Las Vegas Casino Revenues Rise in July Even as Tourism Declines

Las Vegas casinos posted stronger gaming numbers in July, but the boost came even as fewer travelers made their way to the city. The unusual split between casino revenue and visitation shows how the Strip is still pulling in money despite declining traffic.

Good to Know

• Clark County casinos brought in $1.15 billion in July, up 3.24% from last year.
• Strip casinos generated $749 million, with baccarat play surging nearly 80%.
• Passenger traffic at Harry Reid International Airport has now fallen for six straight months.

According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Clark County casinos reported $1.15 billion in revenue last month, one of only three year-over-year gains so far in 2025. The Strip accounted for the bulk of it, generating $749 million — a 5.6% lift from July 2024. Baccarat was the main driver. Without the game’s nearly 80% spike, revenues would have actually slipped.

Tourism Numbers Keep Falling

While the casinos celebrated their win, the city’s tourism story is different. Harry Reid International Airport handled 4.4 million domestic passengers in July, down 6.4% from the 4.7 million recorded a year earlier. Over the first seven months of 2025, combined arrivals and departures totaled 29.8 million compared to 31.3 million in 2024 — a 4.8% decline.

International travel is also shrinking. Only 280,000 passengers flew in or out of Las Vegas from outside the U.S. in July, compared to 291,000 last year. Canadian travelers, long a major source of international traffic, have dropped sharply. Air Canada and WestJet flights combined for just 83,500 arrivals and departures in July, a nearly 30% year-over-year decline.

Why Visitors Are Staying Away

Travel industry observers and visitors alike point to multiple reasons for the dip. The slowing economy and international sentiment toward the U.S. play a part. But many Vegas regulars have taken to social media to complain about costs — from resort fees and high hotel rates to pricey meals, water bottles, parking, and even table minimums on the casino floor.

Casinos have also adjusted table game rules to their advantage, with 6:5 blackjack and quadruple-zero roulette becoming more common. Those changes, combined with higher prices, have fueled the perception that Vegas is less friendly to casual visitors.

Even with fewer visitors, Strip giants remain confident. MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle recently said, “Vegas is as solid as ever,” projecting that revenue growth will normalize in the coming months. Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg acknowledged softer demand but pointed to efforts like lower room rates and waived resort fees to win back customers.

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