Las Vegas Tourism Down 6.7%: Ozempic Debate Rages
Las Vegas, the global gambling capital, is facing a downturn in tourism. In the first quarter of 2025, visitor volume dropped by 6.7% compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, online sports betting and iGaming in the US have seen a significant boost, generating $6.19 billion, a $1.3 billion increase from the same period in 2024. Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince has sparked a viral debate, suggesting that the medication Ozempic could be contributing to this shift.
Prince's post, which garnered over 1,400 likes and substantial engagement, proposed that Ozempic, a GLP-1 medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, might be 'killing Vegas'. This drug is known to reduce cravings for high-calorie snacks, sugary drinks, and alcohol, which could potentially deter indulgent behaviors associated with Las Vegas tourism. However, most experts attribute the decline in Las Vegas tourism to more conventional factors such as inflation, cautious consumer spending, and increased competition from other gaming providers.
The increase in online gambling revenue could also be a factor in the Las Vegas tourism downturn. With more people betting online, there may be less incentive to travel to Las Vegas for gambling experiences. However, it's important to note that no specific scientific study has been conducted to directly link the decline in Las Vegas tourism to Ozempic.
While the reasons behind the Las Vegas tourism downturn remain complex and multifaceted, the viral debate sparked by Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince has drawn attention to an unexpected potential influence: the medication Ozempic. Despite the lack of specific research on this topic, the conversation highlights the evolving landscape of consumer behaviors and their impact on the tourism industry.
