Last November, Nevada voters in Clark County and Washoe County voted to raise room taxes up to 13 percent, with revenues raised going toward the state’s education fund. Legislators approved the tax and sent it to Governor Jim Gibbons for approval.

Gibbons, who was elected on a campaign promise of “no new taxes,” refused to sign the legislation, which passed by default without a veto. Though Gibbons did not take action on the legislation in order to avoid breaking the central tenet of his campaign, he did include anticipated revenue from the room tax increase in his 2009-10 budget. The tax is expected to raise more than $200 million for the state.�

By Casino Connection Staff