The Las Vegas visitor count continues to rise. With all the numbers in, just under 41.7 million visitors came to town in 2024, representing a 2.1% increase over 2023. The count was below 2016’s record total of 42.9 million, but has increased every year since the pandemic-muted 19 million in 2020 and is expected to challenge the record this year. Most visitors arrived by air, and Reid International Airport set a record with 58.4 million passengers, up 1.4% from the previous record of 57.6 million in 2023.

Megabucks hits: The Megabucks jackpot was hit last week at the Virgin River Casino in Mesquite, a city located 80 miles north of Las Vegas. The jackpot paid $12,371,365 and was the first Megabucks to hit anywhere in Nevada in more than a year.

New parking fee: On the heels of the recently initiated parking fee at OYO near the Strip, another off-Strip casino has made the jump to paid parking. The Westgate now charges $10 per day to park, both in the parking garages and in the rear lot that enters into the sports book.

Allegiant numbers: In its annual rankings of entertainment venues, Billboard magazine named Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium the No. 1 U.S. destination for 2024. Allegiant attracted more than 650,000 fans to 15 major touring acts last year. Overall, the shows sold $118 million worth of tickets, first out of all U.S. stadiums. Only Estadio GNP Seguros Mexico City sold more tickets than Allegiant, with $135 million in revenue from 1.5 million attendees.

Question: Is card counting in blackjack illegal?

Answer: No. Using a device (e.g., a computer) to assist in counting cards is illegal, but counting using only your brain is completely legal. However, if a casino suspects you of counting, it’s legal for it to refuse to deal to you, or even to ban you from the property completely. It happens.

For more information about current Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons, and good deals, go to LasVegasAdvisor.com.