Las Vegas is experiencing a notable downturn in tourism, with March 2025 marking a 7.8% decline in visitors, the third consecutive month of decline.
This has resulted in a 4.8% decline in casino gaming revenue for the state and a decrease in hotel occupancy rates compared to the previous year. Although convention attendance has risen by 10%, it hasn’t been enough to counteract the overall slump.
Several issues are fueling the decline:
- Domestic economic pressures, such as inflation and rising travel costs, are discouraging Americans from vacationing in Las Vegas. A recent survey showed that less than half of U.S. adults plan to travel this summer.
- International travel has also slowed due to stricter border policies and trade tariffs, further reducing the number of visitors.
Job Losses and Automation
The drop in tourism has triggered layoffs, particularly among casino staff such as table game dealers. Casinos are now increasingly turning to automated gaming machines to cut costs while reducing the need for human workers.
Enrollment in dealer training programs has also plummeted, and many job seekers are now seeking employment outside of Las Vegas. Notable layoffs have already occurred at MGM, Fontainebleau, and Resorts World, among others.
Vegas Casinos Implement More Automation
Automation has long fueled the online casino community and is now reshaping the in-person casino industry. Electronic table games are becoming increasingly prevalent, handling tasks that live dealers traditionally performed. While this shift helps casinos manage expenses, it’s contributing to rising unemployment and weakening the local labor market.
Legal online casinos have been utilizing automation since their inception, and gaming regulators are responsible for ensuring that the odds are fair and that security protocols are functioning correctly. While automation and random number generators (RNGs) have been integrated into casino games for years, many domestic in-person casinos have yet to leverage their capabilities fully.
What To Expect When Visiting Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Strip is renowned worldwide for its striking architectural designs, vibrant neon displays, and spectacular entertainment, earning its reputation as a premier global travel hotspot. With two casino districts and plenty of reasonably priced hotel accommodations, tourists can enjoy the nightlife or one of the many 24-hour casinos.
Gambling in Nevada is one of the primary reasons tourists make the trip each year and why the city is known as the gambling mecca of the United States. In addition to the over 160+ casinos, you can also gamble online with state-licensed sportsbooks or with offshore casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms that accept players from the state.