Las Vegas Sports Teams Boost Tourism and Casino Play

Las Vegas is gearing up for increased tourism and casino activity as professional sports teams, including a potential NBA franchise and the Oakland A’s baseball team, prepare to establish themselves in the city. Casino executives from Wynn Resorts and Red Rock Resorts highlighted how these sports developments will attract more visitors, especially premium players, and contribute to a dynamic events atmosphere.

Lorenzo Fertitta, vice chair of Red Rock Resorts, pointed to the positive influence of existing teams like the NHL’s Golden Knights and the NFL’s Raiders on hotel occupancy and casino business. He said, “There are a number of different benefits we get from it and a lot of interest as these professional teams come to Las Vegas,“ emphasizing how sports events bring fans who boost table game play and hotel stays.

Fertitta added that major sporting events such as UFC fights and boxing matches also increase visitation. Visitors flying in often stay at Red Rock properties including Durango and Green Valley Ranch. Locals benefit as well, with casino marketing teams using game tickets as incentives to build brand loyalty and encourage casino play.

Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings expressed support for an NBA franchise in Las Vegas, recognizing the league’s potential to generate steady visitation. He noted, “The NBA sits somewhere in between,“ referring to the frequency of NBA games compared to other sports. Billings highlighted that NFL games, like those of the Raiders, tend to drive premium visitation on weekends, which is particularly valuable to casinos.

For players and bettors, the arrival of new sports teams means more live events to attend and potentially more opportunities for sports betting. This expansion also underscores the importance of responsible gambling practices amid increased betting activity. The growing sports calendar is helping Las Vegas evolve into an events city, offering a wider range of entertainment beyond traditional casino gaming.

As these teams settle in, players can expect enhanced experiences at casinos that leverage sports affiliations to offer exclusive promotions, loyalty benefits, and premium hospitality. However, with more events and visitors, players should remain mindful of gambling limits and seek support if gambling becomes a concern. For resources on responsible play, see Responsible Gambling.

These developments align with broader trends in the US sports betting market, where live events and team presence often correlate with increased betting interest and casino engagement. For more on sports betting and casino news in the US, see our USA coverage and sports betting updates.

Red Rock Resorts recently reported its second-best second quarter ever and is preparing to announce new casino projects in early 2027, signaling continued growth in the local gaming industry. Read more about their performance and plans here.

For detailed insights from industry executives on how sports teams are boosting Las Vegas tourism and casino play, see the full report from CDC Gaming: Gaming Executives Tout NBA Prospects and Sports for Boosting Las Vegas Tourism.

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David Rossi

David Rossi reports on international gambling markets, operator strategy, racing business, and cross-border industry developments. His coverage focuses on verified company announcements, regulatory context, and market impact.