1st time to Reno NV. Do u have to rent car? R places centrally located? Where is best part of town to stay?

You don't have to rent a car - there are shuttles or taxis. If you're there for gambling, stay on the strip. Most casinos have good hotels - circus circus is one of the cheapest, but also not so great - it's kind of dumpy. Silver Legacy & El Dorado are nice - all three I just mentioned are connected by an indoor walkway so you don't have to go outside if you don't want - it gets COLD there this time of year!