Las Vegas Strip Gaming Revenue Jumps in May

The Las Vegas Strip recorded one of its strongest months on record in May, as casino revenue climbed sharply on increased slot play, baccarat activity and a packed entertainment calendar that brought more visitors to the city.

According to figures from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Strip casinos generated $807.9 million in gross gaming revenue during the month, up 13.2% from May 2025. The result ranked among the Strip’s best monthly performances in history and marked the strongest Strip total so far in 2026.

Statewide, Nevada casinos won $1.39 billion in May, a 7.4% year-on-year increase. The total ranked as one of the highest months ever reported in the state, as stated in the Nevada Gaming Control Board revenue report (pdf), and helped push fiscal-year collections toward surpassing the previous year’s total of $15.64 billion, despite fewer nonrestricted casinos operating statewide than a year earlier.

Strip performance drives statewide increase

The Strip was the main driver behind Nevada’s May gaming growth. Clark County revenue rose 7.4% to approximately $1.2 billion, supported by the Strip’s double-digit gain.

The results were more uneven outside the resort corridor. Downtown Las Vegas declined 4.2% to $63.9 million, while Laughlin fell 5.2% to $41 million. The balance of Clark County dropped 5.6% to $164.4 million.

Several other markets posted gains. Reno rose 11.1% to $70.5 million, while South Lake Tahoe increased 23.5% to $16.7 million. The Boulder Strip was up 3.5% to $80.5 million, and North Las Vegas increased 1.9% to $26.8 million. Mesquite also recorded growth, reaching $18.3 million.

In Northern Nevada, Sparks posted a small increase, while North Lake Tahoe declined. Elko County also improved, and other state jurisdictions reported combined growth.

Baccarat and slots lift casino win

Baccarat delivered one of the largest gains on the Strip. Revenue from the game rose by nearly 59% to about $174 million, supported by a higher drop and stronger hold percentage. Baccarat drop climbed around 30%, while hold increased from 16.1% in May 2025 to 19.7% this year.

Slot machines also contributed heavily to the Strip’s performance. Slot revenue reached $410.8 million, up around 8%, while slot handle rose by about 10%. More than half of the Strip’s total gaming win came from slot machines, with multi-denominational machines drawing the highest level of play.

Table games also improved. Strip table drop increased 12.5%, while table win rose 19.4%, supported by a higher hold rate than the same month last year.

Statewide sports betting results were weaker. Wagers declined 5.4%, and sportsbook win fell 17.2%, with hold dropping from 8.1% to 7.1%.

Events and visitation support gaming activity

Tourism data also showed improved demand in May. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported that visitation rose 2% to 3.5 million people, the highest monthly visitor total of the year so far.

Convention attendance increased 14.7% from May 2025, supported by recurring events including Knowledge, International Council of Shopping Centers Las Vegas and Licensing International Expo. New and rotating shows also contributed to the total, including the Sweets and Snacks Expo and Champs Trade Show.

Entertainment was another major factor. The Electric Daisy Carnival brought large crowds to Las Vegas Motor Speedway from May 15 to 17, while BTS performed several dates at Allegiant Stadium from May 23 to 28. The Academy of Country Music Awards took place at MGM Grand Garden Arena, while No Doubt, Phish and other shows drew audiences to the Sphere.

T-Mobile Arena hosted major boxing and Stanley Cup playoff games involving the Vegas Golden Knights. Caesars Palace also hosted several headline performers during the month.

“With highlights including the sold-out Electric Daisy Carnival 30th anniversary and inaugural World Party Parade, four sold-out BTS World Tour ‘Ararang’ concerts at Allegiant Stadium alongside the citywide BTS The City fan festival, and the Vegas Golden Knights Conference Finals, Las Vegas welcomed nearly 3.5 million visitors in May,” said Kevin Bagger, vice president of the LVCVA Research Center, as the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Hotel indicators improved alongside visitation. Occupancy rose to 84.7%, helped by stronger weekend traffic, while the average daily room rate increased 6.3% to $210.63.

The strong May performance also boosted state tax collections. Gaming taxes collected for the month reached $89.5 million, placing May among the strongest months of the fiscal year. Total collections for the fiscal year surpassed $1 billion, running ahead of the prior-year pace.