Challenge to Online Gambling? Nevada Lottery Introduced for Consideration

Despite being on his way out of office, Nevada Assemblyman Harvey Munford is making a last-ditch effort to add lotteries to the list of games permitted by the interstate compact.

Currently, poker is the only form of gambling that the state of Nevada allows online.

Munford's proposal was submitted to skeptical members of the Legislative Operations and Elections Committee on Thursday. Much of the skepticism arises from a 40-year history of resistance to a statewide lottery, despite dozens of attempts. As a lame duck assemblyman ending the maximum duration of service allowable by state law, Munford has the luxury of throwing caution, or at least prudence, to the wind.

Noble Goals for Lottery Revenues

However, maybe the attempt is not so haphazard as it seems. Politically brazen, the initiative remains socially motivated, with Munford promoting a goal for the legislation of helping “our education system and the elderly constituents without raising taxes." The highly influential casino industry is of course opposed to the legislation, because it could take a bite out of gambling revenues. Ultimately, it appears Munford wouldn't be around long enough to see the bill through, as even if it passes committee, the enactment of law would require two more passages of approval in state legislation as well as a subsequent ballot referendum.

State of Resistance

Though one of the few states allowing online gambling, Nevada is one of the remaining six US states without a lottery backed by the state government.