Nevada is one of only five states in the country that does not have a lottery, but that would change under a proposal in the pipeline.
Currently, Nevada, Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, and Utah lack a state lottery. Democratic Assemblyman Cameron “CH” Miller announced last week that he would introduce a plan to amend the Nevada Constitution to allow for the lottery. Voters decide their fate.
The state’s casino industry has historically opposed the Nevada Lottery due to competition for gambling dollars. Proposal opportunities are not clear.
“The past few years have shown us how important mental health care is and that our current infrastructure is woefully inadequate,” Miller said in a statement. “This constitutional amendment authorizing the lottery and earmarking revenue to fund youth mental health is a commonsense solution that will help many Nevada youth who struggle with mental health challenges, just as I did as a child.”
He added, “Right now, we are sending millions of dollars across the border into neighboring states. It is time to fully invest in Nevadan and pass this constitutional amendment.”
Culinary Federation Treasurer Ted Papajor came out in support of the proposal, describing the lottery as “an opportunity to create a long-term funding source geared toward building mental health capacity, without increasing taxes on Nevada residents or businesses.”
He continued, “The union will launch a campaign to get voters to support the lottery amendment. We look forward to working with Assemblyman Miller on this vital effort. In a state where gaming is a cornerstone of the economy, there is no public policy justification” for Nevada remaining without a lottery.
Gambling in Nevada has never been greater.
Nevada casinos reported total game wins of $1,314,478,876 for the month of December 2022. Revenue was a 14.30% increase compared to December 2021, when licensees reported $1,149,986,166 in game wins. Performance brought Game Winning for the year 2022 to $14,842,230,000, an increase of 10.52% over calendar year 2021.
It was also the highest echelon of the Nevada casino industry. The $13,429,949,000 gaming win in 2021 was the previous record.
