It's Not You. Nobody is Going to Las Vegas Anymore

Las Vegas is experiencing a significant decline in tourism and revenue due to economic pressures, increased competition from other gambling venues, shifting interests of younger generations, impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, and stricter international travel policies.

• Las Vegas is experiencing a notable decline in visitors and revenue.

• Economic challenges and increased gambling competition are key contributors to the downturn.

• Shifting demographics and stricter international travel policies further impact the city's tourism.

Las Vegas, traditionally known for gambling and high-end experiences, is facing a notable decline in visitors, with recent data showing an 11% drop in monthly visits and decreased hotel occupancy. This downturn is attributed to rising travel costs, the proliferation of casinos in other states, and a lack of appeal among millennials and Gen Z who prefer online betting and are more budget-conscious. The city's economic model, heavily reliant on tourism, is struggling to adapt to these challenges despite efforts to diversify attractions.

Decline in Tourism

• 00:02:43 Las Vegas is experiencing a noticeable decline in its bustling atmosphere, with casino floors feeling calmer and buffets having shorter lines. Data from June 2025 indicates a significant drop in visitors, with 3.1 million people visiting that month—400,000 fewer than the previous year, an 11% decrease. This reduction in tourism directly impacts the city's economy, leading to financial struggles for businesses and tipped workers who rely on visitor spending.

Reasons for Decline

• 00:04:18 Several factors contribute to Las Vegas's struggles, including the high cost of visiting amidst rising inflation and economic uncertainty, making it difficult for many to afford. The expansion of casinos into more states, particularly on native land, provides easier access to gambling for many, reducing the necessity of traveling to Vegas. Additionally, younger generations like millennials and Gen Z are less interested in traditional vices and prefer online gambling, while also facing economic hardships that make expensive Vegas trips less appealing.

COVID-19 Impact

• 00:06:26 The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted Las Vegas, a city highly dependent on tourism, leading to longer business shutdowns compared to other states. This resulted in many businesses failing to recover and casinos needing to find new tenants, significantly altering the city's landscape, including the closure of many iconic buffets, which were replaced by food halls. The pandemic's long-term economic shockwaves also contributed to calls for new leadership and ongoing challenges for the city.

International Visitors & Changes

• 00:08:28 Las Vegas's appeal to international visitors is diminishing due to recent shifts in U.S. diplomacy, which have strained relationships with key tourist-contributing countries like Canada, leading to boycotts. Stricter immigration enforcement has also created staffing shortages in service industries and a general perception of insecurity for international travelers, deterring visits. To compensate for the decline in international guests, the city is forced to extract more revenue from American tourists, leading to significantly inflated prices for basic amenities.