You’re driving across the bridge from Bullhead City, the sun is beating down on the Colorado River, and you’ve got one thing on your mind. You need a specific brand of tobacco or maybe just a cheap pack of smokes before hitting the slots. People talk about the Avi Casino smoke shop like it’s this massive, standalone warehouse of tobacco, but the reality is a bit more nuanced than that. If you’re expecting a giant neon sign that says "Smoke Shop" out in the parking lot, you might end up driving in circles around the Mojave Resort Golf Club.
It's tucked away.
Actually, the "shop" is officially known as the Aha Macav Power Service, and it sits right there on the Avi Resort & Casino property in Laughlin, Nevada (well, technically the Fort Mojave Indian Reservation). It’s basically a high-end convenience store and gas station combo that functions as the primary tobacco outlet for the resort.
Why the Avi Casino smoke shop isn't just a gas station
Most people pull in for the gas prices because, honestly, the tribal land status often keeps those numbers a few cents lower than what you’ll find across the river in Arizona or further north in Vegas. But the tobacco section? That’s the real draw. Because the Avi is owned by the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, the tax structures are different. You aren't just buying a pack; you're often buying cartons at prices that make California residents want to cry tears of joy.
Walk inside and you'll see the wall. It’s a literal floor-to-ceiling grid of almost every major brand you can think of. Marlboro, Newport, Camel—the standards are all there. But they also carry native brands that you won't easily find at a 7-Eleven in a suburb somewhere.
The vibe is functional. You’ve got truckers coming through, locals from Needles grabbing their weekly supplies, and casino-goers who realized they ran out of Luckies halfway through a heater at the blackjack table. The service is usually fast, though it gets backed up on Friday nights when the weekend crowd rolls in from Southern California.
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The tax-free myth vs. reality
Let’s clear something up right now. People often scream "tax-free" when they talk about tribal smoke shops. It’s a bit of a misnomer. While tribal retailers are exempt from certain state excise taxes, there are often tribal compacts in place. You’re still paying a price that includes tribal fees, but compared to the $10+ packs in some states, the Avi Casino smoke shop feels like a bargain.
It’s about the volume. You see people walk out with three, four, five cartons at a time. Is there a limit? Usually, it depends on current inventory and state transport laws, but for the average person staying at the hotel, you’re golden.
Beyond just cigarettes
If you’re a cigar person, don't expect a walk-in humidor with a tuxedo-clad sommelier. This isn't a Davidoff lounge in Geneva. However, they do keep a respectable selection of mass-market cigars and some mid-tier hand-rolled options in humidified cases. It’s perfect for a celebratory smoke on the Avi’s private beach—which, by the way, is one of the only private white-sand beaches on the Colorado River.
The shop also stocks the "vape-heavy" inventory that has become mandatory in the 2020s. Disposables, juices, and various hardware. Honestly, the turnover on these items is so high that the stock is usually fresher than what you’d find at a dusty corner store in the desert.
Mapping the location correctly
Don’t just type "smoke shop" into your GPS and hope for the best. You’re looking for the Aha Macav Power Service located at 101 Garden Ln, Laughlin, NV 89029.
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It’s literally a stone’s throw from the main casino entrance. If you’re staying at the resort, you can walk there, but in the 115-degree July heat? Just drive. The parking lot is huge, designed for RVs and boats, which makes sense since the Avi is a huge hub for river rats and desert explorers.
The secret "Inside" option
A lot of folks don't realize that you don't actually have to leave the casino floor to find tobacco. There is a smaller retail outlet inside the Avi Resort & Casino itself. It’s located near the gift shop area.
Is it cheaper? No.
Is it convenient? Absolutely.
If you are in the middle of a tournament or just don't feel like losing your lucky seat, the interior shop carries the most popular brands. But for the "smoke shop" prices everyone talks about, the gas station outside is the move. The price difference between the gift shop inside and the power service station outside can be enough to fund a few rounds of video poker.
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Practical advice for your visit
If you’re planning a run to the Avi Casino smoke shop, keep these things in mind so you don't waste time.
- Bring Cash (But Cards Work Too): Sometimes tribal systems have quirks with certain out-of-state banks, though 99% of the time, your Visa or Mastercard is fine. Cash is just faster if the lines are long.
- Check the Hours: Unlike the casino, which never sleeps, the smoke shop/gas station does have closing hours. They generally stay open late, but don't expect a 3:00 AM carton run to be successful every time. Usually, they shut the main doors by midnight, though the pumps might stay active.
- Know Your Brand: If you smoke something obscure, call ahead. The Fort Mojave tribe is great about stocking what sells, but if you’re looking for a specific clove cigarette from 1994, you might be out of luck.
- Watch the Heat: If you're buying multiple cartons, don't leave them in your car. The Laughlin sun will bake the oils out of that tobacco in twenty minutes, leaving you with a very expensive pile of dry leaves.
What most people get wrong
The biggest mistake is thinking the smoke shop is a "head shop." While you might find some glass or accessories, this is primarily a tobacco and convenience destination. If you’re looking for high-end artisan pipes or specialized smoking subculture gear, you might find the selection a bit utilitarian. It’s built for the high-volume traveler.
Another thing? The "Cheap Gas" lure. Sometimes the line for the pumps at the Avi Casino smoke shop is ten cars deep. If you’re just there for cigarettes, park away from the pumps and walk in. You’ll save ten minutes of frustration behind a guy trying to fill up a 50-gallon boat tank.
The surrounding area
While you’re there, it’s worth checking out the rest of the property. The Avi is unique because it feels detached from the main "Laughlin Strip." It’s quieter. It has a massive KOA Journey campground right next door. This is why the smoke shop is so well-stocked—it serves an entire community of long-term campers and river enthusiasts who live out of their trailers for months at a time.
If you’re looking to save money, this is the spot. Between the tribal pricing at the smoke shop and the generally lower table minimums at the Avi compared to the bigger Vegas-style resorts, your dollar just goes further here.
Actionable Next Steps
- Confirm your route: If you are coming from California on I-40, take the Needles exit and head north; it's often faster than going all the way around through Bullhead City.
- Check the Rewards Program: If you have an Advantage Player’s Club card from the casino, ask if it earns points or offers discounts at the Aha Macav Power Service. Often, those points can be used for "free" gas or tobacco.
- Stock up on water: While you're at the smoke shop getting your cartons, grab a case of water. The desert humidity is non-existent, and casino air is notoriously drying. You'll thank yourself at 2:00 AM.
- Inventory Check: If you are buying in bulk (more than 5 cartons), it’s worth a quick polite ask to the clerk to see if they have fresh stock in the back. Usually, the turnover is so high everything is fresh, but it never hurts to check the date codes if you’re a connoisseur.
The Avi Casino smoke shop isn't a tourist trap; it’s a functional, high-volume outpost that rewards the people who know where to look. Whether you’re a local or just passing through on your way to Lake Havasu, it’s the definitive stop for anyone looking to avoid the massive price hikes found in the surrounding states. Just look for the gas station, ignore the GPS if it tries to send you into the river, and keep your ID handy.