Major Las Vegas Casino Stories That Shaped 2024: From Closures to Record Breakers
Let's focus on the major Las Vegas casino news events of 2024, highlighting their significance and impact on the industry.
Super Bowl LVIII made history in February as Las Vegas hosted its first NFL championship game, generating a record $185.6 million in wagers and nearly $1 billion in economic impact. This milestone solidified Vegas as a major sports destination.
Football players on city street
July brought two significant events: Las Vegas broke its heat record at 120°F, and the iconic Mirage casino closed its doors after 35 years. The property will be transformed into the Hard Rock Las Vegas by 2027.
Mirage casino demolition in Las Vegas
Major regulatory actions included:
- Resorts World faced anti-money laundering charges from the Nevada Gaming Control Board in August
- Wynn Las Vegas agreed to a record $130.13 million settlement for money laundering violations in September
- Former Resorts World president Scott Sibella surrendered his gaming license in December
The historic Tropicana casino was imploded in October to make way for a potential Oakland A's stadium and new Bally's resort.
Tropicana Las Vegas demolition
Other notable developments included:
- UFC 306 at the Sphere set revenue records in September
- The Culinary Union launched its first strike in 22 years at Virgin Las Vegas
- The FTC banned hidden resort fees in December, affecting how Vegas hotels advertise rates
- Strip casino revenue declined for the fourth straight month in October