Nevada casinos started the fiscal year strong, with Strip gaming revenue up 3.6% in July 2026, fueled by a spike in table game wagering and major entertainment events drawing visitors.
Nevada’s casino industry began the new fiscal year with a 2 percent increase in gaming revenue for July, led by a notable 3.6 percent jump on the Las Vegas Strip, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The Strip’s $776.3 million in gaming win for the month was driven by a surge in table game activity and a packed entertainment calendar, helping Southern Nevada outpace other regions in the state.
Statewide, Nevada’s 453 major casinos reported $1.388 billion in gaming win for July. For the calendar year, gaming revenue is tracking 3 percent ahead of last year’s pace, reflecting continued strength in the state’s hospitality and entertainment sectors.
Table Games and Entertainment Drive Gains
Industry analysts pointed to a dramatic increase in table game wagering as a key factor behind the Strip’s performance. According to J.P. Morgan’s Daniel Politzer, table drop—the total amount wagered at table games—rose 24 percent year over year, with baccarat volumes up 43 percent. Even excluding baccarat, table game volumes climbed 15 percent compared to July 2025. Slot handle also improved, up 4.8 percent from the previous year.
Despite a lower hold percentage on table games this July (12.4 percent versus 17.3 percent last year), overall table game win was significantly higher. Shelley Newell of the Gaming Control Board noted that July’s table drop was the highest of 2026 so far, likely boosted by a robust lineup of entertainment events and a busy Fourth of July weekend.
Major Events Boost Visitor Traffic
Las Vegas hosted a series of high-profile events in July, including a UFC 329 bout featuring Conor McGregor on July 11 and concerts by Ed Sheeran, Kenny Chesney, the Backstreet Boys, Marc Anthony, Kelly Clarkson, and New Kids on the Block. These events, along with the extended Independence Day holiday, contributed to increased visitor volume and casino activity along the Strip.
Elsewhere in Southern Nevada, North Las Vegas casinos saw a 3.4 percent increase in gaming win to $25.5 million. Laughlin and Mesquite remained flat at $41 million and $15.1 million, respectively. Downtown Las Vegas, however, experienced an 8.6 percent decline to $68.5 million, while the Boulder Strip and outlying Clark County also posted modest decreases.
Statewide Trends and Regional Highlights
Elko County markets led the state in percentage gains, with Wendover up 15.1 percent, outlying county areas up 10.3 percent, and Elko itself up 13.4 percent. North Lake Tahoe posted the largest decline outside downtown Las Vegas, down 5.7 percent, while South Lake Tahoe rose 5.1 percent. Sparks and outlying Washoe County also performed well, with Sparks up 9.5 percent and outlying Washoe up 11.8 percent, partly due to increased visitation from the 122nd USBC Open Championships bowling tournament in Reno.
Clark County accounted for $1.173 billion of the state’s total gaming win, representing 84.5 percent of all Nevada casino revenue for July. Tax collections from gaming rebounded to $98.5 million for the month, based on the state’s 6.75 percent gaming tax rate. For the fiscal year to date, Nevada has collected $184.2 million in gaming taxes, 0.7 percent ahead of last year’s pace. These funds support the state’s general fund and a range of public programs.
Looking Ahead for Las Vegas Casinos
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is expected to release updated visitation statistics, which will provide further insight into the impact of July’s entertainment calendar and gaming trends. The Strip’s strong performance comes as operators continue to invest in new amenities and events to attract both tourists and locals. For context on recent gaming industry developments, see how Plaza Hotel & Casino recently expanded its high-limit slot offerings in downtown Las Vegas.
