Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the world, turning over billions of dollars in revenue every year. While the city’s history is mired in folklore about its growth, there is no denying its draw both domestically and internationally.
Nevada’s gambling regulations have provided the platform for Las Vegas’s industry to grow. The lack of online casino gambling legislation has resulted in land-based operations being pushed to the fore.
While there are clear restrictions associated with gambling in Vegas, including the minimum gambling age of 21, millions of visitors still stream to the city every year to experience that famous atmosphere.
International Vegas Visitors
With more than 200 licensed casinos in operation across Las Vegas, visitors have plenty of choices. This has helped to attract consumers from around the world, and while this cross-section of travellers only accounts for around 10% of the roughly 40 million to 50 million visitors the city welcomes every year, it is still a considerable amount.
The biggest number of international visitors to Vegas comes from the US’ neighbour to the north, Canada, with almost 1.5 million, while the country’s southern neighbour, Mexico, accounts for over a million, making it second on the list.
With more than half a million people making the journey across the Atlantic every year, the UK is home to the third-highest number of visitors to Las Vegas casinos every year. The UK has a history of gambling, with one of the most advanced regulatory frameworks in the world, helping to create a robust industry.
As well as having a thriving casino and sports betting industry, they also have a strong online gambling presence, as evidenced by the options at Esports News. This selection of gambling sites highlights the popularity of the industry in the UK, and the opportunity to experience the bright lights of Vegas is something that appeals to many.
Australian visitors total over a quarter of a million, while Germans make up more than 180,000. The remaining international visitors come from all around the world, with honourable mentions to South Korea, China, Brazil, France, and Japan.
Vegas Domestic Visitors
California accounts for the majority of visitors, making up roughly a third, with western states making up around 55%.
The Southern states make up around 15% of visitors, while Eastern and Midwestern states make up around 10% each.
Las Vegas is a massive draw for consumers, with US legislation changing between states. Many still have relatively limited options available to consumers, with many states still not offering retail casino operations.
Other Vegas Demographics
Las Vegas welcomes people from all walks of life, but there are still certain trends in terms of demographics. For example, males make up roughly two-thirds of visitors to casinos compared with a more even split of visitors to the city as a whole.
While gambling is typically viewed as a more male-dominated hobby, the gap is growing shorter as gambling markets and marketing campaigns become more inclusive to all audiences.
Players of all legal ages make the trip to Vegas casinos, but the largest percentage falls into the Millennial age bracket of between 28 and 43, around 48%. Generation X, aged between 44 and 59, is next, making up around 27% while 12% could be described as Baby Boomers, aged 60 and over.
The income of visitors to Vegas will also change, but around 47% report a household income of up to $100,000, and around 21% earn up to $150,000.
Conclusion
While demographics can’t paint an exact picture of Vegas casino customers, it does provide a better idea of who is visiting. Casino operators can use this information to improve their services, while the city can also use this to increase tourism.
While the domestic market is extremely healthy, there is definite room for growth among international markets. A lot of external factors influence how the international market operates, with the cost of air travel making a massive difference.
As different states revisit their gambling laws, casino gambling might not be limited to consumers around the country, but Vegas will always have something that other states can’t offer.