Nevada Tourism Struggles Persist Despite F1’s Boost to Gaming Revenue
The return of the Formula One weekend failed to reverse Nevada’s broader tourism slump even as statewide gaming revenue edged higher in November, as reported by iGaming Business.
Key Takeaways:
- F1 weekend’s impact on Nevada’s tourism remains modest amid broader visitation decline
- Gaming revenue shows mixed results, with stronger performance outside the Strip
- Industry analysts anticipate major trade events in 2026 to help regain momentum
Gaming Revenue Lifts Outside Core Resort Markets
Gross gaming revenue was $1.347 billion, a 2%–2.4% year‑over‑year increase, while the Las Vegas Strip itself was essentially flat at about $784.3 million, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
The revenue gain was concentrated outside the Strip, with downtown, the Boulder Strip and Laughlin posting double‑digit percentage gains.
F1 Delivers Buzz But Tourism Headwinds Persist
At the same time, November Las Vegas visitation fell about 5% to 3.14 million and Harry Reid International Airport recorded a 9.6% drop in November passengers, driven in part by Spirit Airlines’ collapse and a 21% fall in nonstop international arrivals.
The divergence between visitation trends and casino performance mirrors a broader pattern seen earlier in the year.
Despite the earlier F1 events generating $900 million impacts, the Grand Prix remains economically significant but insufficient alone to offset a wider slowdown. This November “was the best race we’ve had,” LVCVA CEO Steve Hill told Nevada Newsmakers, while noting also, “You need alternative programming. You need everything that Las Vegas has to offer.”
Baccarat hold and volume moderated Strip performance, while football betting helped statewide sportsbook win rise, with football contributing roughly half of the $72.8 million sportsbook GGR.
