Nevada’s gaming landscape delivered mixed results in May 2025. Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) across all casino categories fell by 4.6% year‑over‑year, as long‑time key verticals like slot machines and table games dipped. Meanwhile, sports betting surged, driven by a 91.9% spike in baseball wagering, and overall sports betting handle rose 29.7%—a powerful contrast amid a down gaming market.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board reported casino gaming (slots and tables) generated 4.6% less revenue compared to May 2024. Although visitation to Las Vegas remained strong, shifting player interest impacted traditional casino income.
Sports betting on the Strip, interestingly, was up 31.6% year-over-year, aided significantly by 105.6% and 103.9% growth in baseball and hockey betting respectively. While this aligns somewhat with overall state growth, with sports betting up 29.7% and baseball specifically up 91.9%, hockey betting was only up 45.2% statewide, suggesting a particular interest in the sport among Strip players.
In sports betting, baseball emerged as the breakout performer. With the Major League Baseball season heating up, bettors poured into baseball markets, lifting the sports vertical’s revenue by nearly 92%, marking it as the fastest-growing betting category in the state.
Analysts note that while slots and tables remain vital to Nevada’s gaming ecosystem, the explosion in sports betting—especially baseball—is reshaping revenue models. The steep climb in baseball handle offers hope for sportsbooks, but the modest growth in overall casino revenue signals potential challenges ahead.
Looking ahead, industry watchers are evaluating whether this sports betting momentum can offset casino slowdowns for the remainder of 2025. For operators and investors, the message is clear: wagering strategies must adapt to emerging player preferences, particularly in sportsbook product offerings.
