May 29, 2015

Nevada Gaming Up for April. Laughlin up Slightly.

Laughlin, Nevada

Laughlin Gaming Revenue Numbers

Laughlin's Riverwalk by the Aquarius Casino

Nevada gaming revenue rose significantly for the month of April. The Nevada Gaming Control Board reported revenues of $897.9 million, up 5.39% (compared to the same month in 2014).

Overall for the fiscal year (July 1, 2014-April 30, 2015), Nevada gaming revenue is still down 1.44%.
Laughlin is up 2.05% for the same fiscal year period.

The Las Vegas Strip Casinos were up 7.77% with a gaming win of $498.9 million in April.

Downtown Las Vegas was up 12.56%
North Las Vegas was down 0.44%
Boulder Strip was down 8.3%
Laughlin was up 0.12%
Mesquite was up 1.14%

Clark County’s overall gaming revenue increased 5.46%

Below is a clip of the Win Revenue Summary taken from the Nevada Gaming Control Board Webpage. See the the entire report here.

Colorado Belle in April During River Run 2015

This is the third monthly gaming revenue increase in a row for Laughlin. Four of the last 5 months have shown increases.

April   +0.12%
March   +4.5%
February   +7.1%
January -0.8%
December (2014)   +17.84%

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

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All content and pictures are presented for informational purposes and are based on 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.

May 20, 2015

Memorial Day and Weekend 2015 in Laughlin

Laughlin, Nevada

Avenue of the Flags - Laughlin, Nevada

Memorial Day Weekend and Memorial Day is always a busy time in Laughlin. Although summer isn't officially until next month the season heats up with increased activity on the River, Riverwalk, as well as in and around the Casinos.

But....
Memorial Day isn't just about enjoying the water sports, music, gaming, partying or barbecues. Besides enjoying some fun in the Sun or on the Colorado River or Lake Mohave, be sure to put the Memorial Day Ceremony on your list of things to do. Never forget to honor the true reason for the day. Remembrance.

Laughlin Memorial Day Ceremony

Takes place Monday at 10AM at the Avenue of Flags Plaza (located on Casino Drive, north of the Riverside before the bridge). This annual event by American Legion Post 60, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 60, Unit 60 Auxiliary and the Laughlin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 243 will includes a remarks by various members of the community. Acknowledgement of current residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, and graduating high school seniors who have signed up for duty will also be made.

After the ceremony a lunch will be served at the American Legion Post on Bruce Woodbury Drive beginning at noon. Everyone is welcome to the ceremony and lunch. Poppies will be offered at Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall by members of the American Legion, Friday through Monday. They will also be available at the annual Laughlin Memorial Service at the Avenue of the Flags Plaza.

The Fun Stuff:
Among the activities all around the area here are just a few in Laughlin:

Rock ’N’ Ribs Festival
This annual event takes place on the Riverwalk at the Colorado Belle and the Loading Dock outdoor stage. Music, BBQ, and of course great beer. Fri-Sunday See more details here.

Memorial Weekend Comedy Fest
Riverside Resort Casino
May 21 - 24, 2015

Featuring Gabe Lopez, The Smash Brothers, DJ Cooch,

Joey Medina & Steve “Mudflap” McGrew

Tickets: $20.00 - Show Times: 8:00 PM
For tickets see the Riverside box office or www.riversideresort.com

Sunday, May 24th
Memorial Day Fireworks on the River
Avi Resort Casino
Fireworks begin at dusk. Free admission, get their early, it is always a popular event.
The best place, up close, to see this brilliant display is right by the River at the Avi Beach area. Admission is free. See more details here.

Video clip of the Fireworks Finale from 2013

Tropicana Laughlin Beach Party
Caboose Lounge, featuring music by Safety Orange

Shows
10PM-2AM Friday and Saturday
9PM-1AM Sunday.

The Laughlin Water Park/Pool
Open Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Hours: 1PM- 7PM
Admission:
$1 for 3-17 years of age and seniors 55 and older
$2 for adults 18-54
Location: 3790 James A. Bilbray Parkway in Laughlin.

Reminder, since Monday is Memorial Day all federal, state and local government offices including the post office, schools, and banks will be closed.

Visit LaughlinBuzz.Com for more about the Laughlin area.

All information is presented for informational and entertainment purposes only and based on current materials from the organization mentioned. Any dates, times, prices, events, locations mentioned are subject to change solely at the discretion of the source. We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants mentioned and are not in any way affiliated with them.

Aquarius Resort Casino Revenue Up Again in Laughlin

Laughlin, Nevada

Aquarius Resort Casino Revenue Up Again

American Casino & Entertainment Properties, the operator of Aquarius Casino in Laughlin, and the Stratosphere and two Arizona Charlie's properties in Vegas, reported (on May 15, 2015) that company quarterly revenue was up 6.1% in the first quarter of the year. In addition profits nearly doubled for the first quarter.

They reported $94.4 million in net revenuee in the quarter that ended March 31st, compared to $89 million in the same period a year ago. Profits for the same quarter were $8 million, compared to $4.5 million in the same first quarter of 2014.

By property the revenue numbers were up the following percentages.
Stratosphere up 4.7%
Arizona Charlie’s up 2.1%
Aquarius up 11.9%

This is the second consecutive double digit quarterly revenue increase for the Aquarius Resort Casino. Last quarter they reported an increase of 10.3%.

The revenue increase at all the properties was driven by increased slot machine revenue, higher hotel occupancy and increases in restaurant activity. Increased average daily room rates and resort fees also contributed.

At the Aquarius - Hotel revenue increased 13.2% in the first quarter of 2015 as ADR increased 4.6% and occupancy increased to 55.7% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 51.4% in the first quarter of 2014. Casino revenue increased 10.9% due to increased slot and table revenue. Food and beverage revenue increased 6.4% due to increased covers and a higher average check per cover.

Overall, American Casino & Entertainment Properties cash flow grew to 22.2 million (up 18.7%).

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Aquarius at Night - Credit: Aquarius Casino

Statistics were taken from the American Casino & Entertainment Properties quarterly press release of March 26, 2015 and can be viewed at:

http://www.acepllc.com/InvestorRelations/Investor/PressReleases

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

May 19, 2015

Fireworks at Avi Casino - Memorial Day Weekend

Laughlin, Nevada

Avi Resort Casino - Fireworks
Sunday, May 24, 2015 - At Dusk

Memorial Day and the weekend before it is

always a busy time in Laughlin and on the River.

Never forget the true reason for the day. Remembrance.

The Avi Resort and Casino will once again feature a brilliant Fireworks display on the Colorado River by their beach area. The fireworks are one of the best you can see in the area. No official starting time is given, but generally start shortly after dark. Get there early, crowds are usually big.

Here are clips of the finales of two previous Fireworks shows at the Avi.

2013

2012

For a listing of other events going on in Laughlin, NV

over the Memorial Day Weekend Visit this Link.

Visit

LaughlinBuzz.Com

for more about the Laughlin area.

All information is presented for informational and entertainment purposes only and based on current materials from the organization mentioned. Any dates, times, prices, events, locations mentioned are subject to change solely at the discretion of the source. We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants mentioned and are not in any way affiliated with them.

Yogi's Picnic Basket Open In Laughlin

Laughlin, Nevada

Update: June 2015

Made another visit to Yogi's in the Outlet Mall in Laughlin. Very good again. Favorite item is the Cowboy Tacos (Beef Brisket). Very friendly owners and very enthusiastic about providing good food at a good price. The menu (even though it is not on the one pictured below) also includes the Brisket or Pulled Pork as a Sandwich instead of just as a Taco.

Yogi's Coffee and Sandwiches (and Smoothies) also opened in the space next to Yogi's Picnic Basket

#ThingsYouSeeInLaughlin (Check it out on Twitter)

Smoking the BBQ in the parking lot of the outlet mall.

Here is our Earlier Review below:

Yogi's Picnic Basket - Now open at the Laughlin Outlet Mall in the Food Court area.

Yogi's Picnic Basket has taken the space previously occupied by the Rice Garden at the Laughlin Outlet Mall. We had a chance to sample a few of the items from their short but sweet menu.

Three of us shared the Red Neck Tacos (2 for $9) featuring Pulled Pork and the Cowboy Tacos (2 for $10) which was filled with Beef Brisket. Both were delicious. They were worth the price and are good sized. Eating two alone would be very filling. We added the onions, jalapenos and tomato but those are optional (and were very fresh). .

Red Neck and Cowboy Tacos

We also share one order of the "Piggy Mac", which we were told is one of their best sellers (in the very short time they have been open). This was very good, filled with the same pulled pork and a very nice mac and cheese (made with Penne type pasta) mixed in the grilled sandwich.

The PiggyMac does have a bite (spicy) to it. The sauce used with the pulled pork must be one of the hotter ones. It wouldn't hurt to ask if they can substitute the sweet-tangy one in the sandwich. Not sure if they can or if it is pre-mixed.

The pulled pork in the taco was plain and we added the sauce. You can choose your sauce from the several types offered.

The Sweet Tea was great and went well with what seems to be a very authentic Carolina style BBQ.

Piggy Mac - Pulled Pork with Mac and Cheese

The BBQ meats are cooked in a big smoker located right outside the mall. If you go by at the right time you may wonder where the great BBQ smell is coming from outside the main entrance of the mall.

Where the Magic Happens - Smoker in the Outlet Mall Parking Lot

Menu (as of 5-18-2015), subject to change*

Yogi BBQ Sauce Selections

You can choose your sauce, we preferred the Southern-Tangy Sweet sauce.

We would love to see them offer the brisket and pulled pork stand alone with some cornbread or as a sandwich instead of as just a taco. Overall we think based on one visit that Yogi's is a nice addition to the Food Court and as a choice for some good, reasonably priced food in Laughlin. We can't wait to go back and try the other items.

If you visit drop us a note and let us know what you thought or come by our Facebook group and share your review (the link is below).

Update - 12/2016: Sadly, Yogi's is now closed.

Read about the Laughlin Outlet Mall Food Court here.

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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 food 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 do we receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein.

May 18, 2015

Rock 'N' Ribs Festival - Memorial Day Weekend Laughlin, NV

Laughlin, Nevada

7th Annual
ROCK 'N' RIBS FESTIVAL
May 22-24 (2015)

In addition to all the other events going on over the Memorial Day weekend, the Colorado Belle is presenting their 7th annual Rock 'N' Ribs festival. Free Live Entertainment from two bands will take place on the Loading Dock Stage right on the Laughlin Riverwalk. The festival will also feature great ribs, BBQ pulled pork and beef brisket and assorted side dishes. There, of course, will be a variety of beer to choose from including several from Pints Microbrewery.

Lil' Elmo and the Cosmos and the K.K. Martin Band will be the two groups performing on the outdoor stage at the Loading Dock this year.

Lil' Elmo and the Cosmos

K.K. Martin

Check out some of the pictures and music from last year's Rock N Ribs Festival, featuring Lil' Elmo and the Cosmos and the Joe Blanchard Trio.

Festival Hours:

Fri 4 p.m.-10 p.m.

Sat 2 p.m.-10 p.m.

Sun noon-7 p.m.

Music is free. Beverages and food will be available for purchase.

For a listing of other events going on in Laughlin, NV

over the Memorial Day Weekend Visit this Link.

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*All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. Dates, events, times, etc. are the sole responsibility of the entity who provides them and is subject to change solely by them. We receive no compensation from the properties, events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them.

Small Plane Crashes in Big Bend State Park - Laughlin, Nevada

Laughlin, NV

May 17, 2015 - A small plane crashed in the area of the Big Bend State Park in Laughlin, Nevada around 6 PM on Sunday. One person was reported dead and 3 more are hospitalized.
The plane crash sparked a brush fire which burned for hours and resulted in closure of a portion of Needles Highway near the park.

According to reports in the local paper, the Mohave Daily News:
Three individuals made it out of the plane but one was trapped inside the wreckage. One of the plane’s occupants was flown by helicopter from Big Bend SRA to University Medical Center in Las Vegas. A woman was transported by ambulance to Western Arizona Regional Medical Center and later flown to UMC in Las Vegas in critical condition, reported Sarah Morga-Mangum, hospital spokesman. Another victim was taken by ambulance to Valley View Medical Center. He was treated in the emergency room and then flown to the UMC Burn Center in Las Vegas, said Lance Ross, director of community relations and marketing for the Fort Mohave Hospital. His condition was unknown.

Pictures and Video from the scene taken by Laughlin Buzz

Although the fire looks closer to the Laughlin Bay Mariana they fire was contained well before it. There were concerns over the fire reaching the homes by the Marina area but those were also kept safe as the fire was contained.

Traffic was closed from Casino Drive (West) at Gilligans Tavern on Needles Hwy all the way up past the crash site at Big Bend State Park. For awhile authorities were worried about the fire jumping the Highway.

Video of the Mercy Air flight taking off and some of the flames burning.

Mercy Air Taking Off

Responders on the Scene

Update: As of 5/19/15 Big Bend State Park is closed until further notice. An investigation is underway as to the cause of the crash. Authorities also want to make sure no further flare ups in the brush fire occur.

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*All content in this blog post are presented for informational purposes only. All pictures and video in this post were taken by Laughlin Buzz and are copyrighted. Feel free to share or use the pictures with credit/attribution.

May 11, 2015