Aug 18, 2025
Sin City is sweetening the pot for tourists.
Visitor numbers fell by 7.3% in the first half of 2025 compared to last year, according to the Las Vegas Conventions and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). This decline in tourism has led some resorts to shift gears by rolling out wallet-friendly perks aimed at travelers looking to stretch their dollars.
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“The days of the $1.99 breakfast, $7.99 steaks, that's all gone,” Randy Luedtke from Wisconsin told Channel 13 Las Vegas in a story published June 16. “I see a lot of minimums at the tables are $25, $20, so I'm going to probably do most of my gambling downtown.”
He’s not alone. The Strip’s glitzy casinos experienced a small dip in gaming revenue year-to-date as if June, while budget-friendly downtown cashed in with a tiny uptick, per the LVCVA. In addition, hotel occupancy both downtown and on the Strip has gone down, despite slightly lower room rates.
Economic realities may be reshaping visitor behavior, and resorts are taking notice.
Deals are on for visitors
Some Las Vegas staples are turning up the value to try to get people back into the city.
For example, The Strat launched a summer deal with weekday rooms starting at $49, weekends at $99, plus a $25 daily dining credit. Resorts World is offering free parking until Aug. 28.
Downtown, The Plaza is offering an all-inclusive food and drink package starting at just $125 per person until Aug. 30. Circa is also offering a two-night stay for $400, including $100 in dining credits and $100 in beverage credits, through Sept. 4.
The LVCVA has also launched a campaign called “Locals Unlocked,” aggregating deals from major resorts for residents.
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“All of our resort partners have locals programs,” LVCVA CEO Steve Hill told Channel 13.
Luedtke says the deals are out there, but you may have to look for them.
“They’re working with people to get them here. I will say that, they’re trying,” he said. “I can’t tell you that they’re getting the word out enough that there’s these options available.”
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Are the savings worth it?
So, do the deals being offered really make a difference in terms of savings? The short answer is, sometimes.
It can be worth it if you make use of all the included perks, including drink credits, meal vouchers and resort amenities. All the better if you’re able to avoid resort fees. On the other hand, it may not end up being a great deal if you’re paying for bundled items you wouldn’t normally use. Gambling without a budget can also eat into your savings.
Still want to hit up Sin City? Here are some other savings tips for travelers:
Timing is everything: Visiting on weekdays can cut your hotel bill by a significant amount and also help you dodge the crowds.
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Sign up for loyalty programs: Many casino brands offer perks like discounted stays, complimentary parking and food or gaming credits just for joining.
Ditch the taxis and rideshares: Las Vegas’s Deuce bus and monorail systems are budget-friendly and cover a good portion of the city.
Pack your own basics: Small expenses add up fast, so pack snacks, reusable water bottles and other essentials to avoid paying hotel gift shop prices.
Set a gambling budget: Gambling always has the potential to derail your finances. You can still have fun if you pick a limit and stay within it.
For entertainment: Book tickets for shows early or maybe you’ll get lucky finding last-minute deals online.
Las Vegas is always ready to deal visitors in, but it’s up to you to figure out how to make the deals work for your wallet.
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Freelance writer with an economic development and consulting background.
