Don Laughlin's Riverside will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary in August and offer a chance to win thousands in cash. Every Friday in August, four lucky winners will receive $10,000 each- that's $40,000 every week and $160,000 total for the month of August-as a thank you from the Riverside for 40 memorable years.

Drawings will be held Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25 twice daily at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. To participate, players must use their King of Club's Players Club card and they will receive one ticket for every 100 points earned at a single rate on reel, video poker and keno machines, or 100 points for every hour of tracked play on table games.

In addition, don't miss the Riverside's 4-of-a-kind BONUS pay in August. Hit any natural four 6's on video poker machines and receive Bonus pay up to $125.

On Wednesday, Aug. 2, from 1-5 p.m., complimentary anniversary cake and champagne will be served in front of the Players' Club booth.

The Colorado Belle now offers a new keno game that guarantees cash back to all players with every ticket played. "Cash Back Keno" can be played from midnight to noon every day of the week. Simply mark "CB" on your ticket and you will get "Cash Back" regardless of the number of spots you hit every game.

Another keno option at the Colorado Belle includes Bonus Keno on the Go when a bonus of 10-percent or more is added to regular payout when you play 21 games or more.

There's also 24 hours-a-day Happy Hour Specials. This popular card features substantially higher payouts on 4, 5, 6 and 7 spot tickets, and also offers special games including "Catch'em All," "Top or Bottom," the "Sweet Sixteen," "Livin' on the Edge," "Top & Bottom" and "Left & Right."

Progressive Keno Jackpots: Simply mark "PG" on your ticket to 'reach for the stars' and chase the progressive jackpots. The 6-spot progressive starts at $2,500; the 7-spot at $10,000; the 8-spot at $30,000; and the 9-spot at $40,000. You can play all four progressive jackpots on one ticket for only $5.

Action ("Speed") Keno: Play your favorite numbers for 100 continuous games.

Tracked Play: Earn comps and discounts with every ticket you play when you receive a tracking number from the keno writers.

A new offering at the Riverside's Westside Snack Bar is taking a side dish - the potato - and turning it into a main course. Using specialty one-pound spuds, the resort is offering an entire "Meal on a Peel" from 11 a.m. - 10 pm. with prices ranging from $3-$6. Ten toppings are offered and range from slices of beef with a BBQ sauce to a breast of chicken over broccoli with teriyaki sauce. For information, call 702-298-2535 or 928-763-7070.

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Comedian Vinnie Favorito is making people laugh every Sunday night at 8 and 10 p.m. through August in the Fiesta Showroom at Harrah's in a one-man show he calls "Buckle Up!-The Vinnie Favorito Show." The show is similar in format to his ongoing shows Tuesdays through Saturdays at O'Sheas Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Tickets are $12.95; call 1-800-447-8700 or 702-298-8510.

Favorito is very Italian, wears a dark leather jacket and tops the look with slick hair. The name of his show "Buckle Up!" refers to the fact that the audience will be the main attraction and they should get ready for "a ride."

The sharp-tongued, quick-witted Favorito from Boston doesn't play favorites when it comes to who he involves in his act. And sitting in the back of the room doesn't make you immune because he will seek you out. No two shows are alike because Favorito doesn't stand on stage and just deliver jokes. Instead, he talks to everyone and adlibs because he believes the crowd is funnier. Favorito says that when he met Milton Berle at a Friar's roast he called him "Don Rickles with venom."

Favorito says there are a few subjects and issues he won't talk about like rape, AIDS, cancer, religion or politics because they would separate the room.

Favorito is also considered the best "roaster" in comedy today and is often called upon to serve as host for celebrity roasts. Unlike most comedians or roasters, Favorito doesn't have a planned script. His material comes fresh from the comments of the other participants, leaving Favorito to be the final and consummate roaster of the night. Just a few of his celebrity roasts include Stan Winston, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Larry King and Jerry Springer.

"At the Watering Hole" free pool parties are taking place on Fridays at the Laughlin Ranch Clubhouse swimming pool from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. and you must be 21 years of age or older. The parties feature a DJ, games, complimentary snacks and massages from a demo chair. Beverages can be purchased.

The Laughlin Ranch Clubhouse is part of the entire Laughlin Ranch complex which includes the Laughlin Ranch Gold Club, the Laughlin Ranch Grill and The Spa at Laughlin Ranch. Laughlin Ranch is located at 1360 William Hardy Drive about one mile south of the Laughlin Bullhead International Airport. For information, call 1-866-684-4653.

The Avi Resort is showcasing its new lagoon pool with "Kickin' It" pool parties that are open to the public from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. each Sunday through August. Admission is free and guests must be at least 21 years of age.

Party goers will enjoy DJ music, games and challenges including Hacky Sack, water polo and nouveau chic, "Rock, Paper, Scissors," appetizers and snack foods. Specialty drinks are available for purchase.

Billy Ray Cyrus will be singing at t he Flamingo Ballroom on Saturday, Aug. 5. Tickets are $19.95 and $24.95, call 1-800-435-8469.

Doug Kershaw will be bringing Cajun power to Don's Celebrity Theatre at the Riverside, July 25-30. Tickets are $26, call 1-800-227-3849, ext. 616.

Todd Luxton will be doing his tribute to Elvis at the Ramada Express, Aug. 5-9. Tickets are $19.95, call 1-800-243-6846.

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