Dini's Lucky Club in Downtown Yerington has been a Lyon County destination for 90 years. It all started with Joe Dini Sr., an Italian immigrant who settled in Bodie nearly a century ago.
"He moved to Bodie, California during Prohibition and had a bootleg place called Joe Dini's Ice Cream Parlor," said Jay Dini, President of Dini's Lucky Club and Joe's grandson. "When Prohibition ended, his business burned down and he moved to Yerington to open up Joe Dini's Lucky Club."
And the Dini family has run it ever since, five generations so far.
"We're the oldest family-owned casino in the state of Nevada that's been continuously operated," Dini said. "My wife, my brother, niece and grandkids all work here; it's truly a family business."
The place has grown over the years.
"It's been a great evolution process for me," Dini said. "I started here 51 years ago when it was just a small place with 28 slot machines, a blackjack table and a poker table. Now we have 145 slot machines."
There are also several restaurants with a loyal following.
"The food and service is great," said Brad Johnston of Yerington. "Small-town feel, wonderful place to have lunch. I have lunch at Dini's Lucky Club every day of the week when I'm in town."
And here, it's all about the history. The front of the building pays tribute to the local businesses that once were, and the walls and cabinets inside tell the story of a different time - a time when Dini's phone number was simply "68." A picture of Joe Dini Jr., a longtime state Assemblyman, greets everyone as they walk in the door. And Saturday, they'll celebrate those who have come and gone over the last 90 years.
"I miss those people from 30 and 40 years ago," Dini said. "They were great customers, great friends. But I've made more great customers and more great friends that I will be just delighted to see here on Saturday. I'm so looking forward to it. I wish my dad and grandfather could be here, but I know they'll be here in spirit."
There's a casino-wide celebration all day Saturday, with all kinds of promotions, and cake and champagne at 8 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
