Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Price at the pump to blame for Las Vegas slump?

Casino profits are down and hotels aren't filling rooms, prompting resorts to offer lower rates and special deals. The problem is people can't take advantage of the discounts if they can't afford to travel to Las Vegas.

Fuel prices continue to rise, forcing airlines to cut flights and bump up prices. Last week US Airways Group Inc. announced that it was cutting almost half of its flights to Las Vegas, resulting in 8,000 or more fewer seats available per day.

For tourists who once preferred to drive to Las Vegas, paying more than $4 a gallon for gas leaves little money to spend once they get here so many are reconsidering the trip.

Nevada revenues are expected to dip this year and next year, to $12.4 billion in 2009 compared to $12.8 billion in 2007, according to a worldwide gambling forecast released Wednesday by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. The financial consulting company says Nevada is expected to rebound in 2010.

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy