This Week in Gambling

Economic data released early this year paints an unsettled picture for the Las Vegas economy as it enters 2026. While the region closed out 2025 with decent performance from casino operators, a combination of shaky employment figures and a persistent lag in Vegas tourism visitation has created a climate of uncertainty for southern Nevada. According to a recent report from the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, the city workforce is beginning to feel the impact of a broader slowdown. Las Vegas lost 4,700 jobs between September and November of last year. The leisure and hospitality sector accounted for…

Planet Hollywood is scheduled to close its poker room on January 31, 2026. This decision marks the second time the casino has shuttered its poker operations in recent years. The current iteration of the Planet Hollywood Poker Room lasted less than nine months after a highly publicized return to the Las Vegas Strip in May 2025. The closure follows a difficult period for the venue, which struggled to maintain a consistent player base despite significant investment. When the Planet Hollywood Poker Room reopened last year, it was moved from its traditional spot on the main gaming floor to a new…

In the Epic Fish Adventure online slot, the action centers on the dynamic Wild Symbols and the lucrative Fish Collection feature. During the game, every Wild fisherman symbol that appears actively reels in the cash values attached to all FISH symbols currently on the reels, paving the way for substantial payouts. This maritime journey takes place on a classic 5×3 grid with 10 fixed paylines, and the slot is balanced with a medium-to-high volatility math model that keeps the tension high. The excitement of theEpic Fish Adventure online slot truly ramps up when the Sea Plane Bonus symbols take flight….

The Golden Gate Casino marked its 120th anniversary this month, reaching a milestone as the oldest continuously operating hotel and casino in Las Vegas while undergoing a significant shift in its gaming operations. Founded in 1906 as the Hotel Nevada, the property celebrated its history with events that highlighted its role as the city’s first permanent hotel. The anniversary follows a major operational transition completed in late 2025. Golden Gate Casino has removed all live dealer table games from its floor, replacing them with electronic table games and digital interfaces. This change was spearheaded by owner Derek Stevens, who also…

A recent analysis of Nevada gaming data reveals a long-term shift in the performance of Nevada slots, as player win percentages continue to decline while casino revenue margins see a corresponding rise. The report, issued by the UNLV Center for Gaming Research, indicates that the statewide average hold percentage for slot machines has increased significantly over the last two decades. According to the findings, the average hold on Nevada slots has risen from approximately 5.72 percent in 2004 to as high as 7.15 percent in recent reporting cycles. This represents a 26 percent increase in the portion of wagered money…

Station Casinos has announced a comprehensive multimillion-dollar investment strategy across its Southern Nevada portfolio as the company prepares for its 50th anniversary on July 1. The initiative includes significant expansions at its newest resort and large-scale renovations at several established locations throughout the Las Vegas Valley. The most substantial portion of the capital investment is directed toward Durango Casino and Resort in southwest Las Vegas. The company recently began a second phase of development at the property with a price tag of 385 million dollars. This project follows the December completion of a new high-limit slot room and a 2,000-space…