Headlines say Vegas is dead. What’s actually going on is more complicated – The Nevada Independent

Headlines say Vegas is dead. What’s actually going on is more complicated.

Tourism leaders say a boost in conventions and major events will revive the Strip, which could be headed toward its first major downturn since the pandemic.

By Howard Stutz, Oona Milliken, and Kiara Adams

August 31st, 2025 at 2:00 AM, Economy Gaming

For the past 25 years, Cleveland residents Esther and Tom McElhinney have regularly vacationed in Las Vegas. But the couple said the high prices and overall experience is getting worse every time. Tom McElhinney said the Strip’s elevated costs are driving them away.

“The food is expensive, hotels are expensive,” Tom McElhinney said standing between Harrah’s Las Vegas and The Linq. “There’s great stuff to do here. I just don’t want to have to pay $400 for every meal. There used to be bargains and going to buffets, but it seems like those are all disappearing.

“You used to be able to play $5 blackjack everywhere, but now everything is high,” Tom McElhinney continued. “The allure here is gone. Vegas is really pricing people out.”

Strip resort operators are facing the industry’s worst economic downturn since the Great Recession 15 years ago. Gaming revenue at Strip resorts has declined in four of the last seven months and is essentially flat compared to 2024. Despite optimism from casino CEOs, analysts expect the Strip to face ongoing challenges into the fall. 

There are also fewer Las Vegas visitors. Through July, the Strip has drawn more than 22.6 million visitors, down by 2 million from a year ago, an 8 percent decline.

Labor Day weekend, normally one of the year’s busiest holidays, is expected to see a nearly 2 percent drop in visitation, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. The three-day weekend is expected to draw 320,000 visitors, down from 326,000 a year ago.

One challenge facing resort operators is the message on social media and other platforms is that Las Vegas is overpriced and no longer a value to the travel consumer.

Chicago visitor Patty Steiner said she usually comes every year to Las Vegas. But she’s not making plans to come back in 2026, as airline tickets and other expenses have gone up in cost.

“Everything is high. I just feel like it’s going to be a long road,” Steiner said. “The prices are outrageous. The food is crazy. I’m just very unhappy.”

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority CEO Steve Hill said he doesn’t believe in that narrative. At a media briefing Friday, Hill defended Las Vegas as a value destination and said the market has options to suit all consumers.

“Don’t just believe what you read. Go and do a little bit of work,” Hill said. “Call a travel agent, call on the properties. See what the price of Las Vegas really is, rather than some general headline that, frankly, is not accurate.”

Editor’s Note: Read the rest of the story, at the below link.

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