The 18-story tower and 512 rooms, plus 65,000 sq ft (6,000 m2) casino make it one of the largest resorts at South Lake Tahoe.

In 1956, Harrah's Lake Club was sold for $5.25 million in cash to Harvey Gross, which at the time was the most expensive casino purchase ever.

By 1960, Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians Orchestra also appeared at Harrah's in collaboration with the vocalists Kenney Gardner, Cliff Glass and Bill Flannigan.

Lombardo concluded the concert leading the audience in a sing-along which was followed by a rousing chorus of Auld Lang Syne.

The film had its premiere on January 19, 1963, at Harrah's South Shore Room, which Curtis and his wife Christine Kaufmann attended.

In February 1979, Clint Eastwood and Sondra Locke stayed at Harrah's while participating in the 2nd annual John Denver Celebrity Pro-Am ski tournament.

Each 500 sq ft (46 m2) room was furnished with a fully stocked bar, bay windows, two bathrooms with TVs and telephones.

In 2000, a $26 million renovation was done to update the casino, hotel rooms and restaurants on the 18th floor including the Forest Buffet and Friday's Station.