Why is Northern Nevada tourism flying high while the Strip plods along? – CDC Gaming

Northern Nevada’s gaming and tourism markets have flourished since last fall, especially as area casinos kept their prices down for consumers and a mild winter allowed the main route from Northern California to remain open.

“I think a lot is coming together at the right time,” said Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority CEO Mike Larragueta. He added that rising consumer costs haven’t floated into Northern Nevada casinos, which have held firm on their costs.

“It really hasn’t gotten to the point where the customer feels like we’re overpricing the market,” he said. “That’s worked to our advantage.”

While the Strip has struggled much of the past 13 months, gaming revenue has increased more than 5 percent in January and February in Reno.