The English poker pro is frustrated with all the hidden fees tacked on in Vegas
Professional poker player Patrick Leonard has added his voice to the growing debate about Las Vegas resort fees, criticizing what he sees as a money-grabbing tactic that hurts the city’s reputation with visitors. The English pro, who has earned more than $4 million in live poker tournaments, shared his thoughts on X after reports surfaced that Caesars Entertainment’s share price had fallen 59% over the past year.
Delete resort fees, you feel like you’re being scammed as soon as you receive them on arrival. You spend your time trying to look who’s going to screw you over next.
You walk out your hotel showgirl grabs you and takes a photo and says you owe her $30. Walk to Starbucks and… https://t.co/CcBWiYzWar
— Patrick Leonard 🫡 (@padspoker) October 30, 2025
Leonard suggested that resort fees are a major reason for the dip in tourism numbers across Las Vegas. He called on Caesars to “delete resort fees,” saying that they make guests feel cheated before their vacation even begins. In his post, he described the frustration many travelers experience when they realize the advertised room rate doesn’t reflect the full cost of their stay, thanks to these mandatory nightly charges.
Resort fees are typically added to hotel bills to cover amenities such as Wi-Fi, gym access, and pool use. While hotels present them as standard charges, critics argue they’re simply a way to mask higher room rates. Leonard compared the fees to other expensive Las Vegas add-ons, like $30 photo ops with showgirls and $11 coffees, saying visitors feel constantly nickel-and-dimed.
The conversation sparked a wave of agreement online. Many users echoed Leonard’s point, saying resort fees should be included in the upfront cost or adjusted seasonally to reflect demand. Others added that if hotels insist on charging them, they should ensure guests actually receive premium services in return.
Leonard’s comments come amid wider concern over Las Vegas tourism trends in 2025. While casino revenue has held steady, hotel occupancy and visitor arrivals have dipped sharply, according to state data. For Leonard and many travelers, eliminating resort fees could be a simple way to help rebuild trust and improve the visitor experience in America’s gaming capital.
