Nevada’s sports betting market experienced another setback in May, as both wagering volume and operator revenue posted year-over-year declines. The downturn marks the fourth consecutive month in which the state has recorded lower betting handle compared to the same period in the previous year. According to figures released by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, bettors wagered approximately $545.7 million during the month, down from $576.8 million in May 2025.
The decline was not limited to total wagers. Sportsbook revenue fell at an even steeper rate, highlighting challenges for operators despite continued customer activity. Nevada sportsbooks generated $38.7 million in revenue during May, representing a 17.2% decrease from a year earlier. The statewide hold rate also fell to 7.1%, indicating operators retained a smaller share of wagers than they did in the same month last year.
One of the biggest contributors to the revenue decline was the performance of the Vegas Golden Knights during the NHL playoffs. The club enjoyed a strong postseason run, advancing deep into the Stanley Cup Playoffs and producing favorable outcomes for many bettors.
Sportsbook hockey revenue dropped sharply as a result. Operators reported only $1.5 million in hockey-related revenue for May, a year-over-year decrease of 69%. The Golden Knights posted a 9-2 record during the month, with several victories occurring at plus-money odds, creating additional payout obligations for sportsbooks. While successful local teams can increase betting interest, they may also reduce operator profitability when large numbers of bettors back winning outcomes.
Online wagering continues to account for the majority of sports betting activity in Nevada. Mobile sportsbooks generated more than three-quarters of the state’s handle, representing 75.1% of all wagers placed during May. However, digital betting volume was not immune to broader market weakness.
Mobile handle declined 3.1% year over year, although online operators still generated approximately $34 million in revenue. The figures suggest that while bettors increasingly prefer digital channels, overall demand has softened compared to 2025 levels. Nevada’s sports betting market remains unique compared to many other regulated states due to in-person registration requirements for many sportsbook accounts, which can affect long-term growth trends.
The downturn was visible across several major Nevada markets. Clark County, home to Las Vegas and the state’s largest concentration of sportsbooks, reported a 15.8% decline in sports betting revenue compared to May 2025. Washoe County, which includes Reno and parts of the Lake Tahoe region, recorded an even larger revenue decrease of 32.5%.
Not every category struggled. Basketball generated $13 million in revenue and posted a modest year-over-year increase of nearly 4%. The broad “other sports” category, which includes soccer, tennis, golf, MMA, boxing, and motorsports, produced $13.7 million in revenue, up 28.6% from a year earlier. By contrast, baseball revenue fell 41% to $12.6 million. Football was another weak point, producing a $2.2 million loss for operators during May and extending a three-month stretch in which sportsbooks collectively lost more than $17 million on the sport.
With handle and revenue both trending lower, Nevada sportsbooks are facing mounting pressure as 2026 progresses. Although certain sports categories continue to perform well, declines in hockey profitability, baseball revenue, and overall wagering activity have weighed on results. Future performance may depend on seasonal betting patterns, major sporting events, and whether operators can reverse the recent slide in customer spending and revenue generation.
