Decline in Gambling Income in Las Vegas: Third Straight Month of Decrease for Casinos
Updated: May 28, 2025, 02:36h.
Las Vegas Casinos Faced Revenue Decline in April Amidst Economic Concerns and Criticism
Las Vegas Strip casinos reported a 3% decline in gross gaming revenue (GGR) for April 2025, totaling approximately $646.9 million. This marks the third consecutive month of lower year-over-year gaming win for Las Vegas.
The latest figures have raised concerns among Nevada gaming operators, as the global economy grapples with increased costs and the potential impact of ongoing trade disputes involving President Donald Trump. Alongside this, criticism regarding the city's perceived nickel-and-diming tactics may be influencing travel plans for some potential visitors.
According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the GGR decrease this April was primarily attributed to a drop in slots revenue, while table and sportsbook win showed a slight increase of 1%. Specifically, slots generated $387.5 million, a decline of over 5%, while table and sportsbook win amounted to $259.4 million, a 1% growth.
Clark County's overall GGR slightly dipped by 1.1% to $1.01 billion, with the Boulder Strip partially offsetting the Strip's struggles through an impressive 8% surge in gaming win. Statewide GGR totaled $1.23 billion, experiencing a decline of 0.5% compared to April 2024. Over the past three and twelve months, Nevada casino revenue has decreased by nearly 4% and 0.5%, respectively.
Visitation to Las Vegas also declined in April, with a reported fall of over 5% to approximately 3.33 million people, as per the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA). Despite an increase in convention attendance by 14% to 573,600, the overall guest count saw a drop of 177,600.
This decrease in visitors resulted in hotel occupancy declines, with the Strip experiencing an 0.4% dip in occupancy rates, while downtown Las Vegas saw a 3% slowdown. However, average room rates on the Strip continued to rise, reaching $194 over the weekend and $182 midweek. Downtown rooms were comparatively cheaper at around $101.
At Harry Reid International Airport, total passenger traffic decreased by over 3% to 4.7 million travelers.
In other news, MGM Resorts reintroduced additional fees for room service by charging guests for silverware and glassware under the "Classic Service" option. This fee amounts to $25 on top of existing room service charges, while a cheaper "Takeout Service" is offered for $10, delivering food in eco-friendly containers with plastic utensils.
These new charges are part of a broader trend of increasing fees in Las Vegas casinos, with MGM Resorts having previously introduced parking fees in 2016. This move has been criticized as nickel-and-diming, potentially affecting customer satisfaction and loyalty.
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- The decline in the Las Vegas Strip casinos' gross gaming revenue (GGR) for April 2025, amounting to around $646.9 million, represents a three percent decrease compared to the previous year.
- The decreased GGR for April is primarily attributed to a drop in slots revenue, while table and sportsbook win showed a slight increase of 1%.
- Slots generated $387.5 million, a decline of over 5%, while table and sportsbook win amounted to $259.4 million, a 1% growth.
- Nevada casino-and-gambling revenue decreased by nearly 4% over the past three months and 0.5% over the past twelve months.
- MGM Resorts, one of the major players in casino-culture in Las Vegas, has reintroduced additional fees for room service by charging guests for silverware and glassware under the "Classic Service" option.
- This new fee amounts to $25 on top of existing room service charges, while a cheaper "Takeout Service" is offered for $10, delivering food in eco-friendly containers with plastic utensils.
- These new charges are part of a broader trend of increasing fees in Las Vegas casinos, following MGM Resorts' introduction of parking fees in 2016.
- The Bellagio, a top casino in Las Vegas, is situated in Nevada and faces revenue concerns along with other casinos in the region, affected by ongoing global economic concerns, trade disputes, and criticism regarding the city's perceived nickel-and-diming tactics.
