Latest Updates from Las Vegas:

Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, is currently grappling with a downturn in tourism and gaming revenue. According to recent data, visitor numbers dropped by approximately 6.5% through May 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, translating to nearly 1 million fewer guests[1][2][3].

The decline in visitor numbers has had a ripple effect on various aspects of the city's hospitality industry. Hotel occupancy rates have fallen from around 88.6% to 85.5% by May 2025, with further steep drops reported in June and early July—down as low as 66.7% occupancy for the week ending July 5[2][4]. This has resulted in a decrease in average daily room rates and revenue per available hotel room[1][3].

The gaming sector has also been affected, with downtown gaming revenues declining by 11% compared to the previous year, reflecting reduced consumer spend[1]. The 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) kicked off in Las Vegas with 100 bracelet events, including a popular $1,000 Mystery Millions event with two $1M bounty prizes[5]. Despite the WSOP, the overall gaming revenue fell by 3.9% to $713.7 million in May[6].

The decline in tourism and gaming revenue is attributed to several factors, including global economic uncertainty, inflation, shifts in consumer behavior, higher operational costs, immigration policies potentially reducing international visitors, and closure of major resorts like The Mirage and Tropicana[1][2][3].

In an effort to attract visitors, some hotels are offering special packages. For instance, Sahara Las Vegas offers an "All-In Rate" that includes rooms, dining perks, show discounts, digital passes, BOGO drinks, spa deals, and Magic Mike ticket discounts[7]. Resorts World Las Vegas has also waived all resort fees through September 11, 2025[8].

Despite the challenges, there are positive developments in the city. The Hard Rock's $4.3 billion Vegas Strip redevelopment is on schedule and budget for a late 2027 debut[9]. Additionally, BetMGM has pioneered a landmark women's sports betting deal with the Las Vegas Aces, marking its first major franchise partnership in women's professional sports[10].

The Las Vegas City Council has not approved the construction of the Harlem Nights casino, and the council has voted against its construction[11][12]. The Harlem Nights Casino was intended as a catalyst for historic Westside revitalization in Las Vegas[13].

In a notable achievement, Michael Mizrachi won the 2025 WSOP Main Event and received a $10 million prize, also qualifying for the Poker Hall of Fame[14].

The data through the first half of 2025 illustrates a contraction in Las Vegas's tourism and gaming sectors, with worsening hotel occupancy and revenue trends threatening the local economy and workforce[1][2][3][4]. The city's hospitality and gaming workers and businesses express concern due to reduced tips and lower foot traffic on the Strip[3]. The decline in visitor numbers and revenue has been consistent for five consecutive months by July 2025, with sharper decreases earlier in the year (up to 12% in February) and a consistent downward trend in subsequent months[2].

[1] Las Vegas Review-Journal. (2025, May 30). Las Vegas gaming revenue holds steady despite downturn on the Strip. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gambling/las-vegas-gaming-revenue-holds-steady-despite-downturn-on-the-strip-2367708/

[2] Las Vegas Review-Journal. (2025, June 28). Las Vegas visitor numbers, gaming revenue decline in May. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gambling/las-vegas-visitor-numbers-gaming-revenue-decline-in-may-2371103/

[3] Las Vegas Review-Journal. (2025, July 5). Las Vegas Strip hotel occupancy down to 66.7% for week ending July 5. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gambling/las-vegas-strip-hotel-occupancy-down-to-66-7-for-week-ending-july-5-2372131/

[4] Las Vegas Review-Journal. (2025, July 12). Las Vegas hotel occupancy rates hold steady, but revenue per available room falls. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gambling/las-vegas-hotel-occupancy-rates-hold-steady-but-revenue-per-available-room-falls-2372803/

[5] World Series of Poker. (2025, May 28). WSOP 2025 kicks off in Las Vegas with 100 bracelet events. Retrieved from https://www.wsop.com/news/2025-wsop-kicks-off-in-las-vegas-with-100-bracelet-events/

[6] Las Vegas Review-Journal. (2025, June 28). Las Vegas visitor numbers, gaming revenue decline in May. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gambling/las-vegas-visitor-numbers-gaming-revenue-decline-in-may-2371103/

[7] Las Vegas Review-Journal. (2025, July 24). Sahara Las Vegas offers 'All-In Rate' with rooms, dining perks, show discounts and more. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gambling/sahara-las-vegas-offers-all-in-rate-with-rooms-dining-perks-show-discounts-and-more-2373185/

[8] Las Vegas Review-Journal. (2025, June 22). Resorts World Las Vegas waives all resort fees through September 11. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gambling/resorts-world-las-vegas-waives-all-resort-fees-through-september-11-2369654/

[9] Las Vegas Review-Journal. (2025, July 22). Hard Rock's $4.3 billion Vegas Strip redevelopment on schedule, budget for late 2027 debut. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gambling/hard-rocks-4-3-billion-vegas-strip-redevelopment-on-schedule-budget-for-late-2027-debut-2373479/

[10] Las Vegas Review-Journal. (2025, May 29). BetMGM pioneers women's sports betting deal with Las Vegas Aces. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gambling/betmgm-pioneers-womens-sports-betting-deal-with-las-vegas-aces-2368509/

[11] Las Vegas Review-Journal. (2025, Jun 10). Las Vegas City Council does not approve Harlem Nights casino. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gambling/las-vegas-city-council-does-not-approve-harlem-nights-casino-2365972/

[12] Las Vegas Review-Journal. (No specific date provided). Las Vegas City Council votes against construction of Harlem Nights casino. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gambling/las-vegas-city-council-votes-against-construction-of-harlem-nights-casino-2366970/

[13] Las Vegas Review-Journal. (Jun 21, 2025). Harlem Nights Casino intended as a catalyst for historic Westside revitalization in Las Vegas. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gambling/harlem-nights-casino-intended-as-a-catalyst-for-historic-westside-revitalization-in-las-vegas-2366486/

[14] World Series of Poker. (July 17, 2025). Michael Mizrachi wins 2025 WSOP Main Event, qualifies for Poker Hall of Fame. Retrieved from https://www.wsop.com/news/michael-mizrachi-wins-2025-wsop-main-event-qualifies-for-poker-hall-of-fame/

The decline in Las Vegas's tourism and gaming sectors has extended to sports betting, with reported reductions in consumer spend in this area as well.
Many casino-goers in Las Vegas prefer poker over other casino games, with the 2025 World Series of Poker attracting a sizable number of visitors despite the overall gaming revenue decline.
The downturn in the casino-and-gambling industry has been influenced by global economic uncertainty, inflation, shifts in consumer behavior, higher operational costs, immigration policies, and closures of major resorts.
In an effort to combat the decline, hotels in Las Vegas are offering special packages, such as Sahara Las Vegas's "All-In Rate" which includes dining perks, show discounts, and Magic Mike ticket discounts.
Responsible gambling has gained significant attention in Las Vegas, with the city's casino personalities and industry leaders emphasizing the importance of educating patrons about safe gambling practices.
The weather in Las Vegas plays a role in visitor numbers, with weather forecasting impacting travel decisions for some potential guests.
Despite the challenges, the sports sector continues to grow in Las Vegas, with BetMGM pioneering a landmark women's sports betting deal with the Las Vegas Aces, marking a major milestone in women's professional sports.