I spent 10 years in Reno and it's actually almost due east of San Francisco, California. It is by many, believed to be just a small Vegas. It has much more of a country or old west flavor to it. Unlike Las Vegas, it does get very cold and is just east of the Sierra mountain range and sits in the valley below Lake Tahoe.
Reno's clientele comes mostly from California, whereas Vegas' visitors come from all over the world. Gambling is the major industry for both cities with conventions being the second biggest draw. While there I worked as a cabbie, Archaeologist, and a casino cashier. Ten years was enough for me, because the gambling, drinking lifestyle can be quite tiring as well as defeating. Enough was enough.