Flamingo Laughlin to Become Aquarius Casino Resort

LAS VEGAS -- American Casino & Entertainment Properties has recently acquired the Flamingo Laughlin and after capital investment and refurbishment will re-brand the property as the Aquarius Casino
The Flamingo Laughlin Hotel & Casino will get a new name by the end of the year.  Resort in fall 2006.

"The Flamingo Laughlin has entered a new era, and we are creating a new name and identity for the property. After extensive research, we chose Aquarius Casino Resort because it helps to convey the attributes we wanted in a new brand: luck and winning, fun and close proximity to the Colorado River. We will leverage the Aquarius brand to create an exciting resort experience for all our guests," said Richard P. Brown, president and CEO of American Casino & Entertainment Properties.

The Flamingo Laughlin is the largest hotel in Laughlin, Nevada with 1,907 rooms in two 18-story towers and a 57,000 square-foot casino. Situated on approximately 18 acres, amenities include seven restaurants, 35,000 square-feet of meeting space and a 3,300-seat amphitheater. The property also features an outdoor pool, fitness center, lighted tennis courts and 2,420 parking spaces.

American Casino & Entertainment Properties recently named John Lind as senior vice president and general manager for the property. Lind will oversee the transitional phase as well as the transformation into the new Aquarius brand. Lind brings over 25 years of gaming management experience to the property. He has 11 years experience in the Laughlin market, most recently as senior vice president, finance and administration for the Ramada Express Hotel/Casino. Lind is a former president of the Laughlin Tourism Committee.

"Our vision for the property will be to provide outstanding customer service wrapped around a strong gaming product, with unparalleled hotel and property amenities," said John Lind, senior vice president and general manager for the new Aquarius Casino Resort. "We are committing significant capital investment to transform the property into a gaming resort destination that raises the bar for the Laughlin market," he added.

The casino will be refurbished with extensive changes to the casino floor, slot product and systems. New player amenities will be added. Guest rooms will be refurbished with an emphasis on enhancing the guest suites. Dining outlets will be upgraded with a focus on enhancing food quality and the overall guest experience. The property will continue to book headliner acts in the 3,300-seat amphitheater along with new, exciting entertainment in the indoor venues.

Besides the Flamingo Laughlin, American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC also owns the Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower, Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Arizona Charlie's Boulder, all in Las Vegas, Nevada.