Laughlin Buzz

Nov 29, 2014

Nevada Gaming Revenue for October 2014





After an increase in Revenue for the month of September the numbers for Laughlin dropped in October.

Gaming revenue in Nevada declined for the month of October (2014).  This was the third consecutive month of lower revenue for the state.

The Gaming control board reported statewide casinos won $913.6 million in October. This is a 4.26 percent decrease from October 2013.

Locally, in Laughlin, revenues were $39.3 million, a drop 4.71%  



Previous months in Laughlin were:

September 2014: +3.92%
August 2014: -6.64%.
July 2014: -0.7%


Breakdowns by area:

Las Vegas Strip dropped 5.63 percent to $520.3 million

Downtown Las Vegas increased a 1.22 percent  to $47.7 million

North Las Vegas increased by 14.66 percent $19.5 million

Boulder Strip increased by 24.20 percent to $58,1 million

Laughlin dropped by 4.71 percent to $39.3 million

Mesquite dropped by 1.26 percent to $9.7 million

Reno increased by 7.92 percent to $46.8 million

*Numbers are comparisons based on the same month for the previous year.



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All content and pictures are presented for informational and entertainment purposes. Time, events, data, and dates are subject to change by the property responsible for them. Number are quoted and taken from the Nevada Gaming Control Board Press Releases.  We are not affiliated with, nor receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein. 

Nov 18, 2014

Range Steakhouse at Harrah's Laughlin - Review

Laughlin, NV
Range Steakhouse @ Harrah's Laughlin
Restaurant/Dinner Review

After several years of hearing how good it is we finally got out to the Range Steakhouse in Harrah's Laughlin. We were greeted immediately (four of us) by a friendly hostess and seated promptly at a very nice window seat overlooking the River.  A basket of several kinds of rolls, flatbreads and two kinds of butter were placed at the table right away.


After ordering wine and drinks Escargot appetizers ($12) to share where ordered. These were served in button mushroom caps with a garlic sauce and two crostini's.

Escargot
Those in our group who had Escargot before raved how good they were.  I had never tried them before and managed to eat one.  It was not my favorite, though the sauce and mushroom was excellent. If you like Escargot I am going venture to say you most likely will love these ones.

For salads we had the Caesar ($7) and the Wedge Salad ($8). The Caesar had a nice dressing and was very fresh and good.

Wedge Salad

The Wedge salad is a wedge of iceberg lettuce topped with shaved red onion, bacon  Maytag bleu cheese, hard-boiled egg and diced heirloom tomato.  In my opinion, there was too much onion and it was very strong.  Most of the onion was pushed to the side.  The egg didn't fit with the salad either.  Would of been better without it. The rest of it was delicious with a very good homemade blue cheese dressing. According to our server all the salad dressings are homemade at the Range.

For the main course we ordered various dinners consisting of steak and lobster.

The Range Filet Migon was, as expected, the best of the steaks. Two sizes are available, 8oz.($42) or 5 oz.($36). Ordered medium it was perfectly cooked and honestly one of the best steaks we have had in Laughlin.  Sorry to The Steakhouse at the Tropicana, but you have been replaced by our new favorite place for steak now!

The New York Strip (14 oz. for $40) was also very good, perfectly cooked, very little fat, a nice cut of quality steak.

N.Y. Strip Steak

It turned out to be a little too big with the app, salad, wine, bread, etc.  Would be almost big enough to share.  The Range does have a $6 plate charge for split orders though.  The NY Strip was also topped with two with two potato gaufrettes on top.  From the best I could tell these were thin fried potato chip-like creations.

Steaks can be topped with choices of sauce (no additional charge):

  • Mushroom Demi-Glace
  • Classic Bearnaise
  • Jack Daniel's Peppercorn Demi

You can also add steak enhancements of:

  • Oscar-Style (Alaskan King Crab and Classic Bearnaise) $6
  • Maytag Bleu Cheese  $4
  • Pepper Encrusted    $3
  • Blackened           $3

We assumed since sides were listed ala carte on the menu that nothing accompanied the steaks. We should of asked or perhaps the server might of been nice enough to let us know otherwise. Both kinds of steak were served with a nice but small mix of seasoned green beans, squash, carrot, diced potato. The filet mignon was also served on top of a puff pastry.  Had we known the veggie mix was included we would of most likely passed on the Au Gratin Potatoes($7) we ordered.

Au Gratin Potatoes

Two potato gaufrettes topped the NY Strip as well.  Still we were happy we did order the Au Gratin side as it was delicious, very creamy with just enough cheese.  Luckily we split one because the side was big. We have found that in most Steakhouses that offer sides ala carte splitting it is the way to go because of the portion size.

Two people in our group added the Lobster Tail ($30) to their steak order turning it into a surf and turf.

Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail

The Lobster was called the best they have had in a long time and definitely the best they have had in Laughlin. The tails were much larger than others we have had and were served out of the shell (a nice touch) with just the tail section still attached.  They also offer a two lobster tail entree served with a lemon butter fondue for $62.

For dessert we split the Range Signature Chocolate Souflee ($9)  This is rich and delicate at the same time.  It is served with either a carmel frangelico sauce or white chocolate crème de menthe on the side.
Signature Chocolate Souffle 
We went with the carmel and it paired perfectly with the chocolate of the souffle.  The menu said these are made fresh by the Range Pastry Team. Due to the time they take to prepare they ask you to let your server know when you order your entrée if you want one. Our only complaint about it was we were still not finished with our main course when the server brought out the souffle.  It turned out alright as it didn't drop very much by the time we finished, and it was still hot.  They really should time it better to get it out after diners have finished their dinner.

This was our first visit and we really enjoyed the meal and the atmosphere. This is the place to go if you want steak or lobster in Laughlin.  Prices are a bit higher than most other local restaurants but worth it for a special occasion or if you want a really nice dinner.  The chef has several other specialties on the menu that look tempting to try.  The Range has a classic steakhouse look inside and we had a great view with a window seat overlooking the Colorado River.  Service was excellent and friendly, with the only issue being the too fast souffle. Overall they did seem rushed because it was so busy.

Reservations are highly recommended, possibly even required to get in on a busy night. They were full when we arrived. You can reserve online at the Harrah's Laughlin website through Open Table or via the Open Table App on your smart phone. Current hours are daily 5-9 PM.

The menu also asks that there be no substitutions when ordering.

All prices listed in this review were as of the time of dining and are subject to change by the restaurant.  All prices are also the Total Rewards Card member price.  Cards are free to sign up for at the Casino and give you slight discounts on select menu items at certain restaurants.

We will definitely be back to the Range Steakhouse.

Scott @ LaughlinBuzz.Com



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All content and pictures are presented for informational and entertainment purposes. The review was based on our own personal experience and the dinner was purchased by us, not comped by the restaurant.  Your results may vary. Time, events, menu items, prices, and dates are subject to change by the property responsible for them.  We are not affiliated with, nor receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein. All pictures are the property of and were taken by Laughlin Buzz but may be shared for personal use with credit given.  

No Drunken Ass at Guy Fieri's Laughlin Restaurant?

Laughlin, NV


Update:  12-9-2014   El Burro Borracho - Read it here. 



Back at the end of September (2014) we shared news about the rumored name for Guy Fieri's new restaurant at Harrah's Laughlin.   

The name out has been El Burro Borracho, which can mean  drunk donkey, drunk burro, or drunk ass.  The name or menu has not yet been announced publicly.  

Eater Vegas has reported a possible development in the name saga. 

They said the latest construction paperwork (which we haven't seen) gives the name of his new restaurant as Guy's Cantina.  

The name Guy's Cantina does fit with his other restaurant in Vegas, called Guy Fieri's Kitchen and Bar.  But personally, we like the drunk burro reference like name better.  


Photo by Cris Dittes

P.S.  No, this little guy is not drunk (or worse).  Just taking a little nap.

Stay tuned.  We  expect some sort of announcement about the name and more details should be coming soon. 

For more about the Laughlin area visit  


All information is presented for informational and entertainment purposes only and based on current materials from the sources referenced.   We receive no compensation from the properties or businesses mentioned and are not in any way affiliated with them.   Photo's may be used or shared for personal use with permission of the owner. 







Nov 15, 2014

Aquarius in Laughlin Revenue up for 3rd Quarter

Laughlin, NV




American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC owns the Stratosphere and Arizona Charlies in Las Vegas, as well as the Aquarius Resort Casino in Laughlin.

In their press release the company said all four properties had an increase in Revenue.

Of local interest, in Laughlin, at the Aquarius overall revenue was up 2.5%.  

Gaming revenue at the Aquarius was up a bit by 1.4% .  At the hotel the average daily room rate was up and occupancy was down slightly.  The revenue increase in gaming was due to increased revenue from slot machines. 

American Casino & Entertainment reported in their news release that overall gaming revenue at the Stratosphere in Vegas was fueled by higher holds on the slots.  Is it probable to think this may be the same reason for the increase in the Aquarius?

Even though the statement released did not specify this, in our opinion it most likely is.

For those who like to see the numbers here are the 3rd quarter numbers/earnings:

Company Wide Revenue was up 4.1% to $87.9 million, from $84.4 million in the third quarter of 2013.   American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC attributed that increase to its hotel and food and beverage divisions due to higher occupancy, average daily room rates, higher resort fees and higher food covers.

Overall Earnings were $600,000, compared to a $9.4 million loss in the third quarter of 2013.

The numbers (from all properties company wide) show the breakdown and how non-Gaming revenue was drove the growth.
 Company Wide

  • Gaming (casino) revenue increased 1.3% from last year to $47.7 million
  • Hotel revenue increased 8% percent to $19 million
  • Food & Beverage increased 9% to $18.8 million.





Here is the breakdown by property or Casino:

Aquarius Resort Casino in Laughlin - Revenue was up by 2.5%

  • Gaming (casino) revenue increased by 1.4%
  • The company attributed this due to more revenue from slot machines.
  • The average daily room rate increased 5.5%, while occupancy decreased 0.4%.


The Stratosphere - Revenue was up 6.2% overall

  • Gaming (casino) revenue increased slightly by just 0.3%  *The company said this was due to a higher hold on slot machines
  • Hotel revenue increased 7.9%.  This was due to a 2.2% increase in occupancy, a 0.2% increase in average daily room rates and a 32.4% increase in resort fees.
  • Food & Beverage increased 11.1% 
  • Revenue from the Tower attractions increased by 7.3% due to increased ride and Sky Jump patronage


Arizona Charlie’s - Revenue was up 2.8%

  • Gaming (casino) revenue increased 2.1%  *The company said this was due to increased volume from Bingo and higher hold. 
  • Hotel revenue also showed moderate increases at both Arizona Charlie's locations due to higher average daily room rates. 


American Casino’s  Financial Statistics as of September 30, 2014:
• Cash $ 75.8 million
• Unrestricted Cash $ 67.6 million
• Consolidated Total Debt $ 333.3 million
• Consolidated Capital Expenditures for the four Fiscal Quarters ended September 30, 2014 $ 14.0 million

View the entire press release for the third quarter of 2014 here (a pdf file).


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LAUGHLINBUZZ.COM 



All content and pictures are presented for informational and entertainment purposes.  Numbers and statistics were obtained from the press release by ACEP (link above) and are the sole responsible of that company.  Opinions stated remain our own. We are not affiliated with, nor receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein.

Nov 14, 2014

Riverside Buffet Getting a New Look

Laughlin, NV

Riverside Resort Casino

If you have been to the Riverside lately you couldn't miss the noise and work going on right off the main part of the Casino floor.  The Riverside Buffet is still open but undergoing a remodel.  All you have to do is go through the temporary tunnel.


The illustration of what it is supposed to look like at completion shows a nice, newer, modern look with a new bar by the entrance of the buffet.   And yes, even new restrooms!   We aren't sure why they had to mention that but o.k.    



Black plastic sheeting, white curtain like materials and some temporary walls are everywhere.  It was quite loud and there is sure to be some dust.    Personally, we are going to wait until it is done before we pay a visit.   We look forward to (hope) for some improvements on the buffet itself and it will definitely be nicer inside.   We wold love to see a new sign too!







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All content and pictures are presented for informational and entertainment purposes. Pictures were taken by a representative of Laughlin Buzz and are copyrighted but may be used for personal use with credit given.  We are not affiliated with, nor receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein.   






Laughlin, Nevada

Pictures of Laughlin, NV.    Still nice with a high of 77 degrees for mid-November


click on images for a larger view

 Mountains and Bullhead City, AZ as seen from Laughlin

Looking toward the mountains and Bullhead City, AZ from Laughlin

Colorado River in Laughlin.  No Sun but 77 degree high today. 

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the country snow is piling up!



Looking in both directions down Casino Drive








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All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. Photo's were taken by Joe Klein and Laughlin Buzz. Use of them for personal use is allowable, with attribution. 

Nov 13, 2014

Best Bet for Prime Rib on the River

Laughlin, NV
Laughlin River Lodge

The Lodge Steakhouse

Best Bet for Prime Rib on the River

We finally made it in to try the $9.99 Prime Rib Special at the Lodge Steakhouse.

**Important Update:
2-26-15   This special has been discontinued by The Lodge Steakhouse.  They now offer an early bird menu, which as this time has a Prime Rib special and other items.   See our latest review and more information here. 


It was wonderful to see there were no cutting corners or skimping on this special.  For just $9.99 you get a nice (about 8oz) slice of Prime Rib, choice of potato, a vegetable, and a side dinner salad. Plus a bread basket. No additional charges for the salad or anything else.   You can't beat this price.


On top of the amazing value, the Prime Rib is a good cut and nicely seasoned and roasted perfectly.  Together with another couple we tried it two times.  Both times it was consistently good.  One time it was served with very good green beans that were blanched and still nice and firm as they should be.


The other time it was served with a similarly cooked and nicely seasoned side of Asparagus.  The baked potato was a nice size and served with sour cream, butter, and chives as desired.

The salad was very fresh with cucumber and cherry tomatoes.



Both the Italian type dressing and Blue Cheese were good.  Bread was hot and fresh, either an assortment of rolls or french style bread.    Service was among the best we have had in Laughlin. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and helpful.


  


For appetizers we did try the Shrimp Cocktail ($11) and the Lobster Bisque ($8).


The Bisque was excellent, very creamy with nice little pieces of Lobster in it.  For $8 for a huge bowl (not a cup) this was a good value.


The Shrimp was fresh and firm, not as large as some of the other shrimp cocktail we have had in the area, but still good.  $11 for 4 shrimp might be just a bit high though.

  

The atmosphere in the Lodge Steakhouse is nice and cozy.   The one wall of the dining room looks out to the River.  Two huge stone fireplaces added to the decor.  In fact, this steakhouse is the most "Lodge" like thing about the Laughlin River Lodge.



On one visit we also tried the Lodge Coffee ($5) with Baileys, Frangelico, and whipped cream.  The dinners were very filling and on both visits we had no room to try the desserts. The Tiramisu the couple next to our table ordered looked very good.  Perhaps next time if we cut back on the bread and no appetizers,

If you like Prime Rib we recommend you give this one a try.

Both Sunday evenings we were there they were very busy early and with less people later in the night.


Visit Us at:    LAUGHLINBUZZ.COM 


All content and pictures are presented for informational and entertainment purposes. The review was based on our own personal experience. Your results may vary. Time, events, menu items, prices, and dates are subject to change by the property responsible for them.  We are not affiliated with, nor receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein.   

Nov 12, 2014

Casino Drive Make-Over Continues

Laughlin, NV

Back in July (2014) work finally started on the project to beautify the median on Casino Drive in Laughlin.

If you have been there on a weekday you might have noticed closed lanes and very slow but steady progress.

This has been a long project dating back to 2011 when Clark County initially started the project.  It stalled and was re-approved in 2013 with an estimated cost of $758,000.    Capriati Construction is heading up the project, which stretches from Harrah's Laughlin to the Laughlin-Bullhead City bridge.

This is an artist rendition from the Mohave Daily News.

In the rendition, the median project is called the "River of Life".

Photo credit:  Mohave Daily News

At first, we heard the project would be done by the end of November.  Some sources are now saying it may stretch into December.

Before this week all we have noticed is the extensive irrigation system in place.  Now for the first time today we saw new art sculptures.  Plus decorative landscape boulders.

Here are the latest three additions to the median that we managed to snap a picture of.  There are others as well.

click on images for a larger view

Art Sculpture across from Aquarius Casino Resort



Art Sculpture and Boulders across from Tropicana Laughlin


A wind sculpture across from the Colorado Belle in Laughlin


It looks like there is still much work to be done.  As you can see from the picture below, there is still quite a bit of open space waiting to be filled in.  It will be interesting to see what else they have in store for the rest of the Casino Drive make-over.




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*All content in this blog post is presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. Dates and all details are the sole responsibility of the entity or property providing such and are subject to change at their sole discretion. We received no compensation from the properties, persons, events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them.   Photos were taken by Laughlin Buzz. Use of them for personal use is allowable, with attribution. 

Dunkin Donuts Coming to Edgewater Casino in Laughlin

Laughlin, NV





The Buzz at the Edgewater Casino Hotel is that a Dunkin Donuts is coming soon.  

Editor note:  See *Update at the end of this article.

Joe Klein has been the "Donut Detective" on the Laughlin Buzz Facebook Group.  He shared the breaking rumors/news back in September about a possible Dunkin Donuts coming to the Edgewater.

Since then he has shared updates and pictures of exactly where it is being built.  The projected opening date is sometime in December, although nothing has been officially announced.

The following are screenshots of his comments in the group (click on them for a larger view).  Plus various photos of the progress.   To see more or be a part of the group go to Laughlin Buzz Group







Photo by Joe Klein

Photo by Joe Klein

Above photo is the area that once held slot machines and 
had been cleared prior to construction starting


Photo by Joe Klein

Area behind the temporary walls where construction of the new Dunkin Donuts has begun.

These following two pics  are ones we took a few days after Joe took the one of the construction.  Everything was locked up behind the temporary walls when we went by.  The Dunkin Donuts will be opposite the registration desk and next to the Cashier cages by the main entrance.




In other related news, Joe reported that the Coffee Etc shop will be closing when the Dunkin Donuts opens.  This space will possibly be converted into a new hotel bar which will serve drinks indoors and outdoors at the pool area.   No definite decision has been made on this yet. 




Photo by Joe Klein
Coffee Etc. space and counter

Outdoor area by pool.
Photo by Joe Klein




Stay tuned.  As we hear more news and updates about Dunkin Donuts we will share them.  We expect an official announcement about it from the Edgewater will happen sometime in the near future..  

*Update:  12-18-2014   Dunkin Donuts should be opening in the first or second week of 2015.  Read more and see pictures here. 

For more information about Laughlin, NV visit us at 


*All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. Dates, times, prices, and all details are the sole responsibility of the entity or property providing such and are subject to change at their sole discretion. We received no compensation from the properties, persons, events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them.   Photo's were taken by Joe Klein and Laughlin Buzz. Use of them for personal use is allowable, with credit given.