Since 1975, nearly 30 legislative attempts have come through with the hope of establishing a lottery in the state of Nevada. Every single one has failed. Assemblyman Harvey Munford (l.) is looking to change that with legislation which will rely on voters, as opposed to the casino industry.
“This is a loss of revenue for our state that could be helping the education of our younger constituents,” he said. “It would do so without increasing taxes.” Nevada has prohibited lotteries in the state since 1864, and has remained so, minus an amendment by voters in 1990 which allow for charity lotteries. Munford’s resolution hopes to eliminate the ban and help education and senior citizens.
There is, however, a bit of an uphill battle. Well, perhaps an unquantifiable uphill battle. The bill would have to pass this session of the Legislature, in addition to the 2017 Legislature, before going to a public vote in 2018. There is not just opposition from the casino industry, but from conservative associations as well.
Janine Hansen, a conservative activist, argues that a lottery “destroys the family entirely,” and said, “It’s devastating for a family to have to deal with person who has a gambling addiction.” If passed, $48 million per year would come in from the lottery, according to research.
