Fewer Canadians are visiting Las Vegas casinos this year
In a fascinating trend which could have major implications for the North American entertainment sector, markedly fewer Canadian visitors are reported to have set foot in Las Vegas this year. Whilst reliable tourist footfall from across the border has been a longstanding source of financial stimulus for this iconic vacation destination, the number of visitors from Canada has dropped by a significant degree during 2025, due to a variety of socioeconomic factors. The trend is reflective of a wider drop in international tourism to the United States in the last 12 months, and the figures are certainly fascinating, leading to considerable conversation amongst casino executives in Vegas and beyond. We’ve taken a closer look at the trends behind the statistics and explored the reasons why more Canadian gamers may be choosing to stay away from the bright lights of Las Vegas this year.
Understanding the latest tourism figures
The drop in visitor figures is part of a wider fall in international visits to the United States, a trend which is leading to some concerns about Las Vegas tourism at this time. The leading Canadian ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC), Flair Airlines, reported a 55% drop in passengers to Las Vegas compared to 2024, whilst Air Canada also reported that the number of passengers to Las Vegas has fallen by around a third compared to the same time last year. These visitor figures are of course part of a wider trend – international visitor figures in the United States have fallen considerably in the past year, and international tourism to Las Vegas is reported to have slumped by around 11-12% year-over-year. Evidently, Canadians are currently less inclined to visit this notoriously popular entertainment destination, and the impact is being felt throughout the area’s hospitality and casino sectors. This trend is also part of a broader phenomenon, as many are currently opting to avoid the United States and choosing other destinations for their overseas holidays – or instead visiting entertainment hotspots that are much closer to home.
What are the reasons behind this trend?
This considerable slump in tourism figures is now a major talking point across much of the United States, with entertainment industries like that of Las Vegas feeling hit the hardest. Whilst each individual tourist will have their own reasoning behind their choices, there are clearly some united forces at work which have led to the downturn in footfall from across the border. Amidst a fraught political situation in which economic relations between the US and Canada have been affected by steep tariffs and rising visa fees, the connection between these two neighbouring nations is under significant strain right now. Economic turbulence and rising costs are having a significant impact on visitation levels, with many people seeking to save money on their holidays this year. The cost of restaurant dining, shows, and accommodation has risen considerably in the area, which may partly explain why Vegas hotel occupancy was just 67% in July 2025. In this shaky economic and political moment for North America, it is understandable that the draw of Sin City isn’t quite powerful enough for some visitors at present.
In Canada, online casino gaming is also witnessing a significant boom, ever since provinces like Ontario have opened their own legal, regulated iGaming markets. Canadian players can now access some of the best online casinos on the market including those listed in the Casino.org Canada guide, making it an ideal time to enjoy this vibrant and competitive offering of digital entertainment. The convenience and accessibility of online casino sites have led to a massive increase in their popularity, and the competitive nature of these new markets means plenty of lucrative bonuses and rewards are available, which may be a contributing factor to the continued reduction in visits to Las Vegas. Whilst this digital entertainment format isn’t a direct substitute for the immersive experience of a visit to a brick-and-mortar casino in Vegas, the growth of the Canadian iGaming sector is undoubtedly having an impact on wider gaming trends, and may be a leading reason why Canadian players are choosing to source their thrills from the comfort of their own home.
What does this mean for the North American casino landscape?
Evidently, more Canadians are now choosing to visit events closer to home and are becoming less likely to plan a holiday on US soil. If this phenomenon continues, hospitality businesses and casinos throughout the Strip are likely to face increasing economic challenges, putting strain on these ventures as they attempt to weather the current geopolitical storms. If tourism figures do not bounce back in the near future, there could soon be growing concerns about the sustainability of these businesses. Whilst the figures are undoubtedly concerning for the overall economy of Las Vegas, casino operators and iGaming sites in Canada may feel positively about these trends. As Casino.org points out, Canada now boasts a great range of top casino sites, and this digital entertainment sector is set to grow considerably in the next few years. Local gaming establishments in areas like Alberta are also reportedly enjoying an uptick in visitors, which certainly suggests that America’s loss may soon be Canada’s gain – Canadian gamblers are evidently seeking out other sources of entertainment, and exploring the options available to them on home soil.
Ultimately, the reduction in Canadian visitors to Las Vegas casinos is a fascinating trend which reflects the wider economic and political turbulence in North America this year. As relations between these two nations continue to be placed under strain, it is understandable that gamblers from Canada are seeking other alternatives in order to support the domestic economy and save on personal travel costs. Alongside this, the rising popularity of iGaming in the country may be contributing to changes in gaming habits, as Canadian players are increasingly enjoying access to this highly portable and convenient source of entertainment. As time goes on, it will certainly be interesting to see how these changing visitor preferences will affect the overall North American gambling landscape.
