New Proposal Would Create Nevada Lottery

A bill proposing an amendment to the Nevada Constitution could introduce a lottery system in The Silver State. Nevada, along with Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, and Utah, has never before had a lottery system.

Assemblyman Cameron C.H. Miller, D-North Las Vegas, has proposed a change that would allow Nevadans to buy scratch tickets or play Powerball or Mega Millions without having to travel to California or Arizona. The intention is to use the lottery to fund youth mental health services in the state.

Miller wants to keep lottery money in Nevada

The US recognizes Nevada as the premier gambling hotspot, attracting millions of visitors annually to its numerous casinos. Online gambling and sports betting also enjoy significant popularity. However, it’s surprising to note that a lottery system has never been successfully established in the state.

The approval of a lottery in Nevada would undoubtedly change the manner and location in which residents and tourists spend their leisure income. This is likely the primary reason why Nevada doesn’t currently have a lottery.

The Assembly Democrats issued a statement detailing their supportive arguments for the lottery proposal.

Every year, Nevada loses millions of dollars in revenue due to the ban on the lottery. This money could be utilized for investments in the state. By repealing this ban, Nevada can increase its funding, particularly for youth mental health programs, as this money will be redirected back to the state.

In 2022, numerous studies regarding mental health services in the US were analyzed by UNLV. They found Nevada to be the worst-ranked state for mental health care in the country. Furthermore, the state is placed 39th in terms of access to mental health care services.

Miller aims to improve those poor statistics with his proposal.

Recent years have underscored the importance of mental health care and revealed the inadequacy of our existing infrastructure. This proposed constitutional amendment, which allows for a lottery with its proceeds going towards youth mental health funding, is a logical solution that can assist numerous Nevada youth dealing with mental health issues, just as I did during my childhood. Currently, we are funneling millions of dollars to neighboring states. The time has come to fully invest in the people of Nevada and approve this constitutional amendment.

Why Nevada doesn’t have a lottery

Since the ratification of the Nevada Constitution in 1864, lotteries have been prohibited in the state. Despite numerous attempts to alter this law over the years, all have been unsuccessful.

As previously mentioned, Nevada refrains from offering a lottery due to the numerous gambling opportunities already available in the state. Over 400 casinos are spread across Nevada, and additional gambling options are found at various retail establishments, including gas stations, supermarkets, and taverns.

In the past, the majority of lawmakers reasoned that the widespread availability of gambling in Nevada should meet the gambling desires of the residents. However, this is not entirely accurate. When a significant Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot is up for grabs, thousands of Nevada inhabitants travel to California and Arizona to participate.

Casino operators in Nevada persist in their opposition to a lottery. They argue that their businesses would suffer from such a move, leading to job losses and a decrease in tax revenue for the state.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board reported that casinos in Nevada generated $14.8 billion in gambling revenue in 2022.

It would be years before a lottery could launch in Nevada

Don’t anticipate purchasing a lottery ticket at your nearby convenience store in the near future.

In order to be enacted, the measure must be approved in two consecutive sessions of the Nevada Legislature. As the proposal entails an amendment to the Nevada Constitution, the earliest the lottery could receive approval would be in 2026.