Las Vegas is constantly changing and evolving. Over the past 20 years, Sin City has shifted its focus from gambling to entertainment more broadly. The city needed to diversify its revenue sources and found profit centers in celebrity restaurants, headliner show residencies, and sporting events.
This blog post offers a brief history of parking fees in Las Vegas, along with tips for finding affordable parking and guidance on staying safe while parking in the city.
An Overview of Parking Fees in Las Vegas
As casino operators shifted from gambling to entertainment in the early 2000s, they realized that the old revenue model of offering free or low-cost food and services to attract gamblers was no longer effective.
Casino gaming provided reliable revenue that offset free parking and cheap buffets. The shift to entertainment prompted operators to implement or increase charges for non-casino services, like parking and dining.
Many tourists visit The Strip solely to see the casinos, while they eat, sleep, and gamble elsewhere. Hotels on The Strip began to recognize these guests as a missed revenue opportunity, and parking fees guaranteed revenue from these visitors.
3 Ways Guests Can Still Find Cheap or Free Parking in Vegas
Visitors from cities where drivers often find free parking may experience sticker shock when looking for parking in Las Vegas.
Here are strategies that might help you find free or cheap parking in Vegas:
1. Find a Hotel That Offers Free Parking
A few hotels on The Strip still offer free parking. For example, Circus Circus and Treasure Island offer free parking to all guests.
2. Park Off The Strip
Many off-Strip casinos also offer free parking. The Orleans, Green Valley Ranch, and Red Rock have free parking structures. From there, you can take a rideshare to The Strip.
3. Join a Casino’s Loyalty Program
Some casinos offer free parking to loyalty club members. In some cases, you only need to enroll in the rewards program. In others, you must reach a certain level or be a Nevada resident to earn free parking. Ensure you read the terms and conditions for any loyalty program closely before signing up.
Tips for Staying Safe in Las Vegas Parking Lots
Now that you have some ideas of where to park in Las Vegas, keep reading for tips to stay safe once you’re in the parking lot:
- Be alert: Put your phone away while walking to and from your vehicle. Keep your head up and maintain awareness of your surroundings. Criminals often target those who appear distracted.
- Park smart: Whenever possible, choose a parking space that is well-lit and close to an entrance, exit, or security camera. Avoid isolated or dimly-lit areas, especially at night.
- Have your keys ready: Before you leave the building, have your car keys in hand. Fumbling for them at your door is a moment of vulnerability. Once inside your car, lock the doors immediately.
- Scan the area: As you approach your vehicle, quickly check the area around it, under it, and especially in the back seat before opening the door.
Don’t hesitate to ask a hotel, casino, or store security guard for an escort to your car, particularly late at night. This is a common service that most properties are happy to provide.
Contact Our Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
While you may need to take some extra steps, you can still find free parking in Las Vegas. The easiest option for most visitors is to talk to the staff at your hotel about the options they recommend. As locals, they often have insider tips for finding free parking that they can share with their guests. If you get into a parking lot collision and need legal help, call our Las Vegas car accident lawyers at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
If you’ve been injured in Las Vegas, NV, or the surrounding Nevada area and need legal help, contact our Las Vegas car accident attorneys at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation today.
We have three locations in Nevada for your convenience, including Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson. We’re proud to serve Clark County and the surrounding areas.
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
1149 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 222-9999
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Summerlin Office
410 S Rampart Blvd, Ste 480 Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702) 964-1806
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
9555 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123
(702) 800-3455
About the Author
Alex De Castroverde earned his law degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law and is licensed to practice in Nevada. He is a dedicated trial lawyer who assists clients across Las Vegas in a wide range of legal matters, with a focus on personal injury. Alex has successfully represented clients in cases involving car accidents, catastrophic injuries, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and more. Click here to learn more about the outstanding case results Alex has achieved for his clients.
