Nevada’s gaming industry posted one of its strongest monthly performances in recent years, driven by high hold percentages and strong casino activity, even as sports betting handle declined during March.

Statewide, casinos reported $1.427 billion in gaming revenue for the month, marking an 11.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The result came close to record levels, with only December 2023 surpassing it. The Las Vegas Strip accounted for a significant share of that growth, generating $780 million in win, a 14.4 percent increase year over year. Downtown Las Vegas also delivered a notable rise, climbing 20.8 percent to $103.1 million.

The strong performance reflected a combination of large-scale events, including major conventions, sporting fixtures, and entertainment draws. Attendance at trade shows such as ConExpo-Con/Agg, along with NASCAR events and the NCAA basketball tournaments, contributed to increased activity across casinos. Visitor numbers reached 3.5 million, up 1.9 percent from the previous March, while convention attendance surged by more than 33 percent.

Sports Betting Revenue Rises on Strong Hold

While overall gaming figures improved, the sports betting segment told a more complex story. Sportsbooks reported $46 million in revenue, more than doubling the $22.3 million recorded in March 2025. The increase was tied to a higher hold percentage of 6.0 percent, compared to 2.6 percent a year earlier.

Despite the revenue growth, total wagers declined. Bettors placed $763 million in sports bets, down 11.3 percent from the $860.6 million wagered in March 2025. Mobile betting continued to dominate, accounting for 72.1 percent of total wagers, although mobile handle also fell by 10.1 percent to $550.4 million.

Basketball generated the largest share of sportsbook revenue during the month, bringing in $36.8 million, reflecting the impact of March Madness and other tournaments. Other sports categories, including hockey and a mix of events such as tennis, soccer, and MMA, also contributed to gains. Football, however, produced a loss of $9.6 million for operators, as bettors collected winnings following the end of the NFL season.

The rise in sportsbook profitability came alongside speculation that emerging prediction markets may be affecting betting volumes. Industry analysts and operators have raised concerns that alternative wagering platforms could be drawing activity away from traditional sportsbooks. This concern gained attention as Nevada secured a legal ruling aimed at restricting certain prediction market operators from offering sports-related contracts in the state.

Casino Segments Deliver Broad Gains

As stated in the official report, beyond sports betting, other gaming segments delivered strong results. Table, counter, and card games generated $457.1 million in win, up 27.9 percent year over year. Baccarat played a central role in that growth, with win reaching $154.1 million, more than doubling compared to the previous year. Baccarat handle also increased significantly, reflecting both higher player activity and improved hold percentages.

Slot machines continued to produce consistent gains, with statewide slot win totaling $969.8 million, an increase of 5.5 percent. Coin-in reached $13.3 billion, rising by 2.5 percent. On the Strip, slot win alone reached $428.3 million, supported by steady player engagement.

As CDC Gaming reports, regional markets across Nevada also reported mixed but generally positive outcomes. Boulder Strip properties recorded a 14.7 percent increase in total win, while Washoe County posted a 7.3 percent rise. Smaller markets such as Mesquite and Laughlin saw modest gains, while Elko experienced a slight decline in overall performance.

Gaming tax collections reflected the strong month, with revenues contributing to the state’s general fund. Through April, total collections for the fiscal year reached $868.8 million, representing a year-over-year increase of just over 3 percent.

Market Trends and External Factors

Although revenue indicators remained strong, some underlying trends point to shifting dynamics within Nevada’s gaming market. Wagering volumes have declined year over year in each of the first three months of 2026, suggesting changes in bettor behavior. Reduced visitation from air travel and broader economic factors may also be influencing spending patterns, even as conventions and events continue to support overall traffic.

Transportation data showed mixed signals, with road traffic from California increasing while passenger numbers at Harry Reid International Airport declined by 4.2 percent. Hotel occupancy and room rates remained elevated, with midweek demand driven by convention visitors.

March marked the 61st consecutive month in which statewide gaming win exceeded $1 billion, highlighting the resilience of Nevada’s casino industry. At the same time, the divergence between sportsbook handle and revenue underscores a changing landscape, where profitability is increasingly shaped by hold percentages rather than betting volume alone.