Part 3: Gaming the System, Nevada’s Casino Kings

Remember how lobbyists kill bills? Well, let’s zoom in on the gaming world, where lobbying isn’t just influence, it’s an art form that’s defined Nevada.

Vegas wasn’t always the gambling hub, it boomed post-1950s when operators lobbied for regulations to shake off mob ties. Today, the industry employs over 200,000 Nevadans, but that clout comes from smart lobbying. In 2024, gaming donated $2 million-plus to state pols, reclaiming top donor spot, and it shows in policy wins.

Case in point, the 2023 push for expanded online betting. Lobbyists from MGM and Wynn argued it would boost revenue without new taxes, and lawmakers passed it, adding millions to state coffers. But flip it: Critics say this lobbying blocks reforms, like when they fought a 2010s effort to cap resort fees, claiming it would hurt tourism.

Story time: I once shadowed a lobbyist during a session, he wasn’t pushy, just armed with jobs data, showing how one policy tweak could save 5,000 positions in Clark County. Conservatives appreciate this, it protects enterprise, yet when it leads to monopolies, it smells like big government favoritism.

This gaming blueprint? Mining uses it too. Up next, how diggers lobby to keep Nevada’s resources flowing, influencing everything from federal lands to your local taxes. It’s a deeper dig, pun intended, that ties back to national security.
————————————————————————————

Speak Up, Nevada! What’s on Your Mind? Send us your opinion!

Got the inside scoop on something happening in Nevada? Or the country? Do you have thoughts about life in Nevada that are too good to keep to yourself? Whether it’s a hot take on our politics, crime, education, or even the secret to surviving our summers, we’re all ears! Swing them our way at editor@thenevadaglobe.com. Come on, give us the scoop on what makes Nevada tick—or what ticks you off. Let’s make some noise and have some fun with it!