Episode 27: Representative Dina Titus on the Gaming Caucus and GRIT

As representative for Nevada’s 1st congressional district and co-chair of the Congressional Gaming Caucus, she is a crucial industry advocate at federal level. 

Tackling the excise tax

Representative Titus is also leading the charge to repeal the 0.25% federal excise tax on sports betting handle. 

The money is deposited into the General Fund, rather than being used to tackle illegal gambling. Why not cut the tax and allow legal businesses to better compete against offshore operators by offering a more attractive product, she asks. 

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GRIT is not the solution

However the representative is an opponent of the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment and Treatment Act (GRIT Act), which aims to reallocate that tax to treating problem gambling. 

The bill’s sponsors haven’t consulted with the Gaming Caucus, she tells the World Series of Politics, and disregards state legislation which almost always mandates problem gambling funding. 

Listen to the full episode to hear directly from Representative Titus on gaming expansion, tackling the black market and raising player protection standards.