Las Vegas has a wave of new entertainment jobs. But do they diversify the economy?

With concerts at the Sphere, Raiders games at Allegiant Stadium and Formula One racers flooring it, Las Vegas has upped its offerings outside casinos in recent years.

The surge of new entertainment provides more reasons to visit Vegas, or at least more places to spend money, and boosts a segment of the local workforce. But a big question remains.

Does it diversify Las Vegas’ tourism-heavy economy?

From a data standpoint, it doesn’t, as entertainment jobs are part of Las Vegas’ already-dominant leisure and hospitality sector. Experts who track the local economy say that more shows, sporting events and the like diversify and enhance the region’s main industry.

But they had differing views on whether this makes Southern Nevada, with its track record of economic booms and busts, more resilient to a broader slowdown — a pressing issue yet again this year as tourism slumps.

David Schmidt, chief economist with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, said the question of whether increased entertainment helps insulate the economy can be viewed in a few ways.

On the one hand, it further diversifies the tourism sector, and with more shows and bigger venues, Las Vegas can host events that have more sustained demand…