Las Vegas Sees Large Dealer Layoffs as Tourism Slows Down

Las Vegas is seeing more casino dealers being laid off as venues are switching over to automation, all while seeing fewer visitors over the past year.

Las Vegas Dealers Face Uncertainty as Slower Tourism Hits the City

According to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation, the Las Vegas metropolitan area closed out 2024 with an unemployment rate of 5.9% – the highest among all major metro areas in the US. Over the past year, the leisure and hospitality industry, encompassing roles like casino dealers, has seen significant job losses. Industry experts point to a shift toward automation, including the adoption of electronic table games that need fewer employees. 

Additionally, some venues are cutting costs in response to declining earnings. This has hit even large establishments such as Fontainebleau, which let go of many dealers as the industry has started slowing down.

CEG Dealer School Managing Director David Knoll emphasized the importance of casinos like Fontainebleau remaining successful, active, and robust, as that creates opportunities for the school’s break-in dealers to transition into the workforce. Knoll noted a decline in enrollment and overall interest in becoming a dealer. He added that in the past, many individuals relocated from out of state to Las Vegas in pursuit of the career opportunities the city offered, but that trend has slowed.

Hotel occupancy rates have also seen a decline, falling by 1% overall in April, with a more significant 2.6% decrease reported for downtown properties. Meanwhile, in 2024, casino dealers in Nevada earned an average hourly wage of $19.96, which was comparable to the national average of $19.25. Despite being a major hub for the casino industry, Nevada did not rank among the top five highest-paying states for casino dealers.

Some Remain Hopeful Despite Current Trends

Despite the concerning statistics, other experts continue to express confidence in the industry. For example, John Stater, a research manager at Colliers in Las Vegas who monitors the local economy, observed that the city appears to be undergoing a shift in what visitors seek from a vacation experience. He noted that resorts are working to stay ahead of this trend by focusing more on experiential amenities rather than traditional gaming offerings.

Stater pointed to upcoming attractions, such as Universal Studios’ horror-themed experience launching this summer and the arrival of the Oakland Athletics, who are building a $1.75 billion stadium, as developments that could attract more visitors. However, he emphasized that overall visitation numbers have remained relatively flat.

While gaming revenue saw an initial boost following the pandemic lockdowns, it has since leveled off. Stater suggested that economic uncertainty may be playing a role in consumer behavior. Although consumer confidence is currently rising, he expects the effects of that to become more evident in the coming months. He also believes concerns around international tourism will likely ease. At this point, he added, there’s no cause for major concern, though growth has been slower than hoped.