Vegas Goes Budget-Friendly to Combat Visitation Drop

^{A twist on the “Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas” sign from the LVCVA’s recent marketing campaign that may or may not show the power of AI. (Image: LVCVA)}

Las Vegas has been trying to find ways to reverse the decline in visitation this year. After more than 15 years of focusing on high rollers, the city has its eyes set on the majority of visitors who may spend less per trip but make up most of the overall volume.

A combination of traditional marketing and budget-friendly deals is taking center stage. Earlier this year, Circa, Plaza, Sahara and others rolled out all-inclusive packages. Caesars recently joined the party with a $300 deal at three Vegas Strip properties. 

The tourism board has a traditional marketing campaign that includes TV commercials, billboards in multiple cities and more.

One of the additional concepts in the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s plan is getting casinos across the valley to join the “Fabulous 5-Day Sale” that runs until Sept. 26. 

The promotion is touted as “the biggest sale in Vegas history,” and features more than 100 discounts, dining credits, hotel stays and more.

While some deals are better than others, a deal is a deal! Some visitors are even canceling their existing reservations and rebooking with the new sale rates:
 

This is just the start. Individual casinos are promoting more cheap-drink specials and free-play offers for gamblers.

The Fabulous 5-Day Sale caters to every budget, with deals at five-star luxury resorts and budget properties alike. Visitors can find discounts all over town, from the Strip to downtown to the suburbs 20 minutes away.

Deals on the Strip

Caesars is offering discounts of up to 50% at all eight of its properties. Rooms can be booked through Aug. 31, 2026, so an immediate visit isn’t necessary. Some packages also include dining credits and resort fee matches. 

Pro tip:  The Cromwell will become Vanderpump Hotel next year. This could be a way to get a discounted room.

MGM Resorts is offering room discounts of 25% or 50% at its nine properties. While the discounts at MGM’s luxury properties, including Aria, Bellagio and Cosmopolitan, are only 25%, they come with a $100 dining credit per day.

Every property on the Strip is offering a discount. Even non-gaming hotels, Waldorf Astoria and Four Seasons, are offering 20% off hotel rooms.

Show discounts include 50% off Atomic Saloon at The Venetian and 20% off Awakening at Wynn.

Attraction deals include discounts at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, the roller coaster at New York-New York and helicopter tours of the Strip.

Deals around town

The Strip deals are more dramatic for a couple of reasons. First, casinos there don’t run as many sales as off-Strip properties. Second, prices on the Strip are always higher, so any discount looks bigger.

Downtown deals are more typical of what casinos usually offer. For example, Circa’s existing $400 all-in package includes two nights at the hotel, a $200 food and beverage credit and a daybed at Stadium Swim.

Plaza seemingly always has a sale. The newest deal is for up to 25% off room rates and includes a $25 dining credit and a $25 free bet.

Main Street Station has a $150 package that includes a two-night stay and a $50 food and beverage credit. Golden Nugget doesn’t have a sale per se, but it is waiving its $50 resort fee. Saving $50 per night at an iconic Vegas hotel is always something to consider.

Strip visitors often think that’s the only part of town with luxury casino resorts. That’s not the case.

M Resort in Henderson has a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating, like Cosmopolitan, Venetian and Wynn. It is offering 30% off rooms in this deal. 

Similar to Aria, Bellagio and Caesars Palace, Red Rock Casino in Summerlin earned a 2024 AAA Four Diamond Award. Its $499 package includes a two-night stay and a $300 resort credit.

Visitors who don’t want to stray far from the Strip can grab 20% off the already inexpensive rooms at Ellis Island. The deal also includes free coffee and a croissant.

Free play and open bar at Golden Gate

Golden Gate is owned by the same group as Circa and the D. While it’s a no-frills property without a pool or restaurant, it is tying into its sister casinos for the 5-Day Sale.

The deal is $200 for a two-night stay that includes a $100 dinner at Andiamo Steakhouse at the D and two passes to Stadium Swim at Circa.

Additionally, the 119-year-old hotel recently removed its live-dealer table games and replaced them with electronic versions. The change comes at the right time for guests, as owner Derek Stevens is using a two-pronged approach to draw visitors.

The Night Starts Here is a one-hour open bar every night from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. You won’t find top-shelf drinks here, but there’s no charge for drinks other than a tip for good service. 

During the open bar, Golden Gate is giving away up to $1,000 in free play for the new electronic table games and slots. The offer is available to all members of the rewards program, including new sign-ups. Guests can pick up an envelope with between $5 and $1,000 in free play each night if they choose.

Deals! Deals! Deals!

There are discounts all around town that complement the biggest sale ever. Stay tuned to your favorite casinos, because more will likely pop up at your go-to property.

Earlier this month, Station Casinos rolled out $3 beer and $3 shot specials at all of its properties throughout the city. That’s in addition to an earlier promotion for $1.99 margaritas. 

Back on the Strip, Horseshoe and The Linq are both offering $5 beers at various bars.

Discounts aren’t only in the casinos. Last week, I met friends at a nearby bar that had great happy hour prices and daily deals available all day that included 3 street (small) tacos and a beer for $3. 

While these neighborhood deals are geared toward locals, they won’t mind tourists stopping in for a bite and a drink.