The city of Las Vegas is betting on March Madness events to help reverse a major tourism slump

Resorts across the Strip is rolling out large-scale viewing parties, sports betting events and themed experiences tied to the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments — drawing crowds for one of the busiest betting periods of the year, according to reports.

It is estimated that Americans will bet $3.3 billion Championships this year Nevada has historically seen hundreds of millions bet during the event, the American Gaming Association said.

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Florida-based travel consultant JR Longstaff told Fox News Digital that the tournament remains a big draw for visitors.

“Las Vegas is the perfect playground for sports fans to watch the NCAA Championships,” he said. “The city attracts groups of fans to watch matches together on a large scale, which helps Promoting tourism And sales all over town.”

Las Vegas is participating in March Madness events and experiences to boost tourism and counter the recent decline in visitor activity. (Istock)

“Las Vegas does everything bigger and bolder than anywhere else,” Longstaff added.

He pointed out the great viewing places Experiments all day long Games-centric.

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Major venues around the city tend to take this approach.

Resorts World is opening its theater for wide viewing, while Cosmopolitan is hosting “Hoops and Hops” viewing parties with Playground style Screens and games. The site noted that Fontainebleau also offers a massive viewing experience with an 80-foot LED screen and on-site betting terminals.

Prime venues around the city tend to March Madness events, with resorts hosting large viewing parties and immersive viewing experiences for the tournament. (Istock)

The push comes as Las Vegas faces broader challenges attracting visitors.

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About 38.5 million people visited the city in 2025, down 7.5% from the previous year, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Gaming revenue in the sector also declined, falling more than 11% year over year in early 2026, the Nevada Gaming Control Board said.

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Fox News Digital previously reported that the slowdown coincided with the change Travel and gambling habits.

In-person betting is becoming less popular among younger visitors, with many now preferring online platforms.

Las Vegas is seeing a significant decline in tourism, with fewer visitors and lower gaming revenues than in previous years. (Ashley J. DiMella/Fox News Digital)

Some traditional attractions are also disappearing, as casinos adapt to changing demand.

A Resorts World representative confirmed to Fox News Digital that its poker room will close at the end of March, leaving only eight poker rooms operating. las vegas strip.

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Robbie Starbuck, host of “The Robby Starbuck Show,” previously told Fox News Digital Younger generations They move away from traditional casino experiences.

“Now it seems like almost everyone under 40 is betting online,” he said. “I don’t know a single person under the age of 40 who goes to Vegas regularly to bet or play slot machines.”

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Fox News Digital’s Ashley DiMella contributed reporting.