How Has Reno Fared During the Pandemic?

In comparison to Las Vegas, how has Reno been affected by the pandemic? Are all of their numbers down? Have any of their numbers rebounded? How are the tourist numbers in comparison to Las Vegas?

In 2019, Reno-Tahoe International processed 4.5 million through its doors. That number dropped to less than half, 2 million, in 2020, the pandemic year. It rebounded to 3.6 million last year. So Reno isn’t all the way back yet, but it’s making significant progress.

We don’t have ready access to drive-in statistics, but in a good year, Reno draws 5 million visitors overall.

The busiest months of the year for gaming revenue in Reno are July through September, so let’s look at some data from the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

In July 2019, Reno casinos earned $51 million. The following year, it dropped 8.5% to $46.6 million (far better than the statewide average decline of 46%). In August, the casinos went from 2019’s $57.4 million to $51.5 million, a 10% dip. And in September 2020, Reno began to catch up with the wider state (down 22%), with a decline of 15% from 2019’s $64.6 million to $55 million.

While Reno was relatively pandemic resistant, it hasn't rebounded as dramatically as the rest of the Silver State. In July 2021, with statewide gaming numbers up 110%, Reno recaptured only 38%, with revenue improving to $64.5 million. August saw a 41% surge, with casinos recording revenue of $72.4 million. In September, the warm streak cooled a bit, with a 10% uptick to $62.7 million.

While the Las Vegas Market tends to wax hot and cold (especially the Strip), Reno can described as reliably mild.

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Kevin Lewis Apr-19-2022

Not the same gougefest

Reno's gambling is much better than Vegas's (3:2 BJ; better VP), its room prices are lower (often, MUCH lower), parking is usually free, resort fees are much lower, the food is cheaper and better...it has always been a superior destination to Vegas in every way. Add to that the fact that rather than being surrounded by thousands of square miles of scorched wasteland, Reno has Lake Tahoe nearby...I guess the current Vegas feeding frenzy is because people don't know any better.

What I don't know is whether the Reno casinos have adopted the Vegas permanent short-staff shitty-service model. I doubt it, though. And with the Tesla plant and in-migration from the Bay Area fueling a huge boom, maybe Reno will be permanently doing things its own way from now on.

Reno Faoro Apr-19-2022

reno

as far as i see RENO/RINO is getting along nicely. cooler temps are a plus .

rds95991 Apr-19-2022

Competition

Reno has another problem and that is competition from the casinos in Northern California.  From Sacramento, there are at least five casinos within an hour’s drive.  Far easier to get to for a quick day trip.  And most are along the 80/50 highway corridors from the Bay Area to Reno.

mofromto Apr-19-2022

My favorite place

I totally agree with Kevin Lewis. I have always loved going to Reno and would choose it over Las Vegas in a heartbeat. Not only do you have the city which is charming and fun and as Mr Lewis accurately describes it, but also the beautiful and breath-taking Lake Tahoe just over an hour's drive away and some wonderful places to visit like Virginia City and Pyramid Lake. I spent many a summer holiday pre-pandemic of which I have many happy memories.I'd always hoped that the Cal-Neva Resort would re-open some day so that I could stay at it even if only for one night.
Sadly it is now unaffordable to get to from Eastern Canada as one has to connect either through Las Vegas, Denver or San Francisco and fares have double or tripled and car rentals are now out of sight.

Michael Mendoza Apr-19-2022

Reno

I agree the drive to Reno from the Bay Area is just stunning, but I love the action of Las Vegas. The truly bad thing about Reno, is the 25 dollar all day craps tables at Silver Legacy and at night the El Dorado is the same :(  At least El dorado was 10 dollars when I was there last month. Even the hole in the wall Cal Neva was 10 bucks as was the Atlantis down the road :(

Question of the Day - 19 April 2022

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