Mayweather vs Pacquiao Raised USD 1bn for LV Casinos

May’s Matchup between Pacquiao and Mayweather generated USD 1bn from gamblers in Las Vegas casinos.

The big fight that pitted the Filipino fighter against Money Mayweather was the biggest boxing match in history. The undefeated Mayweather banked a staggering USD 180m according to mobile casinos. Gambling enthusiasts placed bets valued at a total of USD 1bn to Casinos in Nevada in the month of May, making it the first time casinos surpassed the amount within a 12 month period.

Speaking about the achievement, Nevada gaming control board analyst Michael Lawton stated, “to hit a billion, we are pleased.” December 2013 was the most recent time that saw casino winnings reach USD 1bn.

Gaming Board Statistics depicts a 3.3 percent year-over-year boost in earnings in May. On the other hand, Strip casino earnings increased by 1.4 percent, securing USD 601.2m of what punters staked. Fluctuation still occurred notwithstanding the depletion of Riveria Hotel and Casino, which is a Strip linchpin that shut down earlier in the month.

Record Breaking month for Nevada

Lawton and other inquisitors pointed out that growth of any kind was very important considering that the month of May was a successful one for casinos. The Fight of the Century further increased sports betting, while separate bets that combined boxing excluding football, horseracing, baseball and basketball, hit a record amount of USD 81.2m. On the other hand casinos managed to generate USD 8.2m from the fight.

The matchup also helped McCarran International Airport as it recorded a total of 4 million passengers pass through, which is the most recorded in May since the recession. According to gambling news, a record number of 3.7 million travellers were registered by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority that filled 91% of obtainable hotel accommodation for the month.