Digital Wager Wire highlights the most significant events affecting the domestic and international sports betting and gaming industries each week throughout the year.
Circa Owner Bullish on Vegas
As reported here last week, tourism in Las Vegas took a dive over the summer, with reports revealing that 11% fewer people visited Sin City this June compared to last June. A reported 3.1 million visitors came to the desert this June, which was down from 3.5 million in June 2024.
The dip was attributed to a myriad of factors, but the soaring costs of hotel accommodations, the omnipresent resort fees, and the many gaming options available to gamblers throughout the nation and on their phones were certainly first and foremost. It’s a major concern, especially to the owners of the pricey Las Vegas Strip properties, but some in Vegas are more bullish than others.
Downtown Hotels Less Affected
Derek Stevens, owner of the Circa in downtown Las Vegas, believes the allure of Sin City will always attract curiosity seekers and those who like to wager where the big boys bet. Moreover, we should note that the downtown hotels were less affected by the tourism dip, as their clientele is typically locals who know where to get better odds and cheaper entertainment.
“I think some of the data in Las Vegas indicates that some of these stories are a bit exaggerated,” said Stevens. “The June gaming numbers were just released, and not everything is terrible. He added, “I think in six months, I would believe that Vegas tourism and our economy overall will be in a much better place.”
He could be right, as Caesars’ CEO Tom Reeg recently echoed those sentiments at a recent earnings call. “I’m not suggesting this is a huge bullish turn,” Reeg said. “It’s like your tire had a leak, and you patched it at this point. The fourth quarter, first quarter, and second quarter, we’re projecting a record group year in Vegas for 2025, and 2026 should be another one.”
Caesars Announces Rising iGaming Sector
Caesars is continuously adding to its iGaming catalog, and its efforts are resonating with the public, where the iGaming sector showed a 24% increase from last year. The iconic gaming company has been relying on its in-house team of software engineers, combined with third-party tech vendors, for more engaging content and an increase in slot titles and table games.
The newest addition to the Caesars iGaming content is Signature American Roulette, which recently launched in New Jersey. This new take on an old game allows users to control the speed and direction of the spin and will save a player’s favorite combination of numbers. Signature American Roulette is now one of over 70 table games available on Caesars Palace Online Casino and Horseshoe Online Casino in New Jersey for those 21 and over.
“Signature American Roulette continues our commitment to delivering immersive and player-centric table games that align with our many iconic brands,” said Scott Krell, senior director of game products and head of studio at Caesars Digital.
