The Nevada Resort Association issued its bi-annual report Wednesday that showed the state’s tourism industry in 2024 generated nearly $100 billion in economic activity, supported 437,000 jobs, and paid about $2.4 billion in industry-specific taxes.
The 2025 report called “The Facts,” compiled by research firm Applied Analysis, shows that all indicators are up significantly since the last report was issued in 2023.
“We’re very encouraged by the signs that the industry is strong,” said Virginia Valentine, president and CEO of the Nevada Resort Association. “It continues to show growth both in the revenue it provides and employment across all metrics. The Fact Book shows the role that tourism and gaming play in the state’s economy. It’s the largest for employment, taxes, economic activity, and health insurance.”
The report showed $98 billion in total economic impact, 37% of the state’s total gross domestic product; 436,600 total jobs supporting 28 percent of the state’s total employment; $24.4 billion in total wage and salary payments; and $2.4 billion in industry-specific taxes and fees, more than any other Nevada industry and generating 34% of the state’s general fund revenue. That includes gross gaming, live entertainment, and room taxes that support state and local governments.
According to the report, the industry’s contributions ensure a lower tax environment by reducing each household’s tax burden by approximately $3,052.
The industry generated $15.8 billion in gaming revenue in the state’s fiscal year that ended in June and currently has $18 billion in ongoing or planned tourism-related capital-improvement projects, the Resort Association said.
“A strong tourism industry fuels job creation, allows small businesses to thrive, generates vital tax revenue for state and local governments, fosters capital investments, and strengthens community organizations,” said John Maddox, chair of the Nevada Resort Association Board of Directors. “In addition to our substantial economic contributions, we take great pride in our work with local nonprofits and as leaders in environmental sustainability.”
In addition, the 76-page report highlights the ripple effect on other businesses that supply goods and services to the resort industry and evaluates the induced impact of spending in the community by hospitality employees.
“It’s clear that the tourism industry is a vital engine of economic growth, creating a far-reaching ripple effect across the community,” Valentine said. “Our industry spends millions of dollars on goods and services with local vendors, including small businesses. Leisure and hospitality employees flow back their wages into the economy, supporting neighborhood restaurants, grocery stores, barber shops, salons, dry cleaners, and more. This continuous cycle of investment and reinvestment fuels local businesses, creates jobs, and strengthens the foundation of our community.”
The report came out as Valentine was in Carson City talking to the state’s lawmakers convened for the current legislative session. One of the issues is daily room cleaning.
“We’re tracking about 150 different bills dealing with gaming employment and labor,” Valentine said. “Across the board, this is an industry that’s touched by so much of the legislation that legislators consider. We like to have a seat at the table and tell them about our concerns, issues, what helps us, and what keeps the industry growing.”
The report includes a section on the industry’s social impacts, detailing its many charitable contributions, community-engagement activities, and commitment to environmental sustainability. The Resort Association said the industry continues to lead the way in implementing water-conservation and energy-reduction programs, utilizing renewable energy sources, recycling, and diverting materials and waste from landfills.
Resort companies donate millions to local nonprofits each year, support and promote employee volunteerism programs, and provide in-kind donations of much-needed goods and services to organizations in need, the report said.
As the state’s largest employment sector, the industry insures the largest number of employees. The resort industry spends the most on health-insurance premiums of any industry in Nevada. On average, the industry spends more than $4,800 per employee on health benefits.
