Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus Opposes Gambling Tax Changes in Trump’s Economic Bill

July 3, 2025

News

Introduction to Dina Titus’s Opposition

Nevada’s Congresswoman Dina Titus has emerged as a vocal critic of a controversial tax provision included in President Donald Trump’s latest economic legislation. She argues that this change could negatively impact gamblers and, consequently, the tourism-driven economy of her state.

Concerns Over the New Gambling Tax Rule

Representing the Las Vegas area, Titus, a Democrat, opposes the Senate’s version of the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill.” This legislation introduces a new limit on how much gamblers can deduct from their winnings for tax purposes. Under the proposed rule, gamblers would only be able to deduct 90% of their losses, potentially forcing them to pay taxes even if they break even or lose money throughout the year. Titus argues that this change unfairly targets not only professional gamblers but also the many casual visitors who enjoy slot machines and table games, potentially resulting in unexpected tax burdens.

Potential Economic Impact and Risks

In her remarks, Titus highlighted the risk that such a rule could encourage people to turn to unregulated gambling markets. Unlike regulated casinos, these markets offer no consumer protections and do not contribute to local economies. She emphasized that legal gambling establishments support communities by providing jobs, investing in infrastructure, and running responsible gaming programs.

Criticism of the GOP’s Legislative Approach

Titus also criticized Republican lawmakers for quietly including this tax provision in a broader bill that already contains significant cuts to social programs like healthcare, education, and clean energy initiatives. She described the gambling tax change as another blow to districts reliant on tourism and gaming.

Next Steps: Legislative Actions and Challenges

The Congresswoman has pledged to introduce an amendment to maintain the current 100% loss deduction. Should this effort be blocked by Republican leadership, she is prepared to pursue separate legislation to overturn the tax provision. While the bill narrowly passed the Senate with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote, the gambling provision has yet to be approved by the House. This leaves room for Titus to advocate against the rule. Nevertheless, she warned that the anticipated $1.1 billion in additional tax revenue may present a significant obstacle.

Support and Broader Implications

Titus’s position has received backing from professional gamblers and industry advocates who share concerns about driving bettors towards offshore and illegal markets. Beyond fairness to gamblers, she frames this dispute as a critical issue for Nevada’s economic health, underscoring the importance of protecting the state’s key industry.