Nevada lawmaker challenges anti-gambling measure in US budget bill
United States President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law on 4 July 2025, introducing a series of reforms. Among the most contentious was a tax amendment proposed by Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho, which limits gamblers to deducting only 90 percent of their losses from their winnings. This change effectively results in players being taxed on income they never actually received. In response, Nevada Representative Dina Titus introduced the Fair Accounting for Income Realised from Betting Earnings Taxation (FAIR BET) Act on 7 July 2025, aiming to overturn the cap and reinstate full deductibility for gambling losses.
FAIR BET Act to overturn gambling tax cap
On 7 July 2025, Representative Dina Titus of Nevada introduced the FAIR BET Act, aiming to reverse a controversial tax change recently signed into law by President Donald Trump. The change, part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act enacted on 4 July 2025, limits gamblers to deducting only 90 per cent of their losses from winnings—effectively taxing individuals on income they never actually received.
The proposes restoring the previous standard, allowing taxpayers to deduct 100 per cent of their gambling losses. Supporters argue that the current rule unfairly penalises gamblers. For instance, someone who wins and loses $100,000 in the same year would still be taxed on $10,000 under the new cap.
This provision has sparked concern, particularly in states like Nevada with significant 바카라 industries. Critics warn that professional gamblers could be disproportionately affected. Under the new rule, a gambler who wins and loses $100,000 can only deduct $90,000 in losses, leaving $10,000 subject to taxation.
Defending Nevada’s gaming sector
Representative Titus, who represents Las Vegas and co-chairs the Congressional Gaming Caucus, has long championed Nevada’s gambling industry. She emphasised the importance of fair tax policy not only for 바카라s but also for the thousands of workers they employ.
Titus stated, “My FAIR BET Act would rightfully restore the full deduction for losses, so gamblers don’t pay taxes on money they haven’t won. It gives everyone — from recreational gamblers to high-stakes players — a fair shake.”
Broader reforms on the horizon
Titus is also advocating for the repeal of the federal sports betting excise tax—a 0.25 percent levy on total wagers—calling it outdated. Casino operator Derek Stevens, co-owner of Circa, The D, and Golden Gate 바카라s, has voiced support for its removal.
Additionally, Titus continues to push for raising the IRS slot machine win reporting threshold from $1,200 to $2,000, citing inflation and the need to reduce administrative burdens for both players and 바카라 operators.
Industry and bipartisan support
Casino operators have expressed strong opposition to the new deduction cap. Derek Stevens has publicly backed Titus’s efforts and also supports eliminating taxes on tipped workers.
The FAIR BET Act has gained bipartisan traction, with California Representative Ro Khanna joining as a co-sponsor. Khanna’s support signals that the issue resonates beyond Nevada and could attract backing from across the political spectrum.
While political divisions remain, the movement to reinstate full gambling loss deductions is gaining momentum. Industry leaders and gambling experts argue that the current tax law harms both players and the regulated gaming market, potentially driving activity to unregulated platforms.
