LS ‘ Vegas’ Golden Age Is Ending — And MGM’s Massive Layoffs Just Confirmed What Insiders Feared What industry experts whispered for years has finally crashed into reality: the Vegas boom is slowing, the crowds are thinning, and MGM’s sweeping layoffs are the clearest signal yet that the Strip’s unstoppable era is fading. Executives are tightening budgets, casino floors are shrinking staff, and long-planned expansions are quietly being paused behind closed doors’ LS

Las Vegas, once a beacon of glitz and glamour, is facing a stark reality as MGM Resorts announces significant layoffs amid a dramatic downturn in tourism. The city’s vibrant pulse is fading, with nearly one million fewer visitors in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year, leading to a drop in hotel occupancy rates from 89% to just above 85%. This slump is not merely seasonal; it marks a troubling trend that could have far-reaching implications for the U.S. economy.

The decline in tourism is palpable. Casino floors, once bustling with excitement, are now eerily quiet, and hotel lobbies that once buzzed with life are seeing fewer travelers dragging suitcases through their doors. MGM, a cornerstone of the Las Vegas economy, is feeling the pressure as it slashes jobs and reduces services. Over a thousand part-time positions have vanished, primarily affecting frontline workers who are crucial to the guest experience. Reports indicate longer wait times and diminished amenities at properties like Excalibur and Luxor, signaling a shift from a focus on expansion to one of survival.

Several factors contribute to this downturn. Rising travel costs, including skyrocketing airfare and exorbitant resort fees, have made Las Vegas feel less accessible. International tourism, particularly from Asia and Europe, has plummeted due to stricter visa regulations and longer processing times, further squeezing the city’s revenue streams. The average family now faces high upfront costs before even booking a trip, deterring many from considering Las Vegas as a viable destination.

Moreover, changing consumer attitudes play a critical role. Today’s travelers seek authentic experiences and value for money, moving away from the extravagant escapism that Las Vegas has long marketed. The city, once synonymous with indulgence, now grapples with a reputation for being overpriced and out of touch with modern desires.

The effects of these shifts are evident not only in the empty hotel rooms but also in the livelihoods of workers like Maria, a housekeeping supervisor, and James, a security officer, who are struggling to make ends meet as their hours dwindle. The local economy, heavily reliant on tourism, is starting to show signs of strain, with businesses across the strip feeling the impact of reduced foot traffic and spending.

Despite the bleak outlook, MGM is attempting to pivot its strategy. The company is investing in property upgrades and diversifying its offerings to attract a higher-end clientele, aiming to shift from volume to profitability. However, rebuilding trust with consumers who now view Las Vegas as a costly destination will require more than just marketing campaigns; it demands a fundamental change in how the city is perceived and experienced.

As Las Vegas grapples with this existential crisis, the stakes extend beyond its borders. If this iconic tourism hub cannot stabilize, it raises questions about the resilience of other major travel destinations in the U.S. The urgency for effective public policy and support for workers is more critical than ever, as the city fights to reclaim its status as America’s playground. The lights may be dimming, but the fight for Las Vegas’s future is just beginning.