The 1980s saw huge growth in Laughlin as eight other large casino resorts rose up south of the Riverside.

A city had to be named where it lay, so it was named Laughlin after its founder. It quickly became a huge success and went through various expansions. So he purchased some land and built the Riverside, a small motel and casino. He flew his helicopter over the site one day and saw potential in it. It was founded in 1964 by Las Vegas casino owner, Don Laughlin. Laughlin is very young as cities go, and much younger than the people who tend to go there. Where else can you get a room in a nice hotel for about $25/day? History Overall, I think Laughlin is one of the best vacation values in the country. Laughlin is the opposite in almost every way. The close proximity to Las Vegas, about 90 miles away, makes it a welcome alternative to those who find Vegas too loud, too unfriendly, too expensive and sometimes too dirty or seedy. Laughlin's nine casino resorts (ten if you count the Avi) offer an inexpensive place to vacation and gamble that largely attracts senior citizens. Across the river is Bullhead City, Arizona, with a population of about 40,000. Laughlin is a small city of about 7,000 people located on the Colorado River near the southern tip of Nevada.