Laughlin is a town in Southern Nevada. It is known for its gaming and water recreation. In 2010, the population was 7,000. Laughlin is the third most visited casino and resort destination in the state after Las Vegas and Reno, and is one of the top five destinations for American recreational vehicle enthusiasts.
Laughlin is in the southernmost tip of Nevada at the bank of Colorado River (bordering Arizona), 90 mi (140 km) south of Las Vegas. The town got its name from Don Laughlin who purchased an old motel in the area in 1964 and opened the first casino. It is the third most visited casino and resort destination in the state after Las Vegas and Reno.
Laughlin has a hot desert climate, with under 6 inches of precipitation per year. Summers are extremely hot with days frequently exceeding 110 °F (43 °C) in July and August while over-night lows tend to stay between 76–86 °F (24–30 °C). The winters are mild with days typically seeing temperatures between 65–75 °F (18–24 °C) and corresponding over-night lows between 43–52 °F (6–11 °C). It is one of the United States' hottest cities during the summer. Heat waves involving temperatures going over 120 °F (49 °C) are not unusual.
Interstate 515, US 93/95 south through Las Vegas towards Boulder City. After passing through Henderson and the Railroad Pass, take ramp and turn right onto US 95 south toward Searchlight/Laughlin for miles. Turn left onto NV 163. Head east for miles. Turn right on Casino Drive.
Approximately from Las Vegas; 2 hours
US 93 north to I-40 west through Kingman. Take the Bullhead City / Las Vegas exit and turn right at the signal at the end of the exit ramp. Continue west taking the Highway 68 ramp toward Bullhead City / Laughlin. Highway 68 merges into Arizona Highway 95. Turn right at the Laughlin Bridge.
Approximately from Phoenix; 4 hours.
I-15 north to Barstow; I-40 east to Needles, California. Exit on River Road cutoff, turn north for miles on Needles Highway to Casino Drive, turn right.
Approximately from Los Angeles; 5 hours. Approximately from San Diego; 6 hours.
There are charter and seasonal flights from some American and Canadian cities to Laughlin-Bullhead International Airport. (IATA: IFP) in Bullhead City, Arizona across the river. The airport is not served by any major airline.
Las Vegas has Henderson Executive Airport. (IATA: HSH) and Harry Reid International Airport. (IATA: LAS). Vegas Airporter offers direct shuttle service to/from Las Vegas airport and Laughlin.
There is also Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. (IATA: PHX) in Phoenix, Arizona.
One can travel on Amtrak's Southwest Chief (from Chicago, Kansas City, or Albuquerque) to Laughlin. Passengers are transferred to an Amtrak Thruway motorcoach at Kingman, Arizona.
There are guided one-day tours from Las Vegas by bus.
There are no freeways that pass through Laughlin. The Southern Nevada Transit Coalition provides bus service on two routes in Laughlin, one of which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If you win...
Chances are that, if you win it big in Laughlin and you are not a U.S. citizen your winnings will be subject to a 30% withholding tax from the Internal Revenue Service. That $10,000 slot winning can dwindle quite quickly if that is taken off the top. Not to worry though you can reclaim your gambling winnings tax through a 1042-S form. You should get this from the casino so don't lose it: it is your starting ticket to getting your gambling winnings back.
Laughlin has nine major hotel-casinos that line the Colorado River, and also is home to the Laughlin River Walk. This walkway runs between the row of Laughlin's casinos and the Nevada shore of the Colorado River. The casino-hotels are similar to the ones in Las Vegas with slot machines, gaming tables, restaurants and shopping.
Many of the casinos include shopping areas with souvenirs and other merchandise such as used playing cards and crap dice.
The casinos offer a variety of dining options, ranging from buffets to simple cafes to gourmet restaurants.
As at Las Vegas, free drinks are offered to all gamblers actively playing games on the casino floor. You should tip the waitress at least $1 per drink. Failure to do so will most likely result in the waitress visiting you less often, and visiting those more often who do tip.
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Primary administrative division