How is Laughlin Doing during the Pandemic?

How is Laughlin doing during the pandemic?

We'd say it's similar to Las Vegas and everywhere: fewer people gathering, most people wearing masks, longer waits for restaurant seats, fewer indoor activity and entertainment options, and heavier gambling.

On the other hand, with the Colorado River just a stone's throw from the main drag and winter temperatures more like Phoenix than Vegas, there are more outdoor activities. And the smaller destination, slower pace, and friendlier workforce attracts a more loyal crowd of snowbirds and vacationers.

The latest numbers from the LVCVA show Laughlin visitation down by 25% in October 2020 from October 2019, as compared to nearly 50% in Las Vegas. Also, hotel-room occupancy for October was just under 60%, compared to 68% a year ago. Not bad.

Temperatures in the upper 80s throughout the month were a boon, according to the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce, with visitors from Vegas, Phoenix, and southern California showing up for the cheap hotel rooms and fall watersports.

And to put an exclamation point on the trend toward more gambling, Laughlin gaming revenue was down only $5 million in October 2020 from the same period last year, to $39 million. It was also $39 million in September, down only a million year over year.

Visitors, as to be expected, mostly drive in. The number of passengers who flew into the Laughlin-Bullhead City airport in October was down by a full 50% year over year, even though Caesars Entertainment is flying in charter planes for qualifying Caesars Rewards players heading to Harrah's and the Tropicana.

And with the Colorado Belle shuttered, possibly for good, the number of visitors is a little more concentrated in the remaining 8 hotel-casinos (not including the Avi, which is 10 miles south of town).

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Donzack Jan-16-2021

Avi

I remember reading that the Avi was shut down because of COVID/employee issues.

Luis Jan-16-2021

Exactly

Seem reasonable that people are atracted to cheaper rooms and no parking fees, got it Vegas?

VegasVic Jan-16-2021

Colorado Belle

It's been probably 15 years since I was last in Laughlin but I always enjoyed the Colorado Belle.  I'll be sad if it doesn't reopen.

Jan-16-2021

Laughlin:  Resort fees?

Do the Laughlin hotels charge a resort fee like Vegas hotels do?

gaattc2001 Jan-16-2021

We've been to Las Vegas once and Laughlin twice since the pandemic started...

Vegas in July; Laughlin in October and for New Years' and generally had a good time. 
The Colorado Belle closure was sad, but not a great loss since it was about 80% closed already. The Belle had already closed their poker room two years ago, so now there are only two left (and only one good one, but that's just my opinion). 
It's not too difficult to get comped if you play some $1 video poker; but read the rules carefully before sitting down at any Blackjack table. Lots of 6-5 out there.
They had a very nice fireworks show on New Years' Eve, and we had a great view.
Might go again in a month or so if the Covid statistics drop a little; or if we get the vaccine.

And to Al: yes, almost all of them charge resort fees, but I think they are a little less than in Vegas; and parking is still free.

Diane Crosby Jan-18-2021

Enjoyed Laughlin

We took advantage of a flight from our local little airport and enjoyed Laughlin very much. We tried to eat at low use times, and stayed away from the casinos when they were crowded. Harrah's was the most crowded. Some of the others were not busy at all. We had a lot of wins overall. I would definitely go back!

Question of the Day - 16 January 2021

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