There are plenty of warning signs for the U.S. economy, but the slowdown in Las Vegas might be the ultimate “canary in the coal mine.”
Las Vegas relies heavily on tourism, gaming, and hospitality, which account for about 40% of the local economy and support over 300,000 jobs. In 2025, the city has experienced a noticeable slowdown, with visitor numbers down approximately 7.3% through the first half of the year compared to 2024. This marks the steepest decline in over 50 years, surpassing drops during the Great Recession of 2008-2009. Hotel occupancy has fallen by nearly 6% and food and beverage sales dropped 1.6% (equating to a $191 million loss). While gaming revenue has held up—rising 5.5% in August 2025 to $1.22 billion—overall consumer spending on non-gaming activities like dining and shopping is down significantly.
Causes of the Slowdown
The dip stems from a mix of domestic and international pressures, many tied to broader U.S. economic and policy dynamics:
Economic Uncertainty and Inflation
Persistent inflation (hovering around 3-4% nationally) and high interest rates have made consumers more cautious with discretionary spending. Surveys show Americans planning smaller vacation budgets, even as more intend to travel. Traffic across the California-Nevada border on Interstate 15 fell 4.3% in June, signaling fewer road trips from key markets like Southern California.
Price Gouging
Prices in Las Vegas are completely out of control, and the problem goes well beyond simple inflation. Hefty “resort fees” are just one example.
Policy Impacts Under Trump
The administration’s escalated trade wars, tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada, and stricter immigration enforcement have chilled international tourism. Canadians, Las Vegas’s largest international visitor group, are down sharply due to trade tensions and a new $250 “visa integrity fee” that pushes total costs to $442 per visitor—one of the world’s highest. Mexicans and Europeans are also visiting less, with some attributing it to fears of deportations and economic “riled up” rhetoric. This aligns with a projected $12.5 billion national loss in international traveler spending for 2025, per the World Travel & Tourism Council. Locals are lamenting the “Trump Slump.”
Implications for the Broader U.S. Economy
Yes, this slowdown is a concerning signal for the U.S. economy, though not yet a definitive harbinger of recession. Vegas has rebounded before, so anything is possible. But this seems to be a serious problem. Reduced tourism hits suppliers, airlines, and even real estate (with slower investor demand). If this continues we may be on the way to a recession.
