Las Vegas' Decline: How Corporate Greed is Killing the City's Spirit

The Luxor hotel in Las Vegas, a massive structure with 4,407 rooms and 65,000 square meters of gaming area, is one of the many casinos feeling the impact of the city's decline. In July 2025, only 66.7% of hotel rooms in Las Vegas were occupied, marking a 16.8% decrease from the previous year. This downturn is evident in various aspects of the city's tourism industry, including a 4.5% decrease in airport passenger traffic.

The decline in tourism is particularly noticeable among Canadian visitors. Air Canada's ticket sales to Las Vegas dropped by 33%, and Flair's by 62%. The mayor of Las Vegas, Шелли Беркли, has publicly urged Canadians to return, stating, 'We love you, we miss you, we need you.' The city's tourism industry is struggling to attract visitors, and the future looks uncertain.

One of the key factors contributing to the decline is the introduction of roulette tables with three zeros. First introduced in 2016 at the Venetian casino, these tables have since spread across the Strip. The additional zero increases the house edge, making the game less favorable for players. John and Кристина Мехаффи, who run the gambling news site Vegas Advantage, have been closely monitoring these changes. They note that the new tables have significantly altered the gaming experience, making it less appealing to many visitors.