Las Vegas is seeing a steep drop in tourism, prompting several casinos to rethink their offerings. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) reported just over 3 million visitors in July 2025, down 12% from the previous year. Hotel occupancy on the Strip also dipped, falling from 86.5% to 79.5%.
This downturn has been linked to seasonal patterns, rising tariffs, economic uncertainty, and the continued rise of online gambling. In response, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino is removing live dealers and introducing electronic table games (ETGs) in a bid to modernize the gaming experience and draw in new audiences.
Golden Gate Bets on Digital Transition
Golden Gate owner and CEO Derek Stevens said that the change reflects evolving player behavior, especially since the pandemic. “I think things continue to change. I remember that at one point in time, people played sic bo,” he said. “There are a lot of different games that had their eras and their run.”
Stevens pointed to growing consumer comfort with digital interfaces. “Some of this really has to do with how good these new electronic table games are and how good some of these new high-limit slot machines are,” he explained.
While slots were once seen as solitary play, Stevens said today’s machines are more social. “I think [people] used to say slots were more for introverts. With these new games, it’s completely different. Slots are now something that people play in groups — and there’s a lot of hooting and hollering that goes along with it.”
Redefining the Casino Floor
Stevens said the switch to ETGs at Golden Gate is also aimed at drawing a younger demographic and increasing traffic. The move, he noted, aligns with broader trends he’s seen at Circa Resort & Casino, where ETGs and high-limit slots have brought in more visitors.
Live dealers from Golden Gate have been reassigned to other group properties, ensuring they stay within the company. “We think it is going to be great for Las Vegas because we’re going to bring a lot of value back to the table,” Stevens said.
He called the transformation part of a “continued evolution” in gaming, with digital formats helping reshape how players engage with traditional table games.
Financial Pressures Add Urgency
The changes come at a time of economic strain for casinos. Nevada’s 307 major casinos brought in $31.5 billion in revenue during the 2024 fiscal year, but net income fell 24% to $2.6 billion. Strip casinos were especially impacted, with profits plunging by roughly 40%.
Meanwhile, MGM Resorts reported a 4% decline in room revenue on the Strip during the second quarter of 2025. Lower average daily rates and reduced revenue per available room contributed to the fall.
Stevens said broader economic factors — especially high interest rates — are playing a role in weakening demand from lower-income visitors. “Right now [there’s been] a little bit of a bifurcation of the market,” he said, adding that future rate cuts could help restore consumer spending and revive tourism.
Source:
“Las Vegas casinos ditch live dealers for electronic games amid ongoing tourism decline”, foxnews.com, Sep 10, 2025.
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