The Las Vegas Strip recorded one among its strongest months on document in May, as on line casino income climbed sharply on elevated slot play, baccarat exercise and a packed leisure calendar that introduced extra guests to the town.
According to figures from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Strip casinos generated $807.9 million in gross gaming income throughout the month, up 13.2% from May 2025. The end result ranked among the many Strip’s finest month-to-month performances in historical past and marked the strongest Strip complete thus far in 2026.
Statewide, Nevada casinos gained $1.39 billion in May, a 7.4% year-on-year improve. The complete ranked as one of many highest months ever reported in the state, as said in the Nevada Gaming Control Board income report (pdf), and helped push fiscal-year collections towards surpassing the earlier yr’s complete of $15.64 billion, regardless of fewer nonrestricted casinos working statewide than a yr earlier.
Strip efficiency drives statewide improve
The Strip was the principle driver behind Nevada’s May gaming development. Clark County income rose 7.4% to roughly $1.2 billion, supported by the Strip’s double-digit achieve.
The outcomes had been extra uneven exterior the resort hall. Downtown Las Vegas declined 4.2% to $63.9 million, whereas Laughlin fell 5.2% to $41 million. The steadiness of Clark County dropped 5.6% to $164.4 million.
Several different markets posted good points. Reno rose 11.1% to $70.5 million, whereas South Lake Tahoe elevated 23.5% to $16.7 million. The Boulder Strip was up 3.5% to $80.5 million, and North Las Vegas elevated 1.9% to $26.8 million. Mesquite additionally recorded development, reaching $18.3 million.
In Northern Nevada, Sparks posted a small improve, whereas North Lake Tahoe declined. Elko County additionally improved, and different state jurisdictions reported mixed development.
Baccarat and slots carry on line casino win
Baccarat delivered one of many largest good points on the Strip. Revenue from the sport rose by almost 59% to about $174 million, supported by a better drop and stronger maintain share. Baccarat drop climbed round 30%, whereas maintain elevated from 16.1% in May 2025 to 19.7% this yr.
Slot machines additionally contributed closely to the Strip’s efficiency. Slot income reached $410.8 million, up round 8%, whereas slot deal with rose by about 10%. More than half of the Strip’s complete gaming win got here from slot machines, with multi-denominational machines drawing the very best stage of play.
Table video games additionally improved. Strip desk drop elevated 12.5%, whereas desk win rose 19.4%, supported by a better maintain charge than the identical month final yr.
Statewide sports activities betting outcomes had been weaker. Wagers declined 5.4%, and sportsbook win fell 17.2%, with maintain dropping from 8.1% to 7.1%.
Events and visitation assist gaming exercise
Tourism information additionally confirmed improved demand in May. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported that visitation rose 2% to three.5 million folks, the very best month-to-month customer complete of the yr thus far.
Convention attendance elevated 14.7% from May 2025, supported by recurring occasions together with Knowledge, International Council of Shopping Centers Las Vegas and Licensing International Expo. New and rotating exhibits additionally contributed to the entire, together with the Sweets and Snacks Expo and Champs Trade Show.
Entertainment was one other main issue. The Electric Daisy Carnival introduced massive crowds to Las Vegas Motor Speedway from May 15 to 17, whereas BTS carried out a number of dates at Allegiant Stadium from May 23 to twenty-eight. The Academy of Country Music Awards befell at MGM Grand Garden Arena, whereas No Doubt, Phish and different exhibits drew audiences to the Sphere.
T-Mobile Arena hosted main boxing and Stanley Cup playoff video games involving the Vegas Golden Knights. Caesars Palace additionally hosted a number of headline performers throughout 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,” mentioned Kevin Bagger, vp 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 site visitors, whereas the typical day by day room charge elevated 6.3% to $210.63.
The sturdy May efficiency additionally boosted state tax collections. Gaming taxes collected for the month reached $89.5 million, inserting May among the many strongest months of the fiscal yr. Total collections for the fiscal yr surpassed $1 billion, working forward of the prior-year tempo.
