5 Reasons Vegas Visitor Numbers Have Declined In 2025
The iconic destination of Las Vegas has long been a bellwether for tourism and leisure trends in the US, so the fact that visitation is notably down this year is drawing attention. Visitation has, in fact, been in decline for seven straight months. A 12% drop in visitor numbers was evident between July 2024 and July 2025. This has prompted a new campaign from the tourism board, titled “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas”. But first, it must be established why Sin City is no longer the hotspot it used to be, and here are five primary reasons:
1. Rising Price of Resorts
One of the most-cited factors is simply that a trip to Las Vegas is no longer the bargain it once was. Resort fees, parking fees, and higher food and drink costs have pulled back price-sensitive visitors.
The perception of “nickel-and-diming” has dulled the value proposition of visiting Vegas.
As costs rise, especially in a context of weaker consumer confidence or competing alternatives, many travellers may decide either to shorten trips, pick cheaper destinations, or skip altogether.
2. Convenience and Security of Online Casinos
Online gaming and sports-betting apps like Mr Luck are providing many potential visitors with casino-style experiences at home. The convenience and security of online casinos are also key factors, thus providing a safe and relaxed experience for players.
Online players can choose from an array of slot games and plenty of live casino options, including Blackjack, Roulette and Poker.
3. Decrease in International Travel
International visitors have been a key component of Las Vegas tourism, and a drop in that segment is hitting the city. In June 2025, international arrivals were reported down 13 %.
The LVCVA and other sources link this to weakened international travel trends, as well as changes in global travel sentiment. The decline in longer-stay international visitors has an outsized impact on hotel occupancy and spending.
With fewer international travellers arriving and domestic budgets being squeezed, Las Vegas is feeling the effects on both occupancy and foot traffic.
4. Hangover from California Wildfires
Another driver is a regional issue: the impact of large wildfires in Southern California and adjacent areas has depressed travel from a major feeder market.
Experts note that Southern California is one of Las Vegas’s largest domestic origin markets, and that wildfires and related disruptions have reduced drive traffic across the border.
The depletion of this nearby market compounds the drag from other sources.
In short, when something in the region interrupts the supply of short-haul travellers (who often visit Las Vegas for a weekend or short trips), the effect shows up in room blocks, occupancy and weekend bookings.
5. Lack of Big Events (e.g., March Madness & the Super Bowl)
Large-scale events often provide a sharp boost in visitation, and their absence or shift can leave a gap. According to LVCVA data, March 2025 visitation was down 7.8 % compared with March 2024, in part because the prior year had the Super Bowl, which boosted numbers.
With fewer major one-off draws, the city is more reliant on steady holiday and convention business, which is under pressure.
Final Thoughts
The decline in Las Vegas visitor numbers in 2025 is multi-factorial. The rising cost of resort travel, the shift of some gambling activity online, weaker international inbound travel, disruptions from regional wildfires, and a lack of major marquee events together form a confluence of headwinds.
That said, industry voices still view this as a slowdown, not a structural collapse. The city retains major assets: its global brand, large hotel inventory, entertainment and conventions infrastructure. The question now is whether Las Vegas can respond with enhanced value, broaden its market reach, and attract missing segments back.
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