Las Vegas Casinos Replace Live Dealers with ETGs as Tourism Declines

Las Vegas casinos are adapting to declining tourism by replacing live dealers with electronic table games (ETGs), as industry operators strive to meet changing consumer demands. The decline in visitors to Sin City has raised concerns about the future of traditional casino games, prompting a shift to digital solutions.

Recent data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) shows a 12%  for July 2025, with only 3.09 million visitors compared to 3.5 million in 2024. Hotel occupancy also dropped, with a 7% decrease from 86.5% last year. The decline is attributed to a combination of seasonal slowdowns, economic uncertainty, and the growing popularity of online gaming.

In response to these trends, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino announced its decision to replace all live dealers with electronic table games (ETGs). Derek Stevens, CEO of Golden Gate, explained that the shift reflects the ongoing evolution of the industry, noting that the pandemic and the rise of online gaming have changed how consumers engage with casino games.

The ETG trend is gaining momentum in Las Vegas as casinos look to attract younger gamblers who are more accustomed to playing on digital devices. Stevens pointed out that the shift to ETGs is part of a broader effort to cater to evolving preferences, where players are now more comfortable gambling on their phones and digital platforms.

“The reality is customers are changing,” Stevens said. “Younger customers want to play slots a lot more than they used to, and people love these electronic games.”

The new format aims to provide a more social experience, with multiple players using individual screens to play collectively. Stevens compared this new approach to the energy of group play around slot machines, which have seen increasing popularity. The shift towards ETGs is seen as a way to revitalize the gaming floor and attract a youthful customer base.

Despite the popularity of ETGs, live dealer games may not completely disappear from the casino scene. Stevens clarified that while the focus is shifting toward digital solutions, live table games may eventually become more of a luxury offering for high-end casinos.

Casinos are also facing broader economic pressures, with Nevada’s gaming industry experiencing a decrease in net income. According to reports, the state’s 307 major casinos generated $31.5 billion in 2024, but net income dropped by 24%, underlining the challenges faced by the traditional casino model.

Stevens also highlighted that casinos like  are reallocating live dealers to other properties, including Circa Resort & Casino, where ETGs have already proven successful in boosting traffic.

While some casinos are going all-digital, others are continuing to blend traditional and electronic experiences. For example, Resorts World New York City and MGM Empire City feature ETGs and video lottery terminals, but they are also vying for Class III gaming licenses to reintroduce live dealer tables and expand their offerings.

As Las Vegas adapts to the digital age, operators are finding innovative ways to blend traditional gaming excitement with modern technology. The shift to ETGs represents a move toward creating a more interactive, approachable gaming experience, especially for those who prefer digital over in-person play.

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The transition towards electronic games is part of the ongoing evolution of Las Vegas casinos, which are increasingly focused on attracting younger, tech-savvy players while maintaining the excitement and glamour associated with the Las Vegas experience. Although live table games may never disappear entirely, they could become more specialized in the future as casinos strive to meet the changing demands of today’s players.

Stevens concluded, “It’s not that I’m predicting the demise of table games in any way. I think they’re going to become more of a high-end luxury thing. The rest of the market is evolving.”

Source:

““, foxnews.com, September 10, 2025.