Despite an ongoing decline in visitation, the Las Vegas Strip posted a 5.5% increase in gaming revenue in August, bolstered by another strong showing in baccarat hold. The $1.22 billion in revenue statewide surpassed the $1.16 billion in August 2024, a 5.49% increase.
The Strip had $679.3 million, an 8.3% increase over the $643.9 million, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
Baccarat revenue, despite a 14% decline in drop, rose 51% in August, up from $75.7 million to $114.4 million. The hold was 18.5%, up from 10.5% a year ago. Strip slot revenue, meanwhile, was flat, with handle up 1.6%, according to Deutsche Bank.
“August Las Vegas Strip gaming revenue was +5.5% year-over-year reflecting high baccarat hold this year versus low baccarat hold last year,” said Daniel Politzer, a gaming analyst with J.P. Morgan in a note to investors. “Strip gaming, excluding baccarat, was -0.5% year-over-year. While baccarat obviously buoyed August headline numbers, we do note that August table drop, excluding baccarat, was +4.6% year-over-year, while slot handle was +1.6% year-over-year, showing the ongoing resilience of Las Vegas Strip gaming, especially relative to non-gaming.”
Casinos that serve local Las Vegas residents recorded a 3.3% increase from $231.7 million to $238.7 million. Slot revenue rose 4.7%, while table revenue fell 5.1%.
Downtown Las Vegas fared even better, with $63.2 million, an 8.3% increase over the $58.3 million.
North Las Vegas recorded an 8.4% increase from $23.1 million to $25 million.
The Boulder Strip had a 9.9% increase to $71.2 million, up from $64.6 million.
Elsewhere in southern Nevada, Mesquite had $15.8 million, 9.6% increase over $14.4 million. Laughlin had $36.2 million, a 10.7% increase over $32.7 million.
In northern Nevada, Reno had $68.6 million, a 4.9% increase over $65.4 million in August 2024. Sparks had $18.3 million, a 7.8% increase over $17 million a year ago.
North Lake Tahoe had $2.5 million, a 13.2% decline over $2.9 million a year ago. South Lake Tahoe had $26.7 million, a 0.54% increase over the $26.6 million a year ago.
Elko County had $37.6 million, a 15.3% increase over the $33.6 million a year ago.
