Despite some reports from detractors, Las Vegas seems to satisfy its visitors – this from a report made by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority in its annual Las Vegas Visitor Profile Study. According to the visitor profile report, almost 87% of guests were very satisfied, and only a minute portion - about 2% - said they were dissatisfied with their visit to Las Vegas.

Las Vegas remains a top destination for entertainment, gaming, and leisure, according to the latest findings from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). The agency has recently released its 2024 Las Vegas Visitor Profile Study, and it highlights continued visitor satisfaction despite increasing concerns voiced on social media.

LVCVA study shows high satisfaction among visitors

The LVCVA's annual Visitor Profile Study, which tracks trends and behaviors of Las Vegas tourists, found that an overwhelming majority of visitors left the city pleased with their experience. According to the study, nearly 87% of guests reported being 'very satisfied,' while 10% described themselves as 'somewhat satisfied.' Only 2% of surveyed visitors expressed dissatisfaction with their trip.

Officials at the LVCVA framed these results as a testament to Las Vegas' ability to attract and retain visitors, with 86% out of the 41.7 million guests last year having visited before. While this suggests a strong return rate, it also raises questions about the city's ability to attract new tourists. The percentage of first-time visitors dropped to 14%, a notable 10% decrease from 2019.

Social media voices concerns about Vegas trends

Despite the LVCVA's positive outlook, a different narrative can be found on social media. Prominent Vegas-focused accounts, such as Scott Roeben's Vital Vegas, regularly share complaints from tourists about rising costs, hidden fees, and unfavorable gaming conditions.

Visitors have voiced their frustration over increasing resort fees, expensive parking charges, cocktails that cost $25, and rising table game minimums. Additionally, concerns over lower slot payouts, double-zero roulette, and 6:5 blackjack odds have fueled the perception that Vegas is becoming less gambler-friendly. Many longtime fans of Sin City argue that these changes are alienating the city's core audience.

Las Vegas sees record gaming revenue despite concerns

While these criticisms continue to circulate online, the financial data tells a different story. Nevada's gaming revenue hit an all-time high for the fourth year, with total gaming losses reaching $15.6 billion in 2024. However, revenue from the Las Vegas Strip experienced a slight dip, decreasing by 1% from the previous year, despite visitation increasing by more than 2%.

According to the LVCVA, visitors in 2024 stayed longer and spent more on dining, lodging, shopping, and transportation. The report also noted a slight shift in demographics, with the average visitor age decreasing from 44 years old in 2023 to 43.6 years old in 2024.

Visitor spending trends

The 2024 Visitor Profile Study provided insight into how tourists allocated their budgets. The average visitor spent:

  • $820 on gambling - a record high, up from 2019's $591
  • $615 on food and drinks
  • $281 on shopping
  • $160 on transportation

Spending on entertainment and shows, however, declined significantly, dropping 42% to an average of $63 per visitor. Similarly, spending on sports-related activities fell by 17%. Meanwhile, the average nightly room rate, excluding complimentary stays, increased to $179 - a 4% rise from the previous year.

Methodology and survey size

The LVCVA's findings are based on in-person and online surveys, with around 300 in-person interviews conducted monthly and an additional 150 responses collected online. In total, the report's conclusions are drawn from fewer than 5,500 visitor responses. As Las Vegas continues to evolve, balancing visitor satisfaction with rising costs will remain a key challenge. While official survey results depict a largely positive outlook, growing social media discontent suggests that some long-time visitors are feeling priced out of the experience they once loved.

With record-breaking gaming revenues and consistently high visitor satisfaction ratings, Las Vegas appears to be thriving. However, industry leaders may need to address concerns over affordability and value if they want to maintain their loyal customer base while also attracting new visitors to the city.