Las Vegas in 2025 was defined by change, most notably as it relates to rising costs, changing visitor expectations, and an industry forced to confront the consequences of its own post-COVID success. From executive admissions about pricing mistakes to regulatory crackdowns and questions about the Strip’s future, the year’s most consequential casino and gaming stories reflected a city at a turning point.
Throughout the year, our local coverage focused on how casino operators, regulators and visitors navigated a changing landscape. The stories that resonated the most did so not because of flashy headlines, but because they captured broader trends shaping Las Vegas’ future, including values, hospitality, accountability and long-term growth.
Here are the top five casino and gaming stories of 2025 as selected by Las Vegas Review-Journal casino and gaming reporter David Danzis.
MGM CEO: ‘Shame on us’ on high prices in Las Vegas
In a rare and candid moment, MGM Resorts CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle acknowledged what the rest of the world already knew: soaring prices have hurt visitor sentiment and contributed to the softening of tourism.
The story resonated because consumer frustration goes beyond one company. This story highlighted an industry-wide challenge of how to balance profit with perceived value.
For locals and visitors alike, this recognition became the defining business story of 2025.
Nickel and dimed: Are Las Vegas casinos drawing visitors to a tipping point?
This deep dive explored the hidden costs of visiting Las Vegas, from resort fees to parking to restaurant surcharges.
The reporting showed how the casino’s nickel-and-dime approach could threaten the city’s long-term tourist attraction. It resonated with anyone who has felt pinched while enjoying a night on The Strip.
This story kicked off an international conversation (which is still ongoing) about whether Las Vegas casino operators are stepping over dollars to pick up dimes.
South Point casino sets itself apart by embracing classic Las Vegas hospitality
Not all the news was bleak.
South Point casino illustrated how traditional, customer-focused hospitality can thrive in a challenging market. By emphasizing friendly service, fair prices, and a loyal staff culture, South Point reminded readers that the city’s classic charm still works, and is still important to locals and visitors alike.
South Point executives, former employees and current patrons all said the same thing: there’s at least one casino in town that still remembers how to treat people.
Can the north end of the Las Vegas Strip make a comeback?
The northern strip has long lagged behind the glitzy south, but this story explored potential redevelopment and revitalization. Through interviews with managers and tourism officials, the reporting offered a blueprint for the North Strip’s future and questioned why it was so difficult to get into some of the area’s former glory.
For readers curious about the city’s changing geography, this was the “big picture story” of the year.
Resorts World Las Vegas was fined $10.5 million by state gaming regulators
Regulatory compliance made headlines with Resorts World’s $10.5 million fine, the second largest in Nevada history. Beyond the dollar figure, the story highlighted compliance challenges, operational risks and reputation for one of the city’s largest resorts.
It was a reminder that even big players face serious consequences in Las Vegas’ highly regulated gaming environment.
The saga of Resorts World Las Vegas is far from over, as another lawsuit was recently filed against the $4.3 billion mega-resort.
Contact David Danzis at ddanzis@ theplayerlounge.com or 702-383-0378. Follow @AC2Vegas_Danzis on X.
