The state expected to generate more than $809 million in gaming taxes for the 2020 fiscal year, which ended last month. However, that was before the pandemic kept casinos closed for nearly three months. In addition, projections for FY2021 were based on pre-COVID-19 projections, which did not take into consideration both reduced gaming capacity and depressed travel.<\/p>\n
In his budget report to lawmakers, Sisolak said it may be time to reconsider how the state generates revenue.<\/p>\n
Nonetheless, the structure itself has repeatedly demonstrated vulnerability, with significant overreliance on casino gaming and other tourism-related taxes,”<\/strong> the report stated.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n“This unbalanced structure is important to note as a primary reason the COVID-19 pandemic caused the Nevada economy to retrench in such dramatic fashion, resulting in substantial budget shortfalls, the highest unemployment rates of any state in the US, and the need to call for a special session of the Nevada Legislature,” the report continued.<\/p>\n
Tax increases, or the creation of an income tax, could allow the state to restore funding to problem gaming and other services. But just as problem gaming advocates made their presence known Wednesday night, so, too, did those who oppose any effort to increase taxes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Nevada lawmakers gathered in Carson City Wednesday to begin a state legislature special session. As government officials look to address a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, they heard from proponents of problem gaming services who are critical of a proposed cut in the program\u2019s funding. Gov. Steve Sisolak (D), who ordered the special session, is seeking […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":141307,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Proposed Budget Cut to Problem Gaming Services in Nevada Draws Ire<\/title>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n