LOOK AT LAUGHLIN BY VICKI TORRES

Dueling Pianos Back at Aquarius’ Splash Cabaret
Back by popular demand, Aquarius Casino Resort will showcase “Dueling Pianos” in Splash Cabaret February 3-4 and 10-11.Pianists and talented singers, Susan Erwin and Lucky Lee Handler will play a selection of well-known songs, primarily of the audience’s choosing. All shows are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and the good news, absolutely FREE!  Talking about free, here’s a gaming offer at Aquarius that could put some extra dough in your pocket.  From Monday, February 6 through Sunday, February 12, all ace I PLAY card holders will receive $10 in free slot play for every 2,000 base points earned by playing any denomination reel, video reel, video poker and electronic keno. The more points you rack up, the more free play you get. Club members just have to swipe their cards at any kiosk that are conveniently located throughout the casino floor.  

“Big Game Day Giveaway” at Avi
Beginning today, January 30 and continuing through February 5, the Avi invites their Advantage Club members a chance to participate in their “Big Game Day Giveaway” promotion. A nice assortment of prizes include a 32” LCD flat screen TV; official NFL merchandise; Budweiser and Coke items; dinners to the resort’s restaurants, movie tickets to the onsite Brenden Theatre and more. Drawing tickets may be earned through February 5, at the rate of one entry for every 50 points earned. Drawings will take place every fifteen minutes on Super Bowl Sunday, February 5 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Winners do not need to be present to claim their prizes. The lucky recipients names will be posted at Promotional Central next to the club booth and all winners must pick up their prizes by 9:15 p.m. on February 5. The Avi will be hosting a casino-wide Football party on Sunday, February 5 with big-screen TV’s tuned to the game.  Stadium food and beverages will be on sale. On the entertainment scene at the Avi, the popular duo Williams & Ree: The Indian and the White Guy make a return visit on February 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets are going for $20 and club members purchasing their tickets up to one day before the show will receive $5 Xtra Bucks for slot play.  Later in the month, February 24-26, the Avi will be holding their “Remember When”-Antiques & Collectible Show with vendors from across the western U.S. states will be displaying vintage items including furniture, antique silver, jewelry, dolls and pottery. Hours of the show are Friday, noon.-5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free!  This event is sponsored by the River Valley Artist Guild, a non-profit organization which helps local students.  

“Sweethearts Cash Slot & Video Poker Tournaments” Headed to the Riverside
Get ready to win some big money in the Riverside’s upcoming Valentine Day’s themed “Sweethearts Cash Slot & Video Poker Tournaments” set for February 7-9. These tourneys feature two separate events, allowing participants to play in both if they wish with two entry fees. There is a guaranteed $37,899 in the combined payouts. The entry fee is $150 for either the slot or video poker tournaments or $100 for an additional player or entry into both competitions. All entry fees include an awards banquet and access to a special room package of $89 for three nights plus three breakfast buffets per person. To sign up, call (800) 227-3849 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

Romantic Dining Specials at Aquarius for Valentine’s Day
Spend a romantic evening this Valentine’s Day at the Aquarius’ Vineyard Risotrante where chefs will be preparing a gourmet dinner for two and priced right at just $29.95 with an ace I PLAY card, or $33.28 without the card. An extensive wine list is also available for an additional charge. The special holiday dinner will be served from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and reservations are recommended by calling (702) 298-5111. For a more casual Valentine’s Day celebration, the resorts Café Aquarius will offer a New York Steak and Lobster duo (4 p.m.-midnight) for $17.99 per person for club members and $33.28 for non-members.

Valentine Day Packages at the Belle and Edgewater
Here’s a chance to get away from it all and experience a romantic two-night stay over Valentine’s Day at the Colorado Belle or Edgewater. The affordable deals begin as low as $44.99 for stays Monday-Tuesday, February 13-14, or Tuesday-Wednesday, February 14-15. Included are a tin of chocolates, one bottle of wine and two breakfast buffets. Call (866) 352-3553 and ask for offer M-HEART. Room upgrades are available for an additional charge.

Johnny Tillotson Concert Packages at Aquarius Casino Resort
Tickets are now on sale at Aquarius for one of the great names from the past, Johnny Tillotson who will be starring at the resorts spacious Pavilion February 25-26. Individual tickets are priced at $10 and $15, plus tax and may be reserved by calling (800) 435-8469. Fans can also book one of the three room/concert specials including a two-for-one coupon to attend Tillotson’s concert. Stay three nights, February 24, 25 and 26 for $164.99; February 24 and 25 for $129.99 or February 25 and 26 for $99.99. Taxes will be added to all room packages. Concerts are Saturday, February 25 at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., or Sunday, February 26 at 2 p.m. For information, call (888) 662-5825 or book online AquariusCasinoResort.com and go to the room package link.  

Tropicana and River Palms Offering Deals on Room Rates
A good offer is going on at the Tropicana and River Palms through February 29. Book a three-night stay at either property, pay for two nights and you will get the third for free. Some blackout dates apply. Call the Trop at (800) 343-4533 and ask for promo T-9073. For the River Palms, call (800) 835-7903.

Players Cashing in on Penny and Nickel Machines
It turned out that January was a very lucrative month for penny and nickel denomination machines. A Lake Havasu City resident hit a popular one-cent “Hot Shot” slot machine at the Avi and took home a $20,080 jackpot. Another penny “Triple Double Butterfly 7’s slot machine at the Colorado Belle awarded a visitor from Mexico a generous $20,000. Sister property, the Edgewater had their own big winner when an Iowa player tried his luck on a penny “Cash & Spin” slot and lined up the right symbols for a cool $11,001.00 pay day. A California lady found the right nickel keno machine at the Tropicana and picked out all the correct numbers for a healthy $12,000 jackpot.    

Wide Variety of Entertainment Headed to the Riverside Resort
An eclectic mix of entertainment is heading to the Riverside in the next few weeks. From January 31-February 4, Jack Jones will take center stage with tickets going for $32. Next up, February 7-11, The Osmond Brothers will be showcased with tickets priced at $32 with a $5 discount going to locals. The Oakridge Boys will be appearing February 13-19 with tickets on sale for $38.50. During their engagement, along with their evening show, a 3 p.m. matinee is available February 14-16 and 19. Country-music star Mickey Gilley takes to the stage for a week long gig, February 21-26 with tickets available for $38. All listed shows are at 7 p.m. For reservations, call (800) 227-3849.   

The E Center Welcomes Smokey Robinson  
Coming up February 18 at 8 p.m., the Edgewater’s E Center welcomes the legendary Smokey Robinson with tickets beginning at $35 per person. There are also a couple of all-inclusive packages for Robinson’s show starting at $294.73 for a three-night stay and from $219.99 for two nights. Country legend, Grammy Award winner Merle Haggard performs in concert at E Center on Friday, March 2. Tickets are as low as $25 per guest.  Guests must be 16 or over to attend either concert.  For reservations, call (877) 344-1187 or check out the link at www.edgewater-casino.com.    

International Gift and Craft Show Coming to the River Palms and Edgewater
Over President’s Day Weekend next month, on February 18-20, the River Palms will be featuring their International Gift and Craft show. Vendors will be showcasing an abundance of handmade items. Show times are Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The following week, February 25-26, the gift show moves over to the Edgewater. Operating hours are Saturday, 10 a.m. -9 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. There is no admission charge. For information on displaying your own wares, call (714) 206-1054 or visit Global Fashions at www.igcshows.com  

Two-Day “Robe Giveaway” at Harrah’s
Harrah’s Total Rewards Club members have two days next month to take home a warm cozy robe. On February 11-12 from 3 a.m. to 2:59 a.m. earn 200 Base Rewards Credits on your card and redeem, (while supplies last), them at the Promotions Booth for your gift. There is a limit of two robes per player during the promotion.

Belle and Edgewater Hosting 3rd Annual Mardi Gras Riverwalk Festival
The Riverwalk connecting the Colorado and Edgewater will be the site for the 3rd Annual Mardi Gras Festival, February 24-26. Featured will be Cajun cuisine, beverage booths and live entertainment courtesy of The Bayou Brothers. Hours for the free festival are Friday, 4 p.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, noon-9 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Food and beverages are sold separately.  

PRCA River Stampede Rodeo Relocating to Avi’s Mojave Crossing Events Center
More than 600 competitors will by vying for $175,000 in prize money in the upcoming PRCA River Stampede Rodeo scheduled for March 1-4. Previously this yearly event has been held in Laughlin, but this year the exciting rodeo will take place at the Avi’s 3,000-seat indoor Mojave Crossing Events Center permitting nighttime performances. The Avi will run shuttles to and from the casino and events center. Tickets are $10 to $35 depending on the day of events and seating. For additional information, log on to www.ticketforce.com or www.avicasino.com  

Check with resorts for all current offers published. Hotels have all rights and can cancel or modify at anytime. On your drive up to Laughlin tune your radio to The Highway FM 98 & 99 for Bart Torres’ up-to-date Laughlin reports. GOOD LUCK!