Mirage of prosperity in Las Vegas

People playing slot machines at Circa Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The high rollers may still be crowding the tables, but high prices and pinched discretionary incomes are driving a sharp drop-off in visitors to Sin City. — Brandon Tauszik/The New York Times

THESE days, the high rollers are still rolling into Las Vegas, but those on a budget no longer feel like winners.

Even as private jets pack the airport and VIPs crowd the high-stakes tables, a steady decline in overall visitors is sending ­ripples of worry through this city and beyond.