Parties featuring live music. 


"We are already popular with locals for our easy access off of Sahara, our blackjack, poker and slot tournaments, and the vast variety of games on our casino floor," said Bill Tremper, Vice President of Sales & Marketing.  "After surveying and speaking with our local clientele, we discovered that we could fulfill a niche otherwise ignored by Strip properties.  We realized that, aside from our renowned entertainment and dining offerings, the character and energy of our staff, most of whom have come to know our locals through their tenure of employment, allows our players to feel at home in the Sahara.  We went out and asked the locals what they want, and now we're the absolute best locals' Strip property."    


The Sahara began designing the program last year immediately after SBE Entertainment Group purchased the property and hired the local Navegante Group to operate the casino under a lease agreement.  After feedback from their local players and studying which machines they favor playing, the casino populated Locals Lane with a variety of mostly classic, favorite machines such as Blazing 7's, Pompeii, and Wheel Poker.


"This has been in the works for almost a year, after we conducted extensive research," said Tremper.  "We recognized the local guests that were here already; and, we recognized that they are quality guests.  We want their business.  We're going back to the roots of the Sahara."


The Sahara offers all of its guests unsurpassed values throughout the summer.  The Sahara is offering some of the lowest room rates on the Strip starting at just $37per night (based upon availability), incredible food prices including a $6.99 all-you-can-eat dinner buffet, fabulous drink prices throughout the property, fantastic and exceptionally wallet-friendly shows, and a long list of incentives for members of Club Sahara – Sahara's player's club.  For more information about "Locals Lane," visit www.saharavegas.com/casino/locals-lane.


Located on the northern end of the famed Las Vegas Strip, the Sahara Hotel and Casino is a desert jewel rich with history and nostalgia. Since 1952, the Sahara has been a refuge for glitzy entertainment, exhilarating casino action, sumptuous dining and relaxing poolside decadence. The last remaining "Rat Pack" resort, the Sahara was the setting for the original "Ocean's Eleven" film and has played host to everyone from The Beatles to Dean Martin to Marilyn Monroe.  The legendary Sahara offers guests the opportunity to experience classic Vegas at its best, at one of the last remaining properties of the Strip's glamorous heyday.


Sahara Hotel and Casino