Despite the drop in tourism, gambling in Las Vegas continues to rise

Nevada: epicenter of innovation

According to official figures from the U.S. Census Bureau , Nevada's imports of gaming machines under harmonized code 950430 (which includes slot machines) reached $237 million between January and June of this year. This represents an increase of $41.8 million compared to the previous year, when the total imports were $195.3 million. 

The increase represents a positive variation of 21.5%, which suggests that operators continue to invest in technological and equipment renovation, even in a context that at first glance would seem to be unfavorable due to the decline in tourism in Las Vegas .

However, the dynamism of the US market is not only explained by imports: The state also boasts a unique industrial capacity. A true gaming corridor has emerged around Las Vegas, where several leading companies have established and expanded manufacturing and assembly plants. State officials emphasize that these investments consolidate Nevada as an epicenter of technological innovation in gaming equipment, in parallel with the growth of its imports.

Local market

Data from the Malvinas Information System confirm that the United States accounts for the majority of shipments from the local market, followed by Mexico and Spain. 

The local context of simplified import procedures, centralized controls, and flexible certifications created a favorable environment for the sector. So much so that more than 3,600 units have been imported so far this year, which represents more than double the number of machines imported for 2024. This is according to information from the General Directorate of Customs for tariff item 9504.30.

Comparing the January-August performance with records from 2019, this year ranks as the second-best in the series, behind only the post-pandemic surge of 2022. In fact, 3,665 units were imported between January and September, confirming that, despite the more pessimistic voices, 2025 is proving to be a good year for gaming globally. 

The picture is simple: even with fears of declining tourism on the Strip, the data confirms that 2025 is proving to be a great year for the slot machine market. Record imports, sustained production, and well-oiled supply chains. And the best part: the year isn't over yet.

* Tomás Galarza holds a degree in Political Science, is an MBA student and a Foreign Trade Analyst, working at ASAP Comercio Exterior , a company with more than 35 years of experience in the market, specializing in offering comprehensive logistics solutions for foreign trade.