A wave of job cuts across major Las Vegas casinos is raising questions about the future of the city’s post-pandemic economic rebound, even as tourism demand remains relatively strong, according to a report by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Although the exact number of impacted workers remains unclear, several resorts have confirmed layoffs over the past few months. Executives and industry experts indicate that these cuts are part of a strategic effort to streamline operations and adapt to changing economic conditions.
Amanda Belarmino, an assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, pointed out that the recent wave of job cuts reflects a broader trend that began during the Great Recession. She explained that casinos are increasingly adopting leaner staffing models aimed at maintaining, and in some cases even improving, service quality by encouraging employees to take greater ownership of their roles.
Trends visible since last year
Staff reductions have been evident since August last year, when the off-Strip Rio casino confirmed it had cut jobs. In the months that followed, properties including the Venetian, Palazzo, and Resorts World also reduced their workforce, primarily affecting supervisory positions.
More recently, — the largest private employer in Nevada — removed concierge services from six of its nine Strip properties, resulting in 19 layoffs and the transfer of 15 employees. The company is also reported to have laid off valet staff at one of its mid-tier resorts.
During MGM’s latest earnings call, Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Halkyard pointed to shifting customer preferences, noting that around 80 per cent of guest interactions now take place via digital platforms, such as the MGM app. The introduction of smart tables and other automated processes has further reduced the need for on-site staff.
One casino executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that guests are spending less on average, prompting operators to reassess their operations and cut costs accordingly.
Caesars Entertainment, another leading operator, has likewise been reviewing its staffing levels. While the company declined to disclose specific figures, President Anthony Carano said efforts were ongoing to improve efficiency across all business areas, including labour, food services, and vendor negotiations.
Fewer visits, more digital: A catalyst
In recent months, fewer international visitors have come to the city, putting more pressure on the industry. At the same time, labor costs have risen sharply due to new union agreements. As a result, many operators are reducing staff, focusing mainly on cutting higher-paid managerial positions. The unionised workers, including nearly 60,000 members of the Culinary and Bartenders Unions, have mostly kept their jobs due to job protections in their contracts.
Despite the adjustments, industry executives insist there is no immediate cause for concern. They describe the current shift as a post-COVID recalibration, driven by increased operating costs and fluctuating visitor spending patterns.
