Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino

Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino — Gaming Floor

Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino stands as the founding property of Laughlin, Nevada — literally built by the visionary who gave the town its name. Don Laughlin purchased the original riverside site in 1966 for just $35,000, transforming an abandoned bait shop into a modest motel and casino that would eventually spark Nevada’s second-largest gaming destination. The property remains independently owned and operated by the Laughlin family, a rarity among modern Nevada casinos that creates an authentic, old-school atmosphere. The expansive gaming floor features 900 slot machines spanning penny slots to high-limit denominations, alongside 18 live table games including blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat. However, poker enthusiasts should note that Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino does not operate a dedicated poker room, focusing instead on traditional table games and extensive slot offerings.

The sportsbook operations run through Caesars Sportsbook, providing both self-service kiosks and mobile betting capabilities via the Caesars app for Nevada residents and visitors. Furthermore, the property’s independent ownership allows for personalized touches and longtime employee relationships that create a welcoming environment for both first-time visitors and the property’s substantial base of loyal return guests. The Nevada Gaming Commission continues to oversee all gaming operations at this historic property, ensuring regulatory compliance while preserving the unique character that sets it apart from corporate-owned competitors.

Hotel & Accommodations

The resort’s 1,907 rooms make Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino one of the largest accommodation providers among Laughlin casinos. The hotel complex includes the original motel structure, multiple tower additions constructed over the decades, and a comprehensive RV park that was among Nevada’s pioneering casino RV facilities. Notably, room categories range from standard hotel accommodations to riverside suites with Colorado River views, catering to diverse guest preferences and budgets. The RV park features full hookups, laundry facilities, and direct casino access, making it particularly popular with travelers exploring the Southwest. In addition to traditional lodging, the property offers boat slips and marina services, capitalizing on its prime Colorado River location for guests arriving by water.

Don Laughlin’s personal collection creates an unofficial museum experience throughout the resort, featuring vintage automobiles, antique slot machines, and casino memorabilia that documents both the property’s evolution and Laughlin’s development as a gaming destination. Meanwhile, the founder’s continued involvement in operations well into his 80s ensures that the property maintains its family-owned character and commitment to guest service that built its reputation over six decades.

Dining & Nightlife

The Prime Rib Room serves as Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino’s signature dining venue, operating as a classic American steakhouse that has maintained Laughlin’s prime rib tradition for decades. This flagship restaurant features tableside service, extensive wine selections, and the slow-roasted prime rib that has become synonymous with the Riverside Resort experience. The Gourmet Room provides upscale dining with river views, while the Riverside Buffet offers all-day dining with American favorites and international selections. Furthermore, Losers Bar & Grill combines casual dining with sports bar atmosphere, featuring burgers, sandwiches, and game viewing for guests seeking a relaxed meal experience.

Winners Circle anchors the nightlife offerings as the property’s primary lounge, featuring live entertainment, cocktails, and river views that create an intimate setting for evening socializing. Losers Bar complements the dining venue with extended hours and a comprehensive beverage program that includes both classic cocktails and local beer selections. However, guests seeking high-energy nightclub experiences may find the Riverside’s offerings more suited to relaxed socializing than dance-focused entertainment, reflecting the property’s appeal to mature travelers and longtime Nevada gaming enthusiasts.

Amenities & Entertainment

The Colorado River pool and beach area represents one of Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino’s most distinctive features, offering guests direct river access that no other Laughlin property can match. The private boat launch accommodates guests arriving by watercraft and provides rental services for river exploration, fishing expeditions, and water sports activities. As a result, the property attracts boating enthusiasts and water recreation visitors who appreciate the seamless integration between casino gaming and outdoor activities. The vintage movie theater on property shows current releases and classic films, creating family-friendly entertainment options that extend beyond traditional casino offerings.

The resort’s museum-quality displays of Don Laughlin’s personal collections provide educational entertainment, featuring restored vintage automobiles, historical slot machines, and memorabilia that chronicles both the property’s development and Nevada’s gaming industry evolution. In addition, the property maintains extensive conference and meeting facilities that accommodate business groups, weddings, and special events, supported by dedicated catering services and event coordination staff. The combination of historical significance, river recreation, and comprehensive amenities creates a unique resort experience that distinguishes the Riverside from standard casino properties.

Plan Your Visit

Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino occupies a prime location at 1650 S Casino Dr, providing easy access from Arizona, California, and throughout Nevada via Highway 163. The property offers complimentary self-parking and valet services, with additional parking available for RVs and boat trailers to accommodate guests with recreational vehicles. Notably, the resort’s Colorado River location places it within walking distance of the Laughlin River Walk and provides easy access to Arizona-side attractions via the nearby bridge crossing. The property operates year-round, though spring and fall months offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor river activities and pool use.

Reservation policies favor advance booking, particularly during peak seasons and major events, though the large room inventory typically provides availability for walk-in guests. Meanwhile, the property’s loyalty program offers benefits for regular visitors, including room upgrades, dining discounts, and gaming promotions that enhance the overall value proposition. Transportation options include shuttle services to McCarran International Airport, though many guests arrive by personal vehicle to take advantage of the scenic desert and river drive that adds to the Southwestern casino experience.

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