Think tax deductions are a sure bet? Not so fast! Nevada Rep. Dina Titus is rolling the dice, pushing her FAIR BET Act into the defense bill to bring back full gambling loss deductions. Will this high-stakes legislative gamble pay off for the Silver State? It’s all on the table!
Nevada Representative Dina Titus is making a significant legislative push, aiming to integrate the Fair Accounting for Income Realized from Betting Earnings Taxation Act, widely known as the FAIR BET Act, into the impending 2026 defense bill. This strategic move highlights a crucial battle for the economic interests of Nevada and signals an ongoing debate within US Congress regarding taxation policies related to gambling revenue.
The legislative vehicle for this proposed amendment is the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an annual and extensive piece of legislation that meticulously outlines the budgetary allocations and policy directives for the nation’s defense apparatus. Traditionally, the NDAA serves as a comprehensive framework for military spending and strategic initiatives.
Defense bills, including the formidable NDAA, encompass the entire financial operations of the Department of Defense. This includes vital areas such as military construction, various defense-related activities under the Department of Energy, and setting the precise military personnel strengths for the current fiscal year, alongside numerous other critical governmental functions.
Rep. Titus has actively leveraged social media platforms to champion her cause, publicly addressing the NDAA and candidly advocating for the inclusion of the FAIR BET Act. Her determined stance is reflected in her recent posts, urging bipartisan support: “The fight to restore the 100% gambling loss tax deduction continues. I strongly encourage the Republicans to make this amendment in order when it goes before the House Rules Committee upon our return to Congress next month.”
As previously reported, Rep. Titus has consistently sought to establish the FAIR BET Act as what she describes as a “common sense fix” to the challenges posed by the creation of the Omnibus Budget and Betting Balance Act (OBBBA). The OBBBA, which controversially became law on Independence Day, July 4, introduced substantial changes to gambling taxation.
Titus has been a vocal critic of the potential societal and economic repercussions of the OBBBA, particularly for states like Nevada, whose economy heavily relies on its robust tourism and gambling sectors. Under the alterations introduced by the OBBBA, gamblers would face a drastic 90% reduction in their ability to deduct gambling earnings, a stark contrast to the previous 100% deduction that was a cornerstone of the gambling tax landscape.
Her commitment to this issue was further underscored earlier this year when she wryly commented on the perceived odds of the FAIR BET Act passing. In a moment of characteristic wit, Rep. Titus posted: “You know the FAIR BET Act has made it when two prediction markets I am trying to shut down are offering odds on its passage.” This highlights the significant public and political attention the proposed gambling legislation has garnered.
The legislative journey for Rep. Titus’s amendment within the NDAA remains uncertain, yet her unwavering resolve in defending Nevada’s economic lifelines, particularly its vital tourism and gambling industries, is undeniable. Her persistent efforts underscore the critical nature of this ongoing political and economic debate within the US Congress.
