Las Vegas, the glittering hub of fun and games, faces whispers that its sparkle has faded for budget travelers. But a top casino boss just pushed back hard, saying the city packs plenty of deals if people know where to look. Kenneth Ostempowski, who runs three big Strip spots for Caesars, shared this view in a key meeting, sparking fresh talk about keeping Sin City affordable and exciting.
Debunking the Myths About Las Vegas Costs
Ostempowski stepped up before the Nevada Gaming Control Board on Wednesday. He oversees Paris Las Vegas, Horseshoe, and Planet Hollywood, all buzzing spots on the famous Strip. The board was set to approve his license, along with another manager for Caesars spots in Reno.
Board Chair Mike Dreitzer asked straight up about recent stories claiming Las Vegas no longer gives good bang for the buck. Ostempowski didn’t hold back. He stressed that Las Vegas still shines with options for every wallet, from cheap thrills to high-end treats.
This comes at a time when visitor numbers have dipped in some months. For example, gaming wins on the Strip fell to $681.7 million in March 2025, down as tourism slowed, according to state reports. Yet, Ostempowski argued the city just needs to shout louder about its deals.
He broke it down simply.
Value seekers can find rooms under $100 a night downtown or snag buffet specials that won’t break the bank. Mid-tier folks get solid shows and eats without the splurge. Luxury lovers? They dive into VIP pools and star chef spots.
The real issue, he said, is telling the world about these tiers so tourists pick what fits their budget.
How Casino Leaders Plan to Boost Visitor Appeal
Ostempowski’s words echo a bigger push in the industry. Just a day before, MGM’s CEO called negative talk about Las Vegas “silly” in front of regulators. He urged operators to focus on what customers want: real value without feeling ripped off.
In his view, education is key. Casinos must highlight promotions like the recent “Fabulous Five-Day Sale” by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. That event drew massive online traffic, nearly four times the usual, leading to bookings that prove deals still draw crowds.
Ostempowski, fresh from running Caesars spots in Reno, brings experience from handling diverse crowds. He noted how Reno keeps things affordable, a model Vegas could tweak for its flashier scene.
Take gaming salons. Nevada just eased rules to make them more open, aiming to pull in celebs and high rollers who might head elsewhere. This change, backed by the Gaming Control Board, could add excitement without hiking prices for everyone.
Still, challenges linger. A $10.5 million fine hit Resorts World Las Vegas in March 2025 for anti-money laundering slips, showing regulators watch closely. But leaders like Ostempowski see this as a chance to clean up and rebuild trust.
Tourist Feedback and the Push for Better Experiences
Social media buzzes with gripes about rising costs. Posts on X complain about $40 parking fees, $15 beers, and rooms that double in price with extras. One user, born and raised in Vegas, said tourism drops because it’s not cheap anymore. Another called out corporate greed for shattering the fun vibe.
Ostempowski gets this frustration. He told the board that Las Vegas must address the “diminished customer experience” talk head-on.
To fix it, he suggests clearer info on tiers:
- Value tier: Think free parking at some spots, $5 blackjack tables, and food trucks for quick bites.
- Second tier: Mid-range hotels with pools, shows under $50, and happy hour deals.
- Luxury tier: Private gaming, spa days, and gourmet meals for those who splurge.
This setup lets visitors plan without surprises. Recent data backs it up. Nevada casinos raked in $1.36 billion in July 2025, up 4% from the year before, per the Gaming Control Board. Downtown spots even saw bigger jumps, hinting value draws crowds.
Yet, some stats show cracks. Visitation fell in spots, and a commentary in a local paper warned that too many fees chase people to places like Cabo.
Ostempowski’s take? It’s about balance. Make sure every guest feels they got more than they paid for, just like old-school Vegas.
The Broader Impact on Nevada’s Gaming World
Beyond the Strip, changes ripple out. The board also eyed Mark Huse for Reno properties like Silver Legacy, Eldorado, and Circus Circus. These spots cater to locals and road trippers, often on tighter budgets.
Ostempowski’s licensing nod ties into a rethink of rules. New Gaming Control Board Chair Mike Dreitzer spoke at a conference about updating regs for today’s world. It’s all about staying competitive as other states open casinos.
For everyday tourists, this means more choices. A report from August 2025 showed gambling revenue climbing despite dips in visits, thanks to smarter spending.
One key stat: The average visitor spends about $1,200 per trip, per 2024 visitor profiles from the Las Vegas authority. But with inflation, that buys less unless deals step in.
Ostempowski wrapped his pitch by saying Las Vegas thrives on variety. Ignore that, and you lose the magic.
Data Dive: Wins, Losses, and Visitor Trends
Numbers tell part of the story. Here’s a quick look at recent gaming wins:
| Month | Strip Revenue | Statewide Total | Year-Over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2025 | $681.7M | Not specified | Down from prior |
| July 2025 | Not specified | $1.36B | Up 4% |
| Overall Trend | Mixed | Growing | Positive for value focus |
This table shows ups and downs, but growth points to resilience. Experts say focusing on tiers could steady the ship.
Ostempowski’s comments fit a pattern. In September 2024, he got promoted to handle these Strip gems after proving his chops in Reno.
As Nevada tweaks salon rules and fines bad actors, the focus shifts to fun over fees.
Las Vegas stands at a crossroads, with leaders like Kenneth Ostempowski championing its enduring appeal through smart value tiers that cater to every budget, from thrifty travelers to big spenders. This approach not only counters the negative buzz but reignites the excitement that made Sin City legendary, promising brighter days ahead for tourists seeking that unbeatable mix of thrills and deals.
