The dazzling lights and ringing slots of Nevada continue to herald an era of economic prosperity for the state’s gaming industry. February marked another victorious chapter, with revenues surpassing the previous year’s intake, totaling a staggering $1.34 billion. This figure not only eclipsed the $1.24 billion generated in February of the preceding year but also represented a robust 4.7% increase from the impressive $1.28 billion noted in January of this year, which itself was a record-breaker, setting the tone for the strongest start to a year in Nevada’s illustrious gambling history.
In the breakdown of this windfall, slot machines proved to be the undisputed champion, amassing $827.6 million for February—a modest 0.6% bump from 2023’s figures. The intricate tapestry of Nevada’s gaming revenues revealed that multi-denomination slot games, contributing $536.6 million, along with penny slot machines, which garnered $207.6 million, were the crown jewels in the slots category. Despite the overall growth in the slots sector, it is worth noting that only multi-denomination slot games witnessed an uptick, while other types within this segment experienced a downturn.
February also brought an extraordinary surge in revenue for baccarat, soaring to an awe-inspiring 75.5% increase at $180.1 million. Blackjack, too, enjoyed a remarkable ascent, with revenues rising by 15.6% to reach $132.5 million, and craps saw a 22% boost, rising to a formidable $44.7 million. Other notable ascents in gaming revenues came from Ultimately Texas Hold’em, which edged up by 4.4% to $18.0 million, and Pai Gow Poker, climbing 4.7% to $10.4 million.
The month of festivities was further marked by the hosting of this year’s Super Bowl at the modern marvel, Allegiant Stadium. The Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious, narrowly defeating the San Francisco 49ers with a score of 25-22. With such a high-profile event, it comes as little surprise that the state reported a significant 16.0% rise in sports pool revenue to $47.9 million in February. Interestingly though, American football comprised only $12.0 million of this sum. Basketball was the prime betting sport, with revenues hitting $24.7 million. Meanwhile, hockey betting chipped in with $4.3 million, and other sports combined for an additional $7.7 million. In contrast, betting on baseball generated a $929,000 loss. It was also noted that $23.8 million of the sports pool revenue derived from mobile wagering.
The Las Vegas Strip, Nevada’s jewel in the crown of gambling, did not lag behind, clocking in revenues amounting to $800.7 million in February, marking a 12.4% jump on a year-on-year basis. Slot revenue on the Strip saw a slight decline of 2.4%, totaling $381.0 million for the month. Echoing the state-wide trend, the Strip’s multi-denomination slots were the sole area to report growth, as all other games types declined. However, a contrasting rise was observed in table, counter, and card games revenues which leaped by a remarkable 30.3% to $419.7 million. Baccarat’s performance shone particularly brightly with an 81.9% upsurge in revenue, amounting to $180.5 million, while blackjack increased by 20.8%, resulting in $107.8 million. The realm of sports pool revenue on the Strip also enjoyed a healthy boost, climbing by 9.9% to reach $24.7 million in February.
The February figures are a testament to Nevada’s indomitable spirit and its gaming industry’s adaptive resilience. Amid a landscape of entertainment and chance, Nevada continues to beckon fortune-seekers and entertainment aficionados alike, propelling the state’s economy and confirming its position as a titan of the gambling world.
