Casinos and resorts on the Las Vegas Strip once offered free parking to customers and tourists as a standard courtesy. One might argue companies’ true intentions were increasing the amount of daily foot traffic through their establishments.
In recent years, paid and valet parking is more prominent at properties on the Strip. Naturally, Nevada residents who visit the city’s casinos by car are covering a large portion of paid parking costs. According to a 2018 survey, 37% of people avoid parking at casinos on the Strip that charge for parking.
Locals can finally celebrate, as free parking returns to Las Vegas. MGM Resorts International announced this week its properties will offer free self-parking when casinos are allowed to reopen.
??Free parking will be available at each resort as it opens. We couldn’t be more excited to open our doors and get back to doing what we do best. Continue to follow https://t.co/QoluTAD7J3 for more information. pic.twitter.com/ZEFewkb8Rg
— MGM Resorts (@MGMResortsIntl) May 18, 2020
MGM Resorts Properties Offering Free Parking
See the full list of MGM casinos and resorts offering free parking below.
- ARIA
- Bellagio
- Excalibur
- Luxor
- Mandalay Bay
- MGM Grand
- The Mirage
- New York-New York
- Park MGM
Brian Ahern, a representative for MGM Resorts, commented on the updated parking policy in a statement, noting that the company was looking forward to reopening its properties.
Free Parking Offered at Casinos Throughout Las Vegas
As casinos compete for returning customers, it comes as no surprise some properties are changing their paid parking policy. Due to a decline in travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, gaming companies are prepared for a decrease in fly-in visitors.
Casino patrons with the ability to visit Las Vegas by personal vehicle or public transportation are expected to drive the primary gaming revenue once stay-at-home orders are lifted.
Treasure Island, Wynn, Encore, and South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa are just a handful of the properties in the Las Vegas area that offer free self-parking to customers. Reopening dates vary between gaming companies, but some properties are allowing visitors to book hotel rooms as early as June 1.
The only thing worse than parking fees are resort fees. Hopefully casinos feel inclined to do away with them as well. Fingers crossed.