In a strategic move to counter a persistent downturn in visitor numbers, the Circus Circus hotel on the Las Vegas Strip has revived the classic game of bingo. This initiative aims to draw budget-conscious tourists back to Sin City, where tourism has been declining steadily.
A Nostalgic Gamble to Boost Attendance
Circus Circus announced the return of bingo last week, positioning it as a family-friendly and affordable entertainment option. The hotel plans to host games from Thursday to Sunday, featuring five sessions daily with 14 games each, starting at 3pm. According to PRNewswire, the new bingo hall on the Promenade Level can accommodate approximately 255 people and includes an expanded coin-operated slot area.
Affordable Entertainment in a Challenging Climate
Shana Gerety, the general manager of Circus Circus, emphasised the timing of this revival. 'There's never been a better time to bring bingo back to the Las Vegas Strip,' she stated. 'At Circus Circus, we're honoring the classic Las Vegas experience guests have always loved, while adding modern touches that keep it fresh for a new generation drawn to nostalgia.'
Players can purchase a full session package for $30, with cash prizes ranging from $50 to $1,500. Gerety highlighted the hotel's commitment to value, noting, 'Today's guests want fun, affordable experiences, and that's exactly what we brought back with Slots-A-Fun, the Strip's only coin-operated casino floor.' She added that budget-friendly offerings like cheap beer and food complement the bingo hall, which uses paper packets and real daubers.
Tourism Numbers Paint a Grim Picture
This revival comes against a backdrop of significant challenges for Las Vegas tourism. Data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) reveals a 7.5% drop in visitors in 2025 compared to the previous year, marking the lowest annual total since the post-pandemic recovery in 2021. Specifically, Vegas welcomed around 38,548,500 visitors in 2025, down from 41,676,300 in 2024.
The Strip experienced twelve consecutive months of year-over-year visitor declines in 2024. Steve Hill, CEO of LVCVA, acknowledged the difficulties, stating, 'Las Vegas operates at a scale that few destinations can match, and 2025 required us to remain nimble as conditions evolved.' He attributed part of the decline to economic pressures on customers and sociopolitical events, such as tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump, which deterred international visitors.
Historical Context and Future Hopes
This is not the first attempt to revive bingo on the Strip. Over a decade ago, the now-shuttered Riviera hotel tried unsuccessfully to reintroduce the game in 2012, but the venture failed, and the hotel closed permanently in 2015. Despite this precedent, Circus Circus is optimistic about its updated approach.
Interestingly, while visitor numbers have dwindled, gaming revenue on the Strip reached approximately $8.8 billion in 2025, showing a slight increase from the previous year. Hill remains confident about 2026, asserting, 'Las Vegas remains a category of one. Our focus will continue to be providing value to our visitors and delivering experiences that elevate our place as the leading leisure and business destination.'
The Daily Mail has reached out to Circus Circus for further comment on this development.
