You have to hand it to Tilman Fertitta: He keeps reinvesting in his casino properties, unlike some people we could name. (*cough*Gary Loveman*cough*) Although “high roller” and “Laughlin” seem oxymoronic, that hasn’t stopped Fertitta from dropping a bundle on the three-bedroom Gold Rush Villa, next door to the Golden Nugget. Amenities are described as “floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Colorado River, a full kitchen, bar and expansive living area as well as a private garage and courtyard that sets the scene for the 
perfect relaxing evening or morning cup of coffee.” Laughlin, a string of casinos on a slab of sun-baked, barren earth, has never seemed worth a drive — but Tilman’s got me rethinking that position. Good work.
New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has made quite a point of his ostensible neutrality on a constitutional amendment regarding the increase of casinos in the Empire State. However, the verbiage on November’s ballot question is raising some eyebrows. Predictably, public-interest groups are crying foul and it’s understandable, given that the initiative speaks of “promoting job growth, increasing aid to schools, and permitting local governments to lower property taxes.” That’s hardly value-neutral language. It’s more like a subtle kick of the ball onto the fairway. The casino measure will also be the first one listed on the ballot. The Board of Elections may be at fault for this governmental gush, but the fine hand of Cuomo can almost be seen wielding an invisible pen.
You should take the drive to Laughlin. The wife and I try to go there as often as we can. They have good food, nice casinos, and it’s more laid back. Nobody dressed up in costumes hawking money (Downtown), and no one passing out leaflets for exotic dancers or prostitutes (Strip). It’s a nice walk along the river which lets you stop in at eight or so casinos. Plus there is an In and Out Burger place, and we don’t have them in Michigan, so that is really a plus.