News writer
For decades, Nevada has been synonymous with high-stakes gambling, flashing lights, and 24/7 casino action, but there's one game of chance that's always been off the table: a state lottery. Now, a growing movement backed by the state's largest union is pushing to change that.
With an overwhelming majority of residents in favor, could Nevada finally roll the dice on a lottery? Or will the powerful casino industry keep the odds stacked against it?
Residents support a lottery
Despite Nevada being one of only five states without an official state lottery, the residents clearly have strong opinions on whether or not legislation should be introduced to bring a lottery to the state.
The Culinary Union, a union based in Las Vegas that happens to be the largest union in the state, conducted an opinion poll recently. They were asking about opinions regarding the creation of a government-backed lottery.
As it turns out, Nevadans seem pumped about the possibility of a lottery coming to the state. According to their poll, 84% of residents are in favor of creating a state lottery. Additionally, 80% said they would like to see legislative efforts to make it happen.
A benefit for the state
The Culinary Union thinks a lottery would be beneficial to the state, as it could help fund mental health and youth support services. The union is asking for the topic to be put to a public vote.
In a statement, Ted Pappageorge, Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer, said:
The Nevada Legislature must act now and introduce a bill that would amend the Nevada Constitution to allow a state lottery system to be created, hold hearings in the Assembly and Senate, and pass the legislation so that it can go to the ballot and allow voters to ultimately decide…Nevadans deserve a chance to vote on this issue — it's time to let the people decide.
Legislation has been introduced in the past
To get a state lottery in Nevada, they would have to go through a four-step process. The first two steps are getting the legislation passed among Nevada lawmakers. The state House and Senate passed AJR5, which is a proposed constitutional amendment removing the prohibition on state lotteries, in 2023.
Since it would be changing the Nevada state constitution, it has to pass through Nevada legislators two times. There are new legislators in place now, but it could be brought up for a vote again in 2025.
If legislators do pass it a second time, it would then be placed on the ballot for voters in Nevada to decide. If voters pass the legislation, then the constitution would be changed, and a state-operated lottery would be put into place.
Casinos against a lottery
While you might think of Nevada and Las Vegas and think of gambling, the state has never had a lottery. The state is a popular destination for gamblers, but that's for the casino hub in Las Vegas and Reno.
That specific casino industry is playing a big part on why a lottery has never been created. They fear a state lottery would bring them a lot of competition, so they have often lobbied against the creation of it.
The general public seems to be aware of this lobbying too, as the Culinary Union's poll showed that 63% of the respondents felt that some Democratic politicians who previously supported the creation of a state lottery changed their stance due to gambling industry lobbying.
However, while the casino industry has played a big part in making the Culinary Union one of the state's biggest and most influential unions, that same union is now calling for a lottery vote.
Time will tell if the vote will happen or not, but a state-operated lottery would not only be a new competitor to casinos, but it would also provide a new form of entertainment for Nevadans and offer a new stream of revenue for public funds.
Enjoy playing the lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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