When you think of the Las Vegas Strip you think of flashing slot machines, packed tables and busy casino floors. But there’s more to it than that. Casino resorts on the Strip like Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International have been adding all sorts of non-gambling attractions. From family friendly events to celebrity dining experiences it turns out these extras bring in big money too.
So what’s happening on the Strip that’s bringing in revenue besides gambling? Let’s get to it.
Family friendly and daytime attractions
Take Circus Circus Hotel and Casino for example. Known for its carnival like atmosphere this resort has daily circus acts, a Midway arcade and prize games that open at 11am. Families can watch free circus performances starting at 1:30pm, making Circus Circus a destination for parents and kids. But if you’re under 21 don’t expect to be able to get onto the casino floor – that’s strictly off limits.
If you want to chill out the Strip’s hotels have more than just rooms and casinos. Sun worshippers can lounge by the pool and golfers can hit the links. When the sun goes down the options get even better.
Celebrity chef dining experiences
Las Vegas is a foodie’s paradise thanks to big name chefs and iconic restaurants. Wolfgang Puck and Gordon Ramsay bring their famous flavors to the MGM Grand and Caesars Palace respectively. Caesars properties also have top chefs like Bobby Flay and Guy Fieri. These high end eateries are more than just a meal they’re an experience that draws foodies from around the world.
Celebrity chef restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip:
- Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill at MGM Grand
- Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay at Caesars Palace
- Bobby Flay’s Restaurants at Caesars properties
- Guy Fieri’s Flavortown at Caesars properties
Classic and modern entertainment
Magic shows are a Las Vegas institution. For fans of illusion David Copperfield performs his signature show at the MGM Grand, Penn & Teller do a mix of magic and comedy at the Rio. Las Vegas has five Cirque du Soleil shows each with its own theme like Michael Jackson One at Mandalay Bay and O at the Bellagio.
Las Vegas Strip’s Magic and Cirque du Soleil:
- David Copperfield at MGM Grand
- Penn & Teller at Rio
- Cirque du Soleil Shows:
- Michael Jackson One (Mandalay Bay)
- Mystère (Treasure Island)
- O (Bellagio)
- Kà (MGM Grand)
- Mad Apple (New York-New York)
For music fans Las Vegas has residencies from big name artists like Adele, Donny Osmond and Wayne Newton. These residencies bring in a constant flow of visitors as fans come to see their favourite artists perform night after night.
Non-gaming revenue soars
While gaming is still a big part of the equation, Caesars Entertainment hit a record for non-gaming revenue in the third quarter. On October 29, Caesars reported a small decline in overall revenue, down 2.6% year-over-year to $2.87 billion, with a net loss of $9 million. Adjusted EBITDA (a measure of profit) was down 4% to $1 billion.
Despite the decline, Caesars credited high occupancy rates—97.1% in Q3—and revenue from hotel stays, dining and events for keeping things strong. But they didn’t break out non-gaming revenue so we can’t see just how big a piece of the pie that is.
Caesars digital online
Caesars Digital, the online platform, was up 40% in adjusted EBITDA, with $303 million in revenue and $52 million in adjusted EBITDA. That’s up from $2 million in the same quarter last year as online gaming expands into new markets.
What’s next for the strip?
The Strip’s focus on entertainment, dining and unique experiences along with gaming is a winner. This appeals to a broader audience—families, foodies and music fans—who come for more than just a spin on the roulette wheel. With steady occupancy and growing demand for non-gaming attractions it’s clear the Las Vegas casino resorts are onto something.
