[Illusion]

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Nevada casino gambling revenue increased 9.63 percent in September from a year earlier to $1.01 billion despite concerns that high gasoline prices would deter tourists, state officials said on Thursday.

Casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, the heart of Nevada's gambling industry, reported gambling revenue jumped 17.8 percent in September from a year earlier to $541.22 million, the Nevada Gaming Control Board reported.

Gambling revenue reported by casinos in Nevada has increased for 14 consecutive months amid strong economic growth in the state and an upswing in tourism.

"This is the third month this year and only the third time in the state's history that gaming revenues have exceeded $1 billion," Gov. Kenny Guinn said in a statement. "Our gaming industry is doing a tremendous job of keeping the Silver State at the forefront as a tourist destination through expansion and marketing."

September's large gaming win provided Nevada's state government with $68.06 million in taxable revenues, up 10.72 percent from a year earlier.

Revenues collected from casinos in September were 5 percent above the state's forecast.

Las Vegas Strip revenues posted the second-best month on record, according to Frank Streshley, an analyst with the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

"We thought we would see a slowdown because of high gasoline prices but that didn't happen," Streshley said, adding that the opening in late April of the Wynn Las Vegas resort and casino on the Las Vegas Strip has helped keep tourism to the city strong.

[Senator7]

One would think that with all the offshore online gambling that is going on, Vegas would have taken a minor hit. I really didn't expect a decrease, but I never thought they'd have an increase of almost 10%.

[onlooker]

One would think that with all the offshore online gambling that is going on, Vegas would have taken a minor hit. I really didn't expect a decrease, but I never thought they'd have an increase of almost 10%.

You dont get the vacation experience online.

[Senator7]

You dont get the vacation experience online.

True, but why would high gas prices hurt Vegas tourism? The last thing most people vacationing in Vegas care about is money. If you really cared about your money, you'd never step foot in Vegas!

[onlooker]

True, but why would high gas prices hurt Vegas tourism? The last thing most people vacationing in Vegas care about is money. If you really cared about your money, you'd never step foot in Vegas!

But it seems with gas, no matter how deep your pockets are, it bothers people to pay them prices.

[Illusion]

True, but why would high gas prices hurt Vegas tourism? The last thing most people vacationing in Vegas care about is money. If you really cared about your money, you'd never step foot in Vegas!

I understand your point, but remember this. When gas is high that also affects the cost of jet fuel which in turn makes those vacation packages much higher.

[onlooker]

makes those vacation packages much higher.

Also flying durning the holidays, like the week of Christmas.