Southern Nevada just hit the jackpot—but not in the way you might expect. Tourists poured a record-breaking amount of money into the Las Vegas economy last year, even as gambling slipped a bit down the list of top expenditures.
A fresh report from research firm Applied Analysis, commissioned by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, shows that tourists spent more in 2024 than ever before. Even with fewer dollars dropped on blackjack and poker, Las Vegas still walked away a winner.
Visitors Returned in Droves, Close to Pre-COVID Highs
Almost 41.7 million people visited Las Vegas in 2024. That’s a 2.1% bump from 2023.
It’s not quite the 42.5 million high from 2019, but it’s getting there. March was the wildest month, racking up nearly 3.7 million visitors on its own. For most of the year, foot traffic was up. Only two months saw slight dips, and they weren’t enough to knock the momentum off track.
This steady climb speaks volumes. People are traveling again. They’re booking rooms, lining up for shows, making dinner reservations, and—interestingly—spending more on everything except the thing Vegas is known for: gambling.
Spending Priorities Shift Away From Casino Floors
Here’s the twist: while visitors were throwing money around like confetti, gambling wasn’t the big draw.
According to the report, tourists dropped serious cash on these instead:
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Hotel rooms
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Dining and nightlife
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Shopping
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Transportation around the city
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Attractions and amenities beyond the casinos
It’s not that gambling is out of the picture. It’s just not the main event anymore.
One-sentence paragraph? Sure. People are spending differently now.
And that shift says a lot about what Las Vegas is becoming—a full-blown entertainment and lifestyle destination, not just a casino haven.
Tourism Dollars Ripple Through the Local Economy
It’s not just about the Strip and those neon signs. Every dollar spent by a visitor in Vegas moves through the economy like a stone skipped across water.
The report breaks it down pretty clearly. Visitor spending supports:
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Jobs (lots of them)
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Local wages and salaries
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Purchases from local vendors and suppliers
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More spending by workers in restaurants, shops, and neighborhoods
Here’s a table that gives a snapshot of how tourism impacts different sectors:
| Sector | Economic Impact |
|---|---|
| Hotel & Accommodations | High |
| Dining & Beverage | High |
| Gaming | Moderate |
| Transportation Services | Moderate |
| Retail & Shopping | High |
| Entertainment & Attractions | High |
And you know what? That’s good news for locals. Because when tourists spend, everyone gets a piece of the pie—servers, cab drivers, bellhops, performers, you name it.
2024 Proved Las Vegas Isn’t Just About Luck Anymore
Vegas has been hustling to reinvent itself for years. In 2024, that gamble paid off.
Shows, concerts, conferences, and sporting events are now pulling in as many visitors as roulette tables used to. People still come for the vibe, but what they actually spend on has shifted. Families are coming. Foodies. Business travelers. Bachelorette groups. F1 fans. It’s a whole different mix.
This isn’t your uncle’s Vegas anymore.
And what’s more? That shift might just be the thing that makes Las Vegas recession-resistant—or at least more balanced—if the economy slows down again.
One more short line for good measure. Tourists are keeping the city alive, even without chasing jackpots.
