The Vegas Life: Sin City Slumping; Good for Gamers?

by Bodog Casino | Feb 2 2011

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Like "American Idol" and "Entourage," Sin City is falling off, and its recent numbers could be putting it in the Lindsay Lohan category.

The Strip posted a collective $2.5 billion loss during fiscal 2010 the Las Vegas Sun reports, taking a hit because of the rise of Macau, China casinos, the explosion of online casinos and of course, the U.S. recession. Less than a decade ago Las Vegas, Nevada had its role in the world firmly in place: gambling and entertainment paradise. Today it's easily third behind Macau and the "online casino sphere".

The good news is it wasn't as bad as 2009 when Vegas posted 4.1 billion in losses, but the numbers say it will likely have competition in the industry it once dominated whether it makes a comeback or not.

Until China completely changes its stance on internet restrictions and its population starts looking for other gaming venues Macau will continue to grab casino action from the heavy hitters (Caesar's Entertainment Corp., Wynn Resorts, etc.). And until Vegas completely embraces the online gaming realm people will always pick free online blackjack in the Bodog Casino over paying for flight and hotel just to drop $50 on the tables.

But just like we've seen with the NFL and mobile phones competition isn't exactly a bad thing. The less Vegas completely rebounds, the better it will be for bettors. Check a flight website and you'll see dirt cheap flight and hotel deals. Check-in and you'll find more deals and more perks for that once-useless casino club card. And imagine being able to check out a Cher or Cirque du Soleil show without having to throw all your winnings down. Better yet, for once a UFC event may be worth your time.

The downfall is Vegas will likely continue its shift into an entertainment and convention hub rather than gambling Eden with every million that comes off the books. We're already starting to hear more about which club Kim Kardashian and Rihanna hit up rather than which blackjack pro cleaned up at the Bellagio.

Still, we doubt gaming will ever truly die in the desert city. Money talks in Vegas, and the house always wins.

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