Jackpot, Census-designated place in Elko County, Nevada, United States
Jackpot is a small mountain settlement in northeastern Nevada near the Idaho border, situated along U.S. Route 93 at an elevation of about 1,589 meters (5,213 feet). The community consists mainly of casinos and accommodations spread along the main road.
The settlement began in 1954 and was initially called Horse Shu before being renamed Jackpot in 1959. The new name reflected the growing importance of gambling establishments as the economic heart of the place.
Casinos shape the local landscape and draw visitors from the surrounding region who come specifically to gamble. Daily life centers around these establishments, which drive the local economy for residents.
The settlement has a local school and library, and commercial flights operate from an airport about 100 kilometers (60 miles) away. It is wise to check ahead whether specific facilities are open, as the place is small.
The place owes its growth to a geographic quirk: it sits just south of the Idaho border, where gambling is prohibited. This strategic location made it a popular destination for people from the north who wanted to gamble.
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