Why Nobody Wants To Visit Las Vegas Right Now

Summary

Las Vegas has undergone drastic changes, with rising costs and decreasing affordability for visitors. Iconic budget-friendly spots like Ocean One Bar and Grill have closed, and resort fees have skyrocketed, leaving tourists with a shocking financial burden. Casinos have increasingly replaced table games with slot machines, improving profits at the cost of better odds for players. Homelessness has grown, creating uncomfortable situations for visitors, and international tourism has been impacted by new tariffs. While Strip properties suffer, off-Strip casinos offer better deals, providing opportunities for smart travelers to find more affordable experiences in the city.

Takeaways

• 😀 Las Vegas has seen dramatic changes, with tourism numbers and casino profits falling after years of record success.
• 😀 Ocean One Bar and Grill, a beloved budget-friendly spot on the Strip, closed in 2024, signaling the loss of affordable dining options in the area.
• 😀 Resort fees have skyrocketed, with over 30 hotels now charging $50-$55 per night in resort fees, leading to a significant increase in the overall cost of staying in Las Vegas.
• 😀 Hidden charges like a 4-5% concession fee on restaurant bills are common and often go unnoticed, adding extra costs to meals without providing additional value.
• 😀 The Las Vegas Strip is shifting towards more slot machines and fewer table games, which increases the casino’s profit margin, but decreases the odds for players.
• 😀 The payout percentages on slot machines have decreased significantly over the past 20 years, with casinos now taking a larger share of every dollar bet.
• 😀 Many blackjack tables have been altered to pay only 6:5 instead of the traditional 3:2, leading to significant losses for players who don't realize the change.
• 😀 Casinos continue to offer terrible odds, relying on player ignorance to fill seats and boost profits, with many players unaware of the poor odds they are accepting.
• 😀 The homeless population in Las Vegas has grown dramatically, leading to increased instances of homeless individuals entering casinos, creating uncomfortable and unsafe situations for visitors.
• 😀 International tourism to Las Vegas has declined due to increased tariffs, making travel to the U.S. more expensive, and contributing to the decrease in overall visitor numbers.
• 😀 Despite the challenges on the Strip, off-strip properties like Sahara, Strat, Ellis Island, and South Point are thriving by offering better gambling odds, lower table minimums, and more affordable options.

Q & A

What has been happening to Las Vegas tourism in recent years?

Tourism in Las Vegas has been declining after years of record visitor numbers and casino profits. This change signifies a shift in the city's appeal and economic dynamics.

What significant closure occurred in 2024 that reflected the city's challenges?

Ocean One Bar and Grill, a beloved cheap food spot, closed in 2024. It was popular for offering affordable meals and drinks, making it a key place for both locals and tourists on a budget.

What is the issue with resort fees in Las Vegas hotels?

Resort fees in Las Vegas hotels have significantly increased, with many properties now charging $50 to $55 per night. These fees often include trivial amenities, like free local calls and seasonal pool access, and are charged alongside room taxes, making the overall cost far higher than advertised.

How have food-related fees in Las Vegas restaurants been impacting customers?

Restaurants have started adding 4-5% fees to the total bill, often hidden in fine print. While these fees can be waived upon request, they are common throughout the city and add unnecessary costs to dining experiences.

How have Las Vegas casinos altered their gambling offerings to increase profits?

Casinos have shifted from traditional table games like blackjack and craps to more slot machines, which have a higher house edge. Additionally, many blackjack tables now pay out at a lower rate (6 to 5 instead of 3 to 2), decreasing the potential payout for players.

What is the impact of the increase in slot machine payouts for casinos?

Slot machines now have a significantly higher house edge (around 10%), which means casinos are taking more money from players. This change makes it harder for players to win compared to traditional table games.

What specific examples of rigged casino games are mentioned in the script?

The script highlights the introduction of triple-zero roulette, which has worse odds for players than traditional roulette. It also points out how casinos hide these poor odds by using similar-looking tables to fair games.

How has the homeless situation in Las Vegas changed, and what impact has it had on the tourism experience?

The homeless population in Las Vegas has grown by 56% in the last three years, and their presence has started interfering with the tourist experience, including making visitors feel uncomfortable and unsafe inside casinos.

What effect have international travel tariffs had on Las Vegas tourism?

New tariffs introduced in 2025 have made it more expensive for international tourists to visit Las Vegas, leading to a decrease in international visitors. This is problematic since international tourists tend to stay longer and spend more money in the city.

How have recent economic factors, like inflation and real estate market slowdowns, impacted tourism to Las Vegas?

Economic concerns, including inflation and the slowing of the real estate market, have caused people to cut back on discretionary spending, such as vacations to Las Vegas. This has contributed to a decrease in visitor numbers.

Where can tourists still find better deals in Las Vegas amidst the increasing prices on the Strip?

Tourists can find better deals at off-strip properties like the Sahara, Strat, Ellis Island, and South Point, which maintain affordable gambling options and lower prices compared to the Strip's more expensive properties.