Las Vegas Strip Gaming Revenue Climbs 13.2% in May 2026

The Las Vegas Strip posted one of its strongest performances in May, with gaming revenue climbing 13.2% above the prior year. The Strip recorded $807.9 million in gross gaming win, ranking eighth in state history. Statewide, Nevada casinos generated $1.39 billion in May, a 7.4% increase year-over-year. The state collected $89.5 million in percentage fees, up 19% from May 2025. For the fiscal year running July 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026, statewide gaming revenue rose 2.76% over the prior year. Clark County, which includes the Strip and surrounding markets, generated $1.2 billion in May, up 7.4% from last year. May's performance marked the best calendar month of 2026 and the best since December's $827.7 million win.

Baccarat and Entertainment Events Drive Table Game Growth

Baccarat dominated Strip table game revenue in May, increasing 59% to $174.3 million. This marked dramatic growth from May 2025's $109.9 million. Baccarat drop climbed 30% to $886.7 million as players wagered substantially more.

Casino hold improved from 16.1% last year to 19.7%, indicating stronger winnings per hand played.

Overall table game performance strengthened as drops rose 12.5% and wins increased 19.4%. Table game hold expanded from 15.5% to 16.4%, showing better margins. Blackjack contributed $53.4 million in April, up 6% year-over-year.

Entertainment events proved crucial to table game success. High-profile performers and sporting events drew premium players throughout May. The Electric Daisy Carnival at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, BTS concerts at Allegiant Stadium, and the Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand all drew large crowds. T-Mobile Arena hosted the Benavides-Ramirez boxing match and Stanley Cup playoffs, while performances at the Sphere's Colosseum venue drew substantial gaming activity.

Slot Revenue Climbs as Regional Markets Show Mixed Results

Slot machines generated $410.8 million in May revenue, up 8% from last year. Slot handle climbed 10% from $5.1 billion to $5.6 billion, reflecting increased player wagers. Slot win rose 7.8%, indicating healthy margins on electronic gaming. This stability offset more volatile results from table games.

Regional markets delivered mixed results across Nevada. South Lake Tahoe posted the strongest gain at 23.5%, reaching $16.7 million. Reno increased 11.1% to $70.5 million, while Elko County rose 4.5% to $37.6 million. Washoe County generated $98.2 million, up 8.3% year-over-year. Downtown Las Vegas declined 4.2% to $63.9 million. Laughlin fell 5.2% to $41.0 million. The balance of Clark County dropped 5.6% to $164.4 million. North Lake Tahoe recorded the steepest decline at 10.7%, to $1.7 million.

Holiday Demand and Tax Collections Lift Fiscal Year Revenue

Holiday weekends and Memorial Day traffic contributed significantly to May's strong results, despite a dip in air traffic. Convention attendance also supported the month, with major industry events drawing substantial crowds. A Gaming Control Board analyst noted that special entertainment events were the catalyst for revenue growth. The combination of holiday scheduling and convention activity created sustained demand.

Fiscal year performance on the Strip reached $8.2 billion, up 2.28% over the prior year. Clark County's fiscal year gaming win totaled $12.7 billion, up 2.29%. May tax collections climbed 19.1% from May 2025, reaching $89.5 million. Fiscal year collections through May totaled $1.04 billion, up 5.1% from the previous year. These results support projections that revenue in the 2025-26 fiscal year will surpass the prior year's $15.64 billion total, despite 17 fewer nonrestricted casinos operating statewide.