Poll - 2020-12-23 | Las Vegas Advisor

Accounting from the Nevada Gaming Control Board seems to indicate that Las Vegas casino patrons are gambling more, which is common sense, since shows, clubs, attractions, and some dining venues are either shut down completely or severely curtailed. In addition, since casino capacity has been limited by the pandemic response, fewer spots at the tables mean more competition for seats, which has enabled the casinos to raise the minimum betting limits.

But with this poll, we'll get a better handle (no pun intended) on your gambling habits this deep into the pandemic, the result of which will be a more informed idea about the inverse relationship between decreased visitor volume and increased casino hold. Also, as suggested by dblund, we haven't strayed into the "why" you do what you do, just the "what." But we'd like to hear why in the comment boxes.

Please start each answer with, "Since the pandemic began ..." And you can vote for only one selection. Thanks for doing so!

587 Total Votes

I've cut my casino visits out completely and don't play online, so I now spend nothing on gambling.

50% (292)

I've cut back on my casino visits and now spend less on gambling as I did before.

19% (114)

I've maintained my usual number of casino visits and my gambling spend hasn't changed from what it was prior to the pandemic.

11% (66)

I’ve cut my casino visits out completely and I don’t gamble online, but I’m spending more than I used to on my state’s scratchoff tickets and other lottery options.

5% (32)

I've cut back on my casino visits, but spend about the same on gambling as I did before.

5% (30)

I've cut my in-person casino visits out completely, but have started gambling online.

2% (14)

I've visited casinos more often and spent more money on gambling than usual.

2% (12)

Since the pandemic began, I've spent more money on casino gambling than usual and probably will continue to do so once the other amenities open up again.

1% (7)

I’ve spent more money on casino gambling than usual, but will probably not continue to do so once the other amenities open up again.

1% (7)

I've gone to the casinos about the same number times as before, but spent less on gambling.

1% (7)

I've cut out my casino visits completely and gamble the same as before online.

1% (6)

Analysis

Since you could vote for only one choice in this poll, the total number of responses was less than usual, but given the gambling-centric demographic of LVA.com readers, this result surprised us to a certain extent.

Perhaps it shouldn't have, since most of us are older and most at risk for coming down with a deadly virus, while we're also not the typical online gamblers, but it certainly shows why Las Vegas has been so hard hit by the pandemic.

That said, 10% of us still go to casinos and spend as much as we did before the shutdowns, while a handful have started gambling in internet casinos.

One thing's for sure. Until the coronavirus is under control, casino gambling will remain near the bottom of the "non-essential activities" list.

No part of this answer may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the publisher.

Comments

Dave Dec-23-2020

Need another choice

I’m not sure if there are enough call choices.

For the record, I’ve gone to my local casino once since March with a very small bankroll. And that’s all.

But I chose the last option, stating that I didn’t go at all.

Ray Dec-23-2020

Almost the same thing

Since the pandemic began (did I do that right?) I chose, less visits/less gambling, because I don't do as much CASINO game gambling, but I couldn't choose replaced it with lottery gambling, because that's not it either. I now play the horses more than before, and I've started checking out sports betting, which I rarely did before. So the pandemic HAS cause a shift in where my gambling dollars are risked, but my guess is, that after restrictions are lifted I will probably gravitate back to typical casino games.

Susan Johnson Dec-23-2020

closed for business

I selected less trips and less gambling, not because of any safety concern, but because our governor decided to close all gambling, bars, dine in, etc.  Having visited our local casino during the time when safety protocols were in place, I felt safe being there.  There is no smoking in Illinois, so that was a large part of the safe factor.  I felt just as safe as I have entering any store or essential business.   Indiana is happy to have our business, I just don't go as often.  If you follow the 4 steps, mask, distance, wash your hands and don't touch your face, most places are as safe as any other.  And I went to Walt Disney World last month!  Haven't traveled to LV because the restrictions would be a killjoy for a gambling vacation.

Rod McElvain Dec-23-2020

Rod

Since the pandemic began is not an appropriate start to my comment. Your choices are fairly comprehensive but have a fatal flaw for me. There should be another choice between the last two.  I should have been able to put, "I've cut my casino visits out completely and don't play online, but I'm spending nearly the same on my state's lottery options.

Morgan Evans Dec-24-2020

Minimums Tripled

With the table game minimums tripling in my area, that puts a hold on my gambling as I am not a big better. Until that changes, I have found other things to do. Don't really miss it that much. Too many things have changed and shut down in Las Vegas, that I do not have the urge to go unless that changes. Sad, as I've been going to Las Vegas over 40 years.

gaattc2001 Dec-24-2020

Vegas once, Laughlin once...

one short visit to a locals casino, and Laughlin planned again for New Years'--Governor Sisolak permitting. That's four trips since March, down considerably in both number of visits and action. Many visits to the local sports bar poker game, but one of the leagues is shut down completely so that's down too. Also a lot of video poker on line, but not for money,

Teresa Harrison Dec-28-2020

Table Minimums too high

Since the pandemic began I play more slots and less table games.  The table minimums are ridiculously high.  I refuse to play until the table minimums r reduced.

Seamans Dec-30-2020

gambling more ?

I have been to casinos in several states and they all have raised the minimum bet. $10 BJ and craps. Only one casino in OK stayed the same. The Apache in Lawton OK. The casinos are trying to make up for lost time. They are not very sensitive to the average joe. It has saved me money.

Barbara Margan Dec-30-2020

babs

Be safe and keep on living life!

Lynette Keen Dec-31-2020

Ohio

In March, we went to the casino b/c the mask-wearing was just a suggestion.  Then they closed the casinos & when they re-opened, the safety protocols didn't bother us as there is no smoking (except designated areas) & there were no places to eat.  We still go about two times a month.  We bring the same amount of cash & stay about the same amount of hours. We were hoping to go to Vegas this year but won't go until the mask-wearing is over & all the buffets are open.

Stan Dec-31-2020

I like the quiet casinos

I’ve gone more often and with a bigger bankroll, because the table limits are higher, there’s nothing else to do, and because the COVID problem is less in LV than SoCal.

Luis Dec-31-2020

Bad Stuff

As an Emergency room Phisician I've seen too much bad stuff going on with Covid, and I'm just not going to take any chance of geting the virus ( or giving it to someone for that matter), the only shure defense is staying home, going out only for must do things, and going to Vegas is not on my pressing needs. We are overworked I know it for a fact, and some unwind time is realy needed, but now is not the time, and I still have to much work to do with my covid patients ( I wish I didn't have to see so many sufering people). Take care, stay home, there will be time for Vegas!!

Poll : 23 December - 05 January 2021

Analysis

Comments