Leading Vegas economist expects big things from the city in 2025

Updated January 20, 2025
Updated January 20, 2025By Chris Boline
las vegas gaming news jan 2025

A thriving sports and entertainment mecca in the U.S., Las Vegas continues to flourish as the city enters the midway point of the 2020s. Per a recent local report from the LVRJ, a leading local economist sees continued prosperity for Southern Nevada, even with significant challenges ahead. This information was gathered partially from Richard Velotta at the RJ, kicking off Las Vegas 2025 at the Las Vegas Convention Center earlier this month. Jeremy Aguero, principal for Las Vegas-based Applied Analysis, emphasized the value of experience as a draw to Southern Nevada. This of course highlights the continued appeal of “sports and entertainment” even while addressing issues like homelessness, housing affordability, population growth, debt, and inflation. “We have proven all of the skeptics wrong, we are not the greatest ghost town in the world, right? The idea that hockey will never work in the desert. Wrong and wrong,” he said.

In this article, SBS will be going over what to look for from the latest gaming news coming from the southern portion of the Silver State along with some additional notes and info. 

Latest economic prediction shown at LVC networking event

Also noted in the report, about 1,500 people were registered for the Vegas Chamber’s largest networking event that featured “dozens of booths of Las Vegas businesses as well as presentations by speakers forecasting what’s ahead for 2025.” Aguero suggested that if the public would respond to Las Vegas on issues of homelessness and health care the way they responded to turning the city into the sports and entertainment capital of the nation, it could “transform it to something greater” than it is. His exuberance for the notion has a showcase quote below.

“And so if we think about it from that standpoint, I would like you to imagine for a moment, what if the same way we have had transformational changes relative to redefining our tourism industry, what if we were to do the same thing?” he said notably in the same article. “What if people came to Las Vegas the same way they come to see an event or do something else because of our world-class education system? If the next public-private partnership we invest in as a community, the way we work together, will revolutionize our healthcare system? What if the next milestone we hit was the highest level of homeownership we have ever had in our community? What if we measured everything we do in this community based on the value of the experience it delivers for the people and businesses here?”

Economist notes momentum of Vegas’ population base

Per the same article, statistically, Las Vegas has been running on all cylinders by many economic measures, Aguero said, even though it has not been established as long as urban powerhouses like New York and Chicago. Additionally, it reached a population base of two million in about 53 years compared with Orlando (56 years), Nashville (101 years), and Salt Lake City (105-plus years). Additionally, there are notable positives for Southern Nevada with a growing percentage of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher and resources like UNLV ready to help. 

Las Vegas continues to make headway in satisfaction

Also covered in the article, while homelessness and housing affordability are major challenges, Aguero noted that visitors to Las Vegas generally have great satisfaction with their visits – and that leads to more people of means considering moves there. Additionally, there are weaknesses in healthcare services, but he noted that operations like Intermountain Health, Cleveland Clinic, and West Henderson Hospital are improving their visibility there. Events like the Super Bowl, Formula One, and college sports events raise the profile of Las Vegas as a prospective home to people who visit. Finally, he noted that the Raiders, which had one of their worst seasons ever in 2024, still command some of the highest ticket prices in the league, a testament to Las Vegas and its facilities. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, I would suggest to you that the choices that we make here in 2025 relative to water and schools and our economy and all types of things are going to define us tomorrow,” Aguero concluded in his report. While things to do look positive for the region as a whole overall according to multiple outlets, one professor from UNLV said in another report this month that gaming and hotel nights might go down this year and also in 2026. However, the Las Vegas economic engine does certainly seem to be going full steam ahead following the pandemic. 

Other thoughts and info regarding Vegas gaming news

After you are all up to speed in relation to the latest gambling updates and notes coming from Sin City, make sure to check out the excellent array of info for you over at SBS. Of course, for even more analysis on the topic here, the online Vegas sportsbooks guide has your back where eligible customers can learn more about the latest updates coming from the region. Moreover, for those who qualify and are looking to maximize their bets, make sure to check out the best bonus betting sites breakdown goes over an excellent array of insights. This includes a catalog of the latest and greatest welcome bonus offers available to you. Finally, for those on the go, the best betting apps rundown has you covered with all kinds of fantastic tips on mobile betting sites and how you can stay on top of the action if you qualify. 

1
Bovada-logo
BTC Accepted
50% bonus up to $1,000

Bonus

$ 1000
Play Now
2
BetOnline-logo
BTC Accepted
50% bonus up to $1000

Bonus

$ 1000
Play Now
3
BetUS-logo
BTC Accepted
125% up to $2,500

Bonus

$ 2500
Play Now
4
MyBookie-logo
BTC Accepted
50% bonus up to $1000

Bonus

$ 1000
Play Now
5
Xbet-logo
BTC Accepted

Bonus

$ 500
Play Now

About the Author

Chris Boline
Chris Boline

As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education

Read Chris's Profile

Ask Chris about this guide:

Email Twitter