Las Vegas tourism did not experience the anticipated rebound in 2026. According to the latest data from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, statewide gaming revenue in January was $1.34 billion, a 6.5% decrease year-over-year. The core Las Vegas Strip revenue was $747.6 million, a significant drop of 11%, marking the largest monthly decline since February 2025. Simply put, last year did not recover, and this year started off with another setback. Visitor numbers fell to 3.2 million, a 2% decrease year-over-year, with an 8% reduction in air passengers and a sharp 19% decrease in international visitors. Want to know the latest trends in the Las Vegas gaming market? PASA's official website continues to track key data.
Baccarat plummeted by 44%, local markets relatively resistant
Considered a market indicator, Baccarat performed poorly, with Strip Baccarat GGR plummeting 44% to $118.5 million, while the statewide Baccarat hold percentage dramatically dropped from 27% in January last year to 13%. Other major markets also faced pressure: Downtown Las Vegas revenue was $75.4 million (-5%), local markets $165.6 million (-3%), and Boulder City $81.2 million (-7%). However, these markets have still maintained positive growth for the fiscal year to date.
Hotel data was mixed, with an average daily room rate increase of 7% and revenue per available room growing by 3.5%, but occupancy rates mostly declined. The bankruptcy of budget airline Spirit Airlines led to a 74% decrease in its passenger flow, dragging down domestic flight performance; major airlines from Canada and Mexico also saw double-digit declines, exacerbating the drop in international passenger flow.
Sports betting took a hit, market fragmentation from predictions remains questionable
Statewide sports betting revenue in January fell by 11% year-over-year, with football betting revenue dropping by 27%. Las Vegas Strip sports betting revenue decreased by 17% to $27.9 million, with football revenue sharply down by 40%. The Super Bowl, which ended on February 9, saw state sports betting revenue of only $9.8 million, less than half of last year's $22.1 million. Although this was influenced by last year's 14.6% hold percentage, the highest in a decade, the total betting amount of $133.8 million was also a ten-year low. The American Gaming Association estimates that the prediction markets have led to a potential tax revenue loss of over $560 million nationwide. Nevada is currently in legal disputes with prediction platforms like Kalshi and Crypto.com, being among the first states to issue them a cease-and-desist letter.
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This article is from "PASA-Global iGaming Leader" gambling news channel:https://t.me/pasa_news
Original in-depth gambling channel:https://t.me/gamblingdeep
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