Big City Lights

What this episode covers

Nevada's Gaming and Urban StoriesOne interesting fact about Nevada is that it’s the most urban state in America. Even though it’s made of huge tracts of open land, a huge percentage of the population lives in two metropolitan areas: Reno and Las Vegas. The history of these two cities is very different, but each of their stories – being in the state of Nevada – has been intertwined with the presence of gambling, which the state legalized in 1931. The casinos led to urban booms, often associated with the glittering lights, and the buzzy 24hr glow of downtown: Virginia Street in Reno, and one of the world’s most iconic main streets, the Las Vegas Strip.  Though these places have been tourist meccas for almost a century now, they’re also home to workers, academics, socialites and people from all types of fascinating backgrounds. Hear from a group of Nevadans who have worked and lived in the silver state's big cities.

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