Everybody wants value — and that's especially true in Laughlin, where everything from margaritas to resort fees is just a fraction of what you'd pay 90 miles north in Las Vegas. And did we mention parking is free? Always.
Laughlin's charm is shaped by its convenience and waterside scenery on the Colorado River that divides Nevada and Arizona. It's a vacation destination where people return year after year and employees recognize regulars by name. It's friendly and fun. But is it lucky?
Results may vary from person to person, but Laughlin is a gambling town that knows how to stretch a dollar. Spend some time at the following casinos and you may come out ahead—or have fun trying without breaking the bank.
Know when to hold ‘em
Harrah's is a poker player's dream come true, whether playing Texas Hold'em or Pai Gow. The live poker room is smoke-free with new chairs that include USB charging stations, giving you an easy choice to "let it ride" when the power on your phone gets low. Join up to seven others at the table and see how effective your poker face can be.
Harrah's is part of Caesars Entertainment, which gives visitors access to one of the industry's top sportsbook networks while reaping the benefits of the Caesars Rewards program. Have your card handy while betting on the latest game in the Fan Zone, wrapped in high-def video screens to watch the action with beer buckets on standby.
Otherwise, roam the casino floor to test your luck with nearly 800 slot machines and more than 20 table games. Harrah's offers regular discounts to those 55 and older.
Tourist tested, local approved
Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort was the casino and hotel that launched Laughlin's reputation as a vacation destination. (It's named after the town founder, after all.) The community's early success was based on charter flights that continue to this day, bringing loyal customers direct to the Laughlin/Bullhead City International Airport from Duluth, Des Moines and other quieter parts of the country where a legal roll of the dice isn't always easy to find.
The Riverside Resort is big on loyalty, handing out perks and cash-back to members of the King of Clubs Players' Club. The more you play (and the more you spend at the gift shop and restaurants), the more points you earn—and the deals to fly back for more become even more enticing.
Between visits to the bowling alley and free automobile museum (which includes some cool vintage slot machines), guests can enjoy the thrill of poker, roulette, craps and more than 1,200 slot and video poker machines. The casino isn't shy about paying 3-2 on blackjack, just like the good ol' days in Vegas. And don't forget: bingo seven days a week.
Belly up to this bar
The Tropicana doesn't have a riverside perch, but it has Brew Brothers, a taproom with Reno roots that's just off the casino floor. Order a house craft brew—or something else from a diverse beer list—and watch sports on dozens of screens while detouring to a handful of table games and more than 600 slot machines. Just like Harrah's, the Tropicana is part of the Caesars empire, so take advantage of those loyalty points.
Slot this in
Spin to win at the Golden Nugget—and choose your own adventure. Play it safe at the penny slots or watch your jackpot increase with a progressive slot machine. Overall, you have more than 700 to test your luck, from traditional reel machines to countertop video poker. Those who sign up for the 24K Select Club get a chance to win up to $1,000 in free slot play. Just spend it within 72 hours and everything is cool. But why stop there? The Golden Nugget Nation offers more opportunities for prizes and free play, while tapping into a network of affiliated casinos around the country.
A hit for first visits
The Aquarius is the largest hotel and casino in Laughlin with nearly 70,000 square feet of casino space. Everything feels new, clean and modern. The Aquarius takes pride in having the latest slot machines with more than a thousand to play. Casino hosts and dealers are extremely patient and friendly when explaining games to first-timers, so don't hesitate to ask questions. The entire casino floor is non-smoking, too—a perk for most visitors these days. More experienced gamblers may prefer to take a chance and raise the stakes in the high-limit room.
The Aquarius is under the Golden Entertainment banner, which means you can use a True Rewards card to earn points at not only affiliated casinos (like The Strat and Arizona Charlie's in Las Vegas), but also PT's Taverns, a sports bar chain with a strong presence throughout Southern Nevada.
Bingo cards out, game faces on
How often do you get to play bingo with a riverside view through a wall of windows? It became possible when the Edgewater casino replaced its banquet and buffet space with an all-new bingo room that offers eight sessions a day. It's bright, open and comfortable—a sharp contrast to the traditional image of an old-school bingo hall. Calling "bingo" on the bonus X with the posted numbers earns $2,500.
Edgewater has plenty of slots and table games too, plus the largest sportsbook in Laughlin. It joins the Aquarius in offering True Rewards points and deals. Both casinos also have locals' discounts on food, beer and entertainment every Tuesday and Sunday—plus a free blue pack bingo bonus.
