Las Vegas experienced a notable decline in visitor numbers last month, dropping 12% year-over-year, with nearly 3.1 million visitors compared to 3.5 million in July 2024. This decline in visitation did not affect gambling revenue, which increased compared to last year. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) reported a year-to-date visitor volume decrease of 8%, from 24.6 million to 22.6 million.
Despite the downturn, LVCVA President and CEO Steve Hill expressed optimism about Las Vegas’s future, asserting confidence in the city’s resilience. The city has faced challenges, including reduced international tourism, with Canadian airline traffic down 18% and flights from Mexico and the UK each down 9%.
Hotel occupancy in July was 76.1%, a 7.6% decrease, and the average daily room rate fell from $160 to $155. However, Las Vegas still boasts the highest hotel occupancy rate in the U.S. at 81.1% through July. Factors like politics, consumer dissatisfaction, and perceptions about the declining value of a Las Vegas vacation have uniquely impacted 2025’s summer visitation.
On a positive note, the Nevada Gaming Control Board reported a 4% statewide increase in gambling revenue in July, totaling $1.36 billion. The Las Vegas Strip generated over $749 million, a 5.6% year-over-year increase, largely driven by a significant rise in baccarat winnings. Downtown casinos also saw a 3.6% increase, earning over $74.4 million.
Clark County’s gaming revenue hit over $1.15 billion, marking a 3.2% increase from July 2024. Additionally, year-to-date gaming revenue for Nevada and the Strip rose slightly by 0.93% and 0.16%, respectively. This trend of rising gambling revenue amid declining visitation continued for the second consecutive month.
