Nevada Gaming Holds Steady in April Despite Strip Setbacks

LAS VEGAS — Amid a backdrop of economic uncertainty and global tariff tensions, Nevada’s gaming industry delivered a resilient performance in April, with statewide gross gaming revenue (GGR) holding steady at $1.23 billion. According to data released by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the total marks a flat year-over-year comparison, keeping the state down 1% for the fiscal year to date.

The Las Vegas Strip, traditionally the engine of the state’s gaming economy, continued its slump with GGR of $646.8 million—down nearly 3% compared to April 2024. It was the Strip’s third straight monthly decline and the eighth drop in the past nine months. Year to date, Strip revenues are down 3.3% in fiscal year 2025, a stark contrast to the record highs seen in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Still, there were pockets of strength within the Strip’s figures. Baccarat, a key game often used to measure international high-roller activity, posted a 41% surge to $108.3 million. Yet that bump comes with caveats: baccarat revenues remain down 27% over the past three months and 15% on a trailing 12-month basis.

 

Mixed Results Across Southern Nevada

While the Strip underperformed, other Southern Nevada markets fared modestly better. Downtown Las Vegas posted $83.6 million in revenue, up 1%, and the Las Vegas locals market remained flat at $164 million. Both regions are still trending positively for the fiscal year, up 3% and 5.5%, respectively—making them the most stable of Nevada’s major markets.

Secondary areas such as Boulder, North Las Vegas, and Mesquite saw more robust growth, each reporting gains above 4% year-over-year. These markets, which rely more on resident and regional traffic than tourism, appear less sensitive to global economic headlines.

In the north, Reno emerged as the standout performer. The city brought in $64.7 million in April, a 9% year-over-year increase that was enough to offset losses in other parts of Washoe County. Reno is also the only jurisdiction in the county posting gains for the fiscal year so far, up 2%.

 

Sportsbooks Rebound Strongly

Nevada sportsbooks bounced back from a weak March, logging $42.5 million in GGR—a 38% year-over-year increase. Mobile wagering accounted for $33.1 million of that total, up 35%. The rebound came largely from basketball betting, which jumped 51% to $20.9 million in April thanks to strong interest in the NBA playoffs, reversing the dip seen during March Madness.

Visitor metrics for April painted a more cautious picture. Total visitor volume in Las Vegas dropped 5% to 3.3 million, even as convention attendance climbed 14% year-over-year, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Citywide hotel occupancy dipped 1%, while Strip occupancy remained unchanged, echoing public comments by casino executives who downplayed fears of significant tourism impacts during recent earnings calls.

Meanwhile, passenger traffic at Harry Reid International Airport declined 3% to 4.7 million. In contrast, daily auto traffic across Nevada’s highways rose 5%, suggesting continued strength in drive-in visitation from neighboring states.

 

Despite ongoing challenges on the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada’s gaming industry demonstrated resilience in April, with regional markets and sportsbooks helping to stabilize statewide revenue amid broader economic uncertainty.

 

Outlook

April’s numbers reflect a state gaming industry maintaining equilibrium in an unpredictable climate. While Strip revenue struggles persist, gains in regional markets and sportsbook growth have helped offset broader economic headwinds. Still, with tourism data mixed and fiscal year-to-date numbers slightly down, analysts and operators will likely watch May and June figures closely to assess whether April’s steadiness was a blip or a broader sign of resilience.