Las Vegas is one of those places that seems to live in its own bubble—a neon-lit fantasy where the lights never go out and the dice never stop rolling. Over the years, I’ve visited Las Vegas in different times of my life: first as a backpacker with Felicity, stretching every dollar; later as a couple chasing shows and late-night thrills; and once, even with the kids in tow for a slightly unconventional family adventure (yes, we found plenty to do without ever setting foot in a casino!).
But on my most recent visit, I felt something had changed: walking down the Strip, it was still dazzling—just as chaotic, loud, and oversized as ever. But the crowds seemed thinner. Bellagio’s fountains danced, yet there were fewer people jostling for the best photo spot. When I asked a bartender at Park MGM about it, he shrugged: “Tourism’s down. It’s been quieter than usual.”
That bartender wasn’t wrong. According to the Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Authority, visitation dropped by 7.8% in March 2025. International travelers in particular just aren’t showing up like they used to. It’s not quite a recession—yet—but you can feel the pressure building, even under all that glitz.
Rising Prices, Shrinking Value
As someone who values meaningful experiences over flashy ones, I’ve always believed that Las Vegas could offer great bang for your buck—if you knew where to look. But this time around, the city felt more expensive and less generous.
Parking fees were steep. Resort charges, once a minor inconvenience, now felt borderline insulting—sometimes almost doubling the nightly rate. Even mid-tier hotels like Flamingo or Harrah’s weren’t the bargains they once were.
According to John Mehaffey, a local Vegas blogger and Editor at OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos.org, after living through two Vegas recessions, gaming revenue on the Strip is down nearly 5%. And honestly, I suspect I’m not the only one who chose to skip the tables this time. With minimum bets rising and rules tightening, many casual players—myself included—are starting to question whether it’s still worth sitting down at all.
The Shifting Sands of Vegas
Layoffs at major resorts like MGM—closing buffets and replacing concierge desks with digital kiosks—only added to the sense that Vegas is bracing for something. It reminded me of 2010, the year I first visited Las Vegas during the tail end of the Great Recession. Back then, prices were low, and the vibe was scrappy. In 2025, the city feels… uncertain. And more than a little uneven.
If you’re still planning a visit, downtown may offer better value and a more authentic gambling experience. We wandered through Fremont Street and were pleasantly surprised by low-limit tables, generous drink service, and a much more relaxed atmosphere. Circa in particular stood out—not only for its sleek design but also for making us feel like welcomed guests rather than walking wallets.
Smart Travel, Smart Gaming
Let’s be honest: Vegas will always tempt us. Whether it’s for the shows, the restaurants, or the buzz of placing a $5 bet and hitting it big. But if you’re going in 2025, go in informed. Be selective about where you stay, when you visit, and how you spend.
In a year when even Vegas is tightening its belt, getting more value from your casino experience makes more sense than ever.
Would I Return?
Yes—but differently. I’d avoid big weekends. I’d focus on downtown, where the spirit of old Vegas still lingers. And I’d look for package deals that include resort fees up front. I might even skip the Strip entirely and opt for a trip to Red Rock Canyon or take the kids to the Neon Museum again.
Las Vegas may be changing, but with a bit of planning, you can still find value, excitement, and even a few surprises—whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with kids in tow. As always, the key is going in informed.
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
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