RENO --  Organizers are cracking down on a rally for motorcycle enthusiasts after a fatal shootout erupted at last year's event during a brawl between rival biker gangs.

Police and a number of participating casinos have joined the effort to enforce a ban on gang colors to keep the event safe.

Casinos are pledging to enforce policies banning weapons and keeping minors from gambling floors during the event that began Wednesday, the Reno-Gazette-Journal reported (on.rgj.com/Pp5ui9).

The event's organizers are also beefing up security and paying overtime for extra police officers to work the event.

"It's going to appear like there's officers everywhere," Reno police Lt. Amy Newman said. "Our intent is saturation, and to set the tone of abiding by the law."

The 19th annual Street Vibrations rally is expected to draw thousands of motorcyclists and tourists to hotels and casinos in Reno, Sparks and Virginia City.

Last September, a gun battle on the dance floor of John Ascuaga's Nugget hotel-casino in Sparks killed the leader of the San Jose, Calif. chapter of the Hells Angels. Two members of the Vagos club were wounded.

Ernesto Manuel Gonzalez of the Vagos club and Hells Angel Cesar Villagrana are facing murder and conspiracy charges related to the violence.

Attorneys for both men say their clients are members of clubs, not gangs. Both are expected to claim self-defense when the trial starts at the end of October.

Street Vibrations producer Randy Burke said the ban on colors is intended to keep away bikers wearing specific colors, patches or logos.

A similar ban was instituted at the Spring Street Vibrations in May.

The rally ends on Sunday.