Rep. Dina Titus Fights Gambling Tax Provision in Trump-Backed Bill

Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus now leads the charge against a contentious tax proposal hidden in President Donald Trump’s newest economic package. She warns this could harm gamblers and hurt her state’s tourism-based economy.

Titus Says New Gambling Rule Unfair to Las Vegas Visitors

Titus, a Democrat who represents the Las Vegas area, opposes the Senate’s version of the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill.” This bill includes a new restriction on how much gamblers can subtract from their winnings. The proposed change would allow gamblers to deduct 90% of their losses. This means they would owe taxes even when they break even or lose money over the year.

Titus spoke out against the measure, calling it unfair and harmful to Nevada’s biggest industry. She pointed out that it would affect more than just professional poker players or high-stakes bettors, highlighting that many regular visitors who like slot machines or table games would get hit with surprise tax bills.

In a recent chat, Titus stressed that this rule would drive people to unregulated gambling markets where there is no protection for customers and no money going to state and local economies, reported The Hill. She made the case that legal gambling companies, unlike offshore operations, put money into communities by creating jobs, building infrastructure, and running responsible gaming programs.

Titus Condemns GOP Bill’s Hidden Gambling Tax, Pledges to Defend Las Vegas Economy

Titus also slammed Republicans for sneaking the provision into a huge bill already crammed with severe cuts to social programs like healthcare, education grants, and clean energy projects. She called the gambling tax change “one more hit on districts like mine that depend on tourism and gaming.”

In a statement, Titus promised to put forward an amendment that would bring back the current 100% loss deduction. If Republican leaders block her amendment, she swore to go after separate legislation to undo the tax change.

The bill squeaked through the Senate, with Vice President JD Vance’s vote breaking the tie. However, the House version has not included the gambling provision yet, giving Titus a chance to step in. She cautioned, though, that the provision’s expected $1.1 billion in tax revenue might make it a tough battle, as lawmakers search for ways to balance the bill’s bigger financial impact.

Titus’ stance has gained backing from professional gamblers and industry supporters, who share her worries about pushing bettors towards offshore and illegal markets. She is set on protecting her state’s vital industry, presenting the issue not just as a question of fairness for gamblers but as a key struggle for Nevada’s economy.