Risky Business with Nate Silver and Maria Konnikova What Happens in Vegas...Might Tell Us Something About the US Economy
Nov 5, 2025
Las Vegas is facing significant challenges, with declining traffic and gaming revenue raising concerns about its future. The hosts explore how casino pricing missteps have affected customer experiences and highlight high-end steakhouses as unexpected indicators of economic trends. They analyze how Vegas can reflect broader consumer sentiment and discuss the impact of the pandemic on visitor preferences. Ultimately, they conclude that while Vegas isn't dead yet, it needs to evolve to attract more visitors.
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Deep Run At NAPT Personal Story
- Maria Konnikova recounted deep run results at a major poker event where she finished near the final tables.
- She used the story to connect personally to Vegas and poker culture.
Hotel Prices As Early Demand Signal
- Las Vegas hotel prices have become spiky and occasionally much cheaper than expected.
- Nate Silver interpreted those price moves as an early signal of weakening demand.
Baccarat Collapse Drove Revenue Drop
- Strip gaming revenue fell in September, driven largely by a 42.7% drop in high-end baccarat income.
- Visitor volume fell for the ninth straight month and was down about 8% year-to-date.
