The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) reported high activity from its "Fabulous Five Day Sale," which spurred traffic on VisitLasVegas.com to nearly quadruple its usual weekly average. However, this digital success contrasts with a growing sentiment among locals who feel priced out of the Strip's entertainment and hospitality scene, according to KSNV News 3 Las Vegas.
Key Takeaways
- The LVCVA's "Fabulous Five-Day Sale" generated a fourfold increase in website traffic.
- Still, locals are increasingly avoiding the Strip, citing high costs and parking fees.
- Experts believe Strip resorts must adapt pricing and promotions to maintain appeal among residents.
Gaming analyst Howard Stutz noted Las Vegas residents are increasingly choosing neighborhood resorts, such as those operated by Red Rock Resorts and Boyd Gaming, which offer free parking and lower prices. He observed rising costs, from expensive cocktails to inflated buffet prices, have driven a
divide between tourists and locals.
"We really don't go to the Strip as much as we did back in the day," Stutz told KSNV.
He emphasized that even visitors are beginning to drift toward suburban casinos and suggested that Strip operators may need to rethink their approach to attract local traffic, especially as the city works to sustain its 43 million annual visitors while balancing affordability and experience.
MGM CEO remains optimistic despite slower visitation
Amid concerns about declining visitation, MGM Resorts International CEO Bill Hornbuckle acknowledged that Las Vegas experienced a 10% drop in tourist traffic during the summer. So far, visitation in 2025 is down nearly 11% compared to the previous year.
Still, Hornbuckle reminded audiences at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) that 2024 was one of the city's best-performing years. It was boosted primarily by major events such as Super Bowl LVIII and the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
During the panel, Hornbuckle remained upbeat about the city's economic trajectory. He said the next 16 months would mark Las Vegas' strongest convention calendar in history and projected a significant rebound in non-gaming revenue.
Despite ongoing challenges, including the federal government shutdown, he expressed confidence in Las Vegas' long-term stability and hinted at potential relief for gamblers affected by changes to the federal tax code under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Golden Gate Casino pushes Las Vegas further into digital era
Meanwhile, the Golden Gate Casino in downtown Las Vegas made a bold move by converting to an all-virtual gaming floor, replacing human dealers with digital tables and automated terminals. Owner Derek Stevens said revenues have doubled the preliminary projections, indicating strong consumer adoption.
The action extends the wider adoption of electronic gaming technologies that were leased during the pandemic. The plan also extends Golden Gate's "The Night Starts Here" sales campaign, aiming to attract younger patrons.
Some players miss the warmth provided by physical dealers, and Stevens pointed out that tech must enhance the city's hospitality culture and never replace it.
