By Ray Hagar, Reno Gazette-Journal

Friends, family and business associates all say Mike Pegram is one lucky guy.

It’s a good thing, because the noted Kentucky racehorse owner and McDonald’s restaurateur is becoming a major player in Northern Nevada gaming.

“I have always loved action, whether it was the racing or card games or dice games,” said the 58-year-old Pegram. “You can say I have a propensity for gaming and that is just my personality.”

Two years ago, Pegram and his partners — the Carano family of Reno and Eldorado executive Rick Murdock — built and opened Bodines, a 250-slot casino and sports book in Carson City. The choice of location — next to U.S. 50, which takes visitors to and from Lake Tahoe — was strategic.

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