In 2025, professional poker player Patrick Leonard, who has won over $4 million in live tournaments, took to social media to criticize the pervasive resort fees in Las Vegas hotels. His comments came after a notable 59% drop in Caesars Entertainment’s stock value over the past year, which he linked to declining tourism in the city. Leonard argued that these fees contribute significantly to the city losing its allure to tourists, suggesting that they should be abolished to restore trust.
Resort fees are added to hotel room rates to cover various amenities and services, but Leonard believes they contribute to an impression that everyone in Las Vegas is intent on extracting money from visitors. In his critique, Leonard provided a vivid example of a typical day for a tourist: A guest exits their hotel and takes a photo with a showgirl only to be charged $30, then pays $11 for a cappuccino at Starbucks. In a short span, $120 is spent without any substantial experience.
The dissatisfaction Leonard expressed reflects a wider debate about the impact of resort fees on Las Vegas tourism. His comments received widespread support online, with many users agreeing that resort fees should be incorporated into the advertised room rates or adjusted to reflect seasonal demand. Others suggested that if hotels persist with these fees, they should ensure they provide corresponding premium services.
This discussion arises amid broader concerns over tourism trends in Las Vegas in 2025. Although revenue from casinos has remained steady, state data indicates a considerable decrease in hotel occupancy and visitor numbers. For instance, a striking 7% drop in tourist numbers was reported this summer. Many attribute this decline to rising costs of various services at resorts, with resort fees being a significant factor.
Leonard and many others see the elimination of resort fees as a straightforward solution to rebuild confidence and improve the visitor experience in Las Vegas, a city historically renowned for its hospitality and entertainment. His perspective is that by removing these fees, visitors would no longer feel blindsided by unexpected costs, thereby enhancing their overall perception of value and enjoyment during their stay.
On the other hand, some industry insiders argue that resort fees are a necessary component of hotel pricing structures. They contend that these fees allow resorts to maintain competitive room rates while covering costs associated with providing various amenities and services. According to this viewpoint, the fees help sustain high service standards and contribute to the overall operational budget of the resorts.
This opposing stance suggests that the issue might not be the fees themselves but the transparency around them. Advocates for maintaining the fees propose clearer communication about what the fees cover and the benefits travelers receive in exchange. By improving transparency, they claim, resorts could mitigate negative perceptions and possibly justify the additional charges.
Nevertheless, the debate over resort fees speaks to a larger issue within the travel and hospitality industry: balancing profitability with customer satisfaction. As Leonard’s comments reveal, many travelers feel that unanticipated fees create a negative first impression, impacting their overall experience. In a highly competitive tourism market, the challenge remains for Las Vegas to adapt to evolving consumer expectations while ensuring sustainable business practices.
Regardless of these differing perspectives, it is evident that Leonard’s remarks have struck a chord with both visitors and industry stakeholders. The conversation around resort fees is likely to continue as Las Vegas evaluates how best to attract and retain tourists amidst changing economic conditions and consumer preferences. Whether through restructured pricing models or enhanced service offerings, the goal remains the same: to ensure that Las Vegas remains a top destination for travelers worldwide.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
