Las Vegas strip posts top 10 month as revenue climbs
Nevada casinos enjoyed another strong month in May, with statewide gaming revenue climbing 7.4% year-on-year to $1.39 billion as the Las Vegas Strip recorded its seventh-highest monthly win on record.
Figures released by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) show the state’s non-restricted gaming licensees generated $1.388 billion in gaming revenue during May 2026, up from $1.292 billion in the same month last year.
The biggest contributor was once again the Las Vegas Strip, where casinos won $807.9 million, representing a 13.2% increase compared to May 2025.
The result helped offset weaker performances in areas including Downtown Las Vegas (-4.2%), Laughlin (-5.2%) and the balance of Clark County (-5.6%), while Reno (+11.1%) and South Lake Tahoe (+23.5%) also enjoyed strong growth.
One of the biggest drivers behind the Strip’s performance was baccarat, where high rollers dropped $174 million during the month. Baccarat revenue jumped 58.6% compared to May last year and has now increased almost 55% across the March-to-May period.
Slot machines also continued to deliver the bulk of casino revenue.
Strip casinos generated $410.8 million from slots during May, accounting for more than half of all gaming revenue on the Strip. Multi-denomination slot machines remained the most popular category, with overall slot play increasing 7.8% compared to May 2025.
NGCB Senior Economic Analyst Shelley Newell said both higher gambling volumes and improved hold percentages contributed to the strong monthly result. She also noted that May 2026 benefited from having one additional weekend day compared to the previous year.
The strong casino performance coincided with a modest increase in tourism, with Las Vegas visitor numbers rising around two per cent during May.
Several major events helped drive visitation throughout the month, including the Electric Daisy Carnival, BTS concerts at Allegiant Stadium, the Academy of Country Music Awards, performances by No Doubt at Sphere, and the Vegas Golden Knights’ Stanley Cup Playoff campaign.
Beyond gaming revenue, Nevada also recorded a sharp increase in gaming tax collections. The state collected $89.5 million in percentage fees during June, based on May gaming activity, representing a 19.1% increase compared to the same period last year.
Nevada casino revenue – May 2026
The May figures leave Nevada gaming revenue up 2.8% for the fiscal year to date, continuing the state’s steady growth despite softer performances in several regional markets.
- Statewide: $1.388 billion (+7.4%)
- Clark County: $1.203 billion (+7.4%)
- Las Vegas Strip: $807.9 million (+13.2%)
- Reno: $70.5 million (+11.1%)
- Downtown Las Vegas: $63.9 million (-4.2%)
- South Lake Tahoe: $16.7 million (+23.5%)
