A major casino real estate deal in Southern Nevada has brought attention to a closed casino in Laughlin that was not included in the transaction. The deal involves about $1 billion in casino properties and expands VICI Properties’ holdings in the region.
The Colorado Belle, a longtime Laughlin casino that is no longer operating, was left out of the sale-leaseback agreement. The decision highlights the different value that investors place on casinos that are still operating compared with closed properties.
A $1 Billion Casino Real Estate Deal
VICI Properties recently expanded its Southern Nevada real estate portfolio through a large sale-leaseback transaction. In this type of deal, a casino company sells the property to a real estate owner and then continues operating the casino by leasing the building and land. The transaction is worth roughly $1 billion and adds more casino real estate to VICI’s portfolio.
Colorado Belle Did Not Join the Deal
The Colorado Belle was not part of the deal. The casino in Laughlin has been closed, making it different from the active properties involved in the transaction.
Because the property is no longer operating as a casino, its future could depend on what a buyer or developer decides to do with the site.
The Abandoned and Closed-Down Colorado Belle Resort Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada – Nevada
Why the Property Matters
The Colorado Belle was once an important part of Laughlin’s casino industry. Its location along the Colorado River made it part of the area’s tourism and gaming business for many years.
The property is also a reminder of how the casino market has changed. While some casino properties continue to attract investment, older or closed properties may face a very different future.
Sale-Leaseback Deals Are Common in Las Vegas
Sale-leaseback agreements have become an important part of the casino business. They allow casino operators to receive a large amount of money by selling their real estate while continuing to operate the properties under a lease.
For real estate companies such as VICI Properties, these deals provide ownership of valuable casino land and buildings while the casino operator remains responsible for running the business.
What Could Happen Next
The future of the closed Colorado Belle remains separate from the $1 billion transaction. The exclusion means the property did not become part of the assets transferred in the deal. For Laughlin, the property could eventually join a future redevelopment project, sell separately, or remain closed while its owners weigh their options.
The deal also shows that investors continue to see value in Southern Nevada casino real estate, even as individual properties face different challenges.
