Tony wrote on September 27, 2007 07:18 AM: When gaming was legalized in Nevada, an agreement was made that gaming revenues would be taxed so the residence of Nevada receives the benefits of living in a gambling state. Since that time the Casinos have purchased our elected officials the gaming tax has been protected. I do not support a redistribution of wealth, but the casinos have pushed the largest tax increase in Nevada’s history just to protect the gaming tax. Property should NEVER be taxed, because we should have the right of ownership. And to those who rent, guess what you are paying property tax also in the form of rent. When taxes goes up your landlord raises your rent to pay them.

Jeremy wrote on September 25, 2007 02:12 AM: What the author forgets is that the casinos activly market players from these high casino tax states to come to Las Vegas becasue it does benefit them. If you raise the tax to the same as these states then why would the casino industry spend expensive marketing dollars to get them to come all the way to Las Vegas when it is just as profitable to keep them in their home areas? Can you guess what will happen to tourism?

Joe C wrote on September 23, 2007 01:49 PM: I agree that Nevada casino taxes should be raised; but one thing to think about, other state governments are bleeding casinos because they can get away with it.
As state and federal government allowed high paid manufacturing and factory jobs to move overseas, states and cities lost huge tax revenues. The saving grace was tax the hell out of the evil casino empire.
Also only the big mega corporation can open, limiting competition to just between the giant corporations. No up and coming smaller casinos can get a license, building to compete or becoming a threat to the giant corporate gaming monopolies.
Illinois casino taxes jumped to unbelievable rates and the results was casinos, some casinos as example closed half the pit and laid off workers.
The end result in overtaxing one industry was only to get workers laid off and wages stayed stagnate.
While casinos should pay fair taxes, over taxing casinos only ends up with less people employed and wages stay lower as the greedy CEO’s pay or overall profits still are good.

Mind you I’m not sticking up for casinos but Illinois tax rate for casinos will get as high as fifty percent, and now the Mayor of Chicago wants to open government owned casinos.
If you thought it was hard to win before, as odds changed with the mega corporations, what kind of odds do you think the government will give? Plus who do go to for a dispute?
As is the norm with government there is no fair norm, especially hard on working Americans who pay more.

Mark wrote on September 23, 2007 01:26 PM: It's not your money; you are not entitled to it, unless you think theft is moral.
Taxation is extortion.

curly wrote on September 23, 2007 10:55 AM: we need to raise the casinos tax now.
not next year,but now.govener guinn are you there?

dosboot wrote on September 23, 2007 09:51 AM: When Casinos purchase a commodity, they pay 7.75% sales tax just like all small businesses in Nevada.

The gaming tax is a service tax. Doctors, lawyers, and mechanics are not subjected to paying a service tax. If the desired goal is fairness, then all services should be forced to pay a tax.

I do agree that the sales tax should be markedly reduced along with the property taxes.

Another method to reduce our goverment's bloated budget is to eliminate the waste. For example, why does the fire department have to appear for every fender bender?

Why not levy steeper "taxes" against those who break the law. All too common in Vegas are drivers running red lights. Perhaps the fines should be exponentially increased for this dangerous and selfish conduct.

Brian wrote on September 23, 2007 08:37 AM: If you own a home, you will pay property taxes. Rob is right--why should anyone else pay your taxes for you. Yet, I do believe that casino taxes should be raised--one percent--to help our schools and our children. We are 49th in funding for our schools. Casinos do not want Las Vegas children to be educated well--they need the service industry. Yet, the rest of us should realize we cannot go on anymore as we are--45-50 in a classroom. Come people. Wake up!

Doug wrote on September 23, 2007 08:31 AM: Bring on the intiative.It is badly needed.The gaming industry needs to step up to the plate.We wouldn't need the supporting infrustructure if the throngs of tourists weren't coming to Vegas to take part in the gaming industries play houses.The largest percentage of people here or not peddling news papers.When the gaming industry wants to flex,they are the first to say that they are the largest employer in the state.Why shouldn't they bare the cost of financing the infrustructure, when it is needed to support them? We the citizens should also be more vigilant was to how the politicians spend this badly needed revenue.Outlawing pork barrel spending would also be a big bonus.

Rob wrote on September 23, 2007 08:16 AM: "Findamental Fairness" is that Mr. Waters shouldnt have to pay property tax and someone else's taxes should go up to make up the difference??? Yet another person who fails to grasp even the most basic economic principles...

DaveR wrote on September 23, 2007 08:08 AM: The correct link is americangaming.org/Industry/state/statistics.cfm

I went to the site and see most states gambling tax rates are in the 25% range and many in the high 40% range. NONE, besides Nevada, is below 7%.

Thanks for stepping out on this issue, Mr. Waters!

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