Colorado Belle Casino: A History of Growth and Closure
The story of the Colorado Belle is a reflection of the volatile nature of the gaming industry in Laughlin, Nevada. From its origins as a joint venture in the late 1970s to its eventual permanent closure during a global pandemic, the property witnessed several changes in ownership and ambitious expansions.
The Early Years and Development
The project began in 1979 when Advanced Patent Technology, a company specializing in slot machine manufacturing and route operations, announced plans to develop a hotel and casino. This venture was a partnership with John Fulton, a restaurateur from Southern California, with the hotel operations managed by Ramada. Construction commenced in October 1979, leading to the official opening of the casino on November 10, 1980.
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Ownership Transitions and the Rise of the Colorado Belle
The early 1980s were marked by shifting ownership. In 1983, a preliminary deal was struck to sell the casino for $1.6 million to a group consisting of attorney William Morris and Circus Circus Enterprises executives William Bennett and William Pennington. However, the deal collapsed after Morris withdrew a month later.
By 1984, Circus Circus Enterprises acquired the property for $4 million. This acquisition was strategic, as the company planned to relocate the casino to facilitate the expansion of the neighboring Edgewater Hotel and Casino. This transition paved the way for a more ambitious project: the Colorado Belle. Unveiled in 1985, the new Colorado Belle opened its doors on July 1, 1987, following an investment of $80 million.
Corporate Shifts and Acquisitions
As the gaming landscape evolved, so did the corporate entities managing the property. Circus Circus Enterprises rebranded as the Mandalay Resort Group in 1999, which was subsequently acquired by MGM Mirage in 2005.
In June 2007, MGM Mirage sold both the Colorado Belle and the Edgewater to a partnership between Sher Gaming and Anthony Marnell III for a combined total of $200 million. This ownership lasted until January 2019, when Golden Entertainment purchased both properties from Marnell and Sher for $190 million.
The Impact of COVID-19 and Permanent Closure
The trajectory of the Colorado Belle changed abruptly in March 2020. To curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Steve Sisolak ordered the closure of businesses, including the casino, on March 17, 2020.
While many properties eventually returned to operation, Golden Entertainment announced on May 18, 2020, that the Colorado Belle would remain closed indefinitely. This decision was driven by market uncertainty and the severe economic impact of the lockdowns. The closure resulted in approximately 400 layoffs, though some staff members were offered relocation to other Golden Entertainment properties, such as the Aquarius Casino Resort and the Edgewater.
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To date, the Colorado Belle remains the only gaming property in Laughlin that has not reopened. Recent reports indicate the property has fallen into disrepair; in May 2024, a small fire broke out in a bathroom exhaust fan. By 2026, the property's official website ceased to function, redirecting users to an HTTP 403 error page.
Key Facts
- Opened: November 10, 1980 (Original site); July 1, 1987 (Colorado Belle).
- Construction Cost: $80 million for the Colorado Belle development.
- Final Owner: Golden Entertainment.
- Closure Date: March 17, 2020.
- Employment Impact: Approximately 400 employees laid off during the pandemic.
- Current Status: Permanently closed; only Laughlin gaming property not to reopen post-pandemic.
Property Ownership Summary
| Year | Owner/Buyer | Transaction Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Advanced Patent Technology & John Fulton | N/A | Initial opening |
| 1984 | Circus Circus Enterprises | $4 million | Led to the 1987 Colorado Belle opening |
| 2007 | Anthony Marnell III & Sher Gaming | $200 million | Purchased alongside the Edgewater |
| 2019 | Golden Entertainment | $190 million | Purchased alongside the Edgewater |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Colorado Belle close permanently?
The property closed on March 17, 2020, due to COVID-19 mandates. Golden Entertainment later decided to keep it closed indefinitely because of market uncertainty and the economic impact of the pandemic.
Who owned the Colorado Belle before its closure?
The final owner of the Colorado Belle was Golden Entertainment, which acquired the property and the Edgewater in January 2019.
What happened to the employees after the closure?
Approximately 400 employees were laid off, although some were given the opportunity to relocate to other Golden Entertainment properties, including the Aquarius Casino Resort and the Edgewater.
Is the Colorado Belle the only closed casino in Laughlin?
Yes, it is the only gaming property in Laughlin that has not reopened since the pandemic-related closures began in 2020.
What is the current state of the property?
The property remains closed. In May 2024, a small fire occurred in a bathroom exhaust fan, and as of 2026, its website is no longer active, redirecting to an error page.