The Las Vegas Strip posted one of its strongest months on record in May, as casino revenues rose sharply due to increased slot gaming, baccarat activity and a busy entertainment calendar bringing more visitors to the city.
According to figures from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Naked casinos generated $807.9 million in gross gaming revenue for the month, up 13.2% from May 2025. The results are among the Strip’s best monthly performances in history and mark the Strip’s strongest total so far in 2026.
Statewide, Nevada casinos won $1.39 billion in May, an increase of 7.4% year over year. The total was rated as one of the highest months ever reported in the state, as stated in the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s earnings report (pdf), and helped push fiscal year collections past the previous year’s total of $15.64 billion, despite fewer unrestricted casinos operating across the state than the previous year.
The strip’s performance is driving improvements across the state
The Strip was the main driver behind Nevada’s gaming growth in May. Clark County revenue rose 7.4% to about $1.2 billion, supported by double-digit gains in the Gaza Strip.
The results were more uneven outside the resort corridor. Downtown Las Vegas fell 4.2% to $63.9 million, while Laughlin fell 5.2% to $41 million. Clark County’s balance fell 5.6% to $164.4 million.
Several other markets posted gains. Reno rose 11.1% to $70.5 million, while South Lake Tahoe rose 23.5% to $16.7 million. Boulder Strip rose 3.5% to $80.5 million, and North Las Vegas rose 1.9% to $26.8 million. Mesquite also saw growth, reaching $18.3 million.
In Northern Nevada, Sparks saw a small increase, while North Lake Tahoe decreased. Elko County also increased, and other state jurisdictions reported compound growth.
Baccarat and slots increase casino winnings
Baccarat provides one of the biggest advantages on the Strip. Revenue from the game increased nearly 59% to about $174 million, supported by higher drops and a stronger hold percentage. Baccarat drawdowns are up around 30%, while holds have increased from 16.1% in May 2025 to 19.7% this year.
Slot machines also contribute greatly to the Strip’s performance. Slot revenue reached $410.8 million, up about 8%, while slot handle increased about 10%. More than half of the Strip’s total gaming winnings come from slot machines, with multi-denomination machines producing the highest levels of play.
Table games are also on the rise. Strip table drops increased 12.5%, while table wins rose 19.4%, supported by higher hold rates compared to the same month last year.
Statewide sports betting results were weaker. Bets decreased 5.4%, and sportsbook wins fell 17.2%, with holds falling from 8.1% to 7.1%.
Events and visits support play activities
Tourism data also showed an increase in demand in May. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported that visits rose 2% to 3.5 million peoplethe highest monthly visitor total of the year so far.
Convention attendance increased 14.7% from May 2025, supported by regular events including Knowledge, Las Vegas International Shopping Center Council, and Licensing International Expo. New and rotating shows also contribute to the total, including the Candy and Snack Show and Champs Trade Show.
Entertainment is another major factor. The Electric Daisy Carnival brought crowds to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway from May 15 to 17, while BTS performed several times at Allegiant Stadium from May 23 to 28. The Academy of Country Music Awards were held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, while No Doubt, Phish and other acts drew crowds to the Sphere.
T-Mobile Arena hosts major boxing matches and the Stanley Cup playoffs involving the Vegas Golden Knights. Caesars Palace also hosts several major artists during the month.
“With exciting events including the sold-out 30th anniversary Electric Daisy Carnival and the inaugural World Party Parade, four sold-out BTS World Tour ‘Ararang’ concerts at Allegiant Stadium along with the city-wide BTS The City fan festival, and the Vegas Golden Knights Conference Finals, Las Vegas welcomed nearly 3.5 million visitors in May,” said Kevin Bagger, vice president of the LVCVA Research Center, as the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.
Hotel indicators improve with visits. Occupancy rose to 84.7%, helped by heavier weekend traffic, while the average daily room rate increased 6.3% to $210.63.
The strong performance in May also boosted state tax collections. Gaming taxes collected that month totaled $89.5 million, placing May among the strongest months of the fiscal year. Total collections this fiscal year surpassed $1 billion, faster than the previous year.
