Alexis Hill (above), Washoe County Commissioner and Democratic candidate for Nevada Governor, has called for higher taxes on casino revenue, reopening one of the state’s most politically sensitive gambling debates. Hill says Nevada’s gaming industry should contribute more towards public services at a time when the state is facing pressure over funding for essential services.
“Gaming needs to come to the table,” Hill told NBC 3 News in Las Vegas, comparing the issue with the way Nevada’s mining industry faced pressure from state government in 2019.
“When these industries start to feel pressure from the state government that we have things we must pay for, essential services, people are falling through the cracks, they will come to the table,” she said.
The proposal comes as Nevada’s casino sector continues to report historically strong results. Statewide GGR reached almost $15.8bn in 2025, while Washoe County generated nearly $1.1bn.
Nevada currently taxes qualifying casino revenue at 6.75%, one of the lowest rates in the US. This low rate has long been part of the state’s competitive model, helping support casino investment, employment and tourism. Hill says polling indicated that voters want gaming to be taxed more fairly and that her campaign is focused on public priorities rather than industry approval.
Casino taxation has historically been a difficult political issue in Nevada. While other US states have adopted significantly higher rates on casino or sports betting revenue, Nevada’s model has relied on high volume, low taxation and a broad tourism economy anchored by Las Vegas. Hill’s comments suggest gaming tax policy could become an issue in the Governor’s race, particularly if candidates seek new funding sources for education, healthcare, infrastructure and other public services.
The debate will be closely watched. Nevada remains the symbolic and commercial centre of US casino gaming, and any serious move to increase the state’s gaming tax rate would carry significance well beyond the local political campaign.
