Las Vegas Faces Contradiction: Rising Gaming Revenue Amid Tourist Decline
Despite a third consecutive rise in gaming revenue, Las Vegas faces an ongoing decline in tourism—a paradox that complicates the city’s outlook. As industry insiders analyze the numbers, it’s clear that the scene is more nuanced than ever.
In Nevada, the gaming sector continues to show resilience. August marked the third straight month of increased gross gaming revenue, with the Nevada Gaming Control Board reporting $1.22 billion—a 5.5% jump from the same month last year. This uptick comes after a sluggish start to FY25, snapping a streak of record-breaking fiscal years, yet Nevada still maintains a 5% lead over last year’s pace.
Within Clark County, which encompasses Las Vegas and surrounding areas, overall revenue grew by 5% year-over-year. However, the story on the ground reveals a shifting dynamic: the Las Vegas Strip is regaining its dominance over the local market, which enjoyed a boom over the past 18 months as a more affordable alternative to the increasingly expensive Strip experience.
On the Strip itself, the numbers echo this trend—up 5% to $679.3 million in gross gaming revenue, matching the year-to-date growth. Meanwhile, the local market declined slightly by 1% to $142.3 million and is down 2% for the fiscal year, marking its worst performance among the major markets in the state. Interestingly, for much of 2024 and early 2025, these roles had been reversed.
The standout driver on the Strip remains baccarat. In August, the game generated $114.4 million—a staggering 51% increase year-over-year. This figure surpasses the revenue of any other state sector, except for the local market. The volatility is notable: the past three months have seen a 29% increase in baccarat revenue, yet over the entire 12 months, it’s down 3%. Such swings highlight the game’s role as a key yet unpredictable factor.
Meanwhile, visitation figures continue to paint a different picture. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, August saw a 6.7% decline in visitors to 3.1 million—a consistent downward trend throughout 2025, with most months experiencing a 5%-10% drop compared to the previous year. The last month to see a visitor increase was September 2024.
Convention attendance, once a bright spot, has also waned—down 8% due to shifting schedules. Still, upcoming major events like the Global Gaming Expo, Consumer Electronics Show, and Con/Agg promise to bolster future numbers.
Air travel data echoes this decline. In August, domestic flights through Harry Reid International Airport fell 6%, while international traffic dipped 3.7%. The latter is particularly concerning given broader geopolitical tensions and policy shifts, especially from Canada, a historically significant market. Canadian airline traffic plunged by 33% and 40% on WestJet and Air Canada, respectively, with domestic carriers like Spirit Airlines suffering a 46% decline amid bankruptcy struggles. Mexican airlines, however, fared somewhat better.
So, what does all this mean? Is Las Vegas on the brink of collapse or merely adapting to a new era?
The answer isn’t straightforward. On the positive side, gaming revenue continues to climb, and the local business landscape remains robust. The AGEM Index, reflecting stocks from top gaming suppliers, rose 5% in August and 32% year-over-year. Several major projects are underway: the Mirage is set to reopen as Hard Rock Las Vegas in 2027, adding over 3,500 rooms, and plans for a new Major League Baseball stadium for the Las Vegas A’s are progressing. Additionally, the return of the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix in November signals ongoing international appeal. Las Vegas Gaming Revenue
Conversely, economic headwinds persist. The Federal Reserve’s rate hikes, cautious stance on future cuts, and inflationary pressures—such as a 2.7% YoY increase in the personal consumption expenditures index—pose challenges. Operational costs are rising too; casinos are facing higher labor costs due to new union contracts, with wages increasing by 10% and projected to rise by 32% over the contracts’ lifespan. Many operators now lease their properties from REITs, adding to overheads with annually rising rents.
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In response, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is actively seeking to revive tourism. While earlier efforts downplayed concerns, recent acknowledgment of uncertainty has prompted strategic moves. MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle emphasized the industry’s role in changing the narrative, stating, “To the idea that Las Vegas is dead, I would say this: We are putting a push on, because we let the narrative get away from us, in the context of value.” The LVCVA launched a multimillion-dollar ad campaign, including a new city-wide promotion called the “Fabulous 5-Day Sale,” featuring over 100 deals from local businesses.
International outreach is also underway. The LVCVA’s recent visit to Canada aims to rekindle interest among Canadian travelers, many of whom have expressed dissatisfaction with recent relations. Despite these hurdles, optimism remains. CEO Steve Hill remains confident, asserting, “I’m betting on Vegas. Las Vegas is still the Entertainment Capital of the World. We’re all confident in the future of this city. We’ve met over the last couple of weeks with virtually every property and we’re excited about what we’re hearing. The city is taking steps to address (the downturn).”
In essence, Las Vegas stands at a crossroads—its economic engine fueled by gaming and new projects, yet challenged by broader economic and geopolitical factors. Whether it will emerge stronger or continue to wrestle with these headwinds depends largely on how effectively it adapts to this complex landscape. Las Vegas Gaming Revenue
