Casino Owner and Man Who Named Laughlin, NV, Passes Away

Article by : Erik Gibbs Oct 24, 2023

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Don Laughlin, the renowned property developer and proprietor of resorts, has passed away at the age of 92. His death was confirmed through a Facebook post from his Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino, although the cause was not disclosed.

Don Laughlin is most famously known for being the primary force behind the development of the Nevada River town that bears his name. Situated approximately 100 miles to the south of Las Vegas, Laughlin stands as a highly popular destination in southern Nevada.

Riverside Resort’s inauguration took place in 1966 under Don Laughlin’s guidance. Interestingly, the resort’s original entrance was a dirt road, rendering it inaccessible during rainy periods.

However, the property underwent gradual expansion over the years, concurrently with the growth of the surrounding town.

The town itself was christened after the “Laughlin Substation,” a US Postal Service operation situated within the casino resort. Don Laughlin himself had contemplated naming the community either Casino or Riverside.

Don Laughlin’s upbringing took place on a Minnesota farm, where he attended high school for only a single year.

However, his time in school was abruptly cut short when the principal confronted him, demanding that he choose between discontinuing his involvement in a punchboard route and a slot machine operation or leaving the school.

Earning a weekly income of around $500, he opted to leave, humorously remarking that his earnings were three times that of the school principal.

Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino boasts a vast array of attractions, including over 1,200 slot machines, various table games, a poker room, a bingo hall and even a sportsbook.

In 1952, Laughlin relocated to Las Vegas and, a couple of years later, purchased the 101 Club North in North Las Vegas. A decade later, he sold the establishment and embarked on a quest for fresh opportunities, eventually founding the Riverside Resort.

Today, the town of Laughlin annually welcomes nearly two million visitors and houses eight distinct casino resorts.

Don Laughlin significantly contributed to the region’s development by financing and constructing the Laughlin Bridge, connecting Arizona and Nevada. He also donated land and funds to facilitate the development of the area’s international airport.

Unfortunately, Laughlin’s wife passed away last year at the age of 89.

Notably, in 1991, Don Laughlin received induction into the American Gaming Association Gaming Hall of Fame.

Despite having opportunities to do so, he never expressed interest in purchasing other casinos. He spent a substantial portion of his time either at the resort or tending to his cattle ranch, which he accessed by helicopter.