September 27, 2025

Las Vegas Strip Reports Growth in Gaming Revenue Amid Tourist Decline

News Summary

The Las Vegas Strip experienced a surge in gaming revenue in August, reaching $679.4 million, a 5.5% increase. This growth is largely driven by baccarat games, which saw a 51.1% revenue rise. Despite the positive gaming figures, tourism numbers fell by 6.7%, with a total of 3.17 million visitors. Other gaming segments struggled, highlighting a mixed economic picture for Las Vegas as declining tourist metrics contrast with strong gaming performance.

Las Vegas – The Las Vegas Strip reported a significant increase in gaming revenue in August, reaching $679.4 million, which represents a growth of 5.5%. This revenue surge marks the second consecutive monthly increase, closely aligning with the 5.6% gain seen in July, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The boost in revenue can largely be attributed to the exceptional performance of baccarat games.

Revenue from baccarat surged by 51.1% in August, totaling $114.1 million, despite a more than 14% decline in baccarat wagering. The hold percentage for casinos increased to 18.5% of all bets, compared to 10.5% during the same period last year. Analysts indicate that baccarat has been pivotal in elevating overall revenue figures, highlighting the resilience of gaming on the Las Vegas Strip.

While baccarat saw substantial growth, other gaming segments did not fare as well. Slot machine revenue on the Strip was approximately $100,000 less than the previous year, and revenue from table games, excluding baccarat, decreased by 1.4%. Overall, year-to-date gaming revenue on the Strip has increased by 1% compared to the same period in 2024.

Tourism Decline

Despite the gains in gaming revenue, Las Vegas experienced a decline in tourism, with 3.17 million visitors in August, down 6.7%. This figure indicates a slight improvement compared to the more significant declines observed in June and July. For the first eight months of 2025, overall visitation to Las Vegas is down 7.8% compared to 2024.

Metrics from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) reveal declines across all categories for August. The average daily room rate on the Strip declined by 7.1% to $172.81, while hotel rates in downtown Las Vegas fell by 9% to $90.15. Additionally, convention attendance decreased by 8%, and revenue per available room on the Strip dropped by 11% year-over-year.

The passenger traffic at Harry Reid International Airport has been affected as well, experiencing its seventh consecutive month of declining volume. Total passenger numbers dropped 6% compared to the previous year. Notably, Spirit Airlines underwent Chapter 11 bankruptcy and reported a 46.3% drop in passenger traffic in August. In contrast, Southwest Airlines showed a 4.2% increase in passengers during the same month and recorded a 1% growth for the year.

Statewide Gaming Revenue

On a statewide level, Nevada saw a 5.5% rise in gaming revenue, totaling $1.22 billion. August’s total revenue fell just short of being the second-lowest monthly total for the year, behind February. Other markets in Nevada also reported positive growth; downtown Las Vegas recorded an 8.4% increase in revenue, Laughlin saw nearly 11%, and Reno’s gaming revenue grew by 4.9%.

While Strip gaming revenue, excluding baccarat, experienced a 0.5% decline year-over-year, there were signs of resilience, as the table drop (excluding baccarat) increased by 4.6% year-over-year. Furthermore, casinos catering to local residents in Las Vegas noted a 3.3% increase in revenue, suggesting a robust local gaming market.

In summary, while the Las Vegas Strip witnesses a notable rise in gaming revenue driven by baccarat games, declining tourism metrics reveal a complex economic landscape as the area continues to navigate the challenges posed by lower visitor numbers and changing travel behaviors.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER

LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.

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