Nevada Lottery Bill Heads to Senate Work Session Ahead of Legislative Deadline

LAS VEGAS, NV (May 19, 2023) — Nevada lawmakers on Thursday will continue to discuss a bill that would introduce a state-sponsored lottery, Las Vegas television station KSNV reported today.

The Senate Legislative Operations and Elections committee will hold a work session to consider amending Assembly Joint Resolution 5.

The resolution would amend the state constitution, which currently bars any kind of lottery except for charitable organizations.

If added to the constitution, AJR 5 would allow the legislature to establish a state-sponsored lottery. No other entities would have that power, though the existing exception for charitable groups would remain in place.

It’s unclear what amendments would be considered during Thursday’s work session. No exhibits have been attached to the agenda, and the deadline for bills to get out of a second committee is Friday, May 19.

Assemblyman CH Miller introduced AJR 5 and has argued that it would keep money in-state that is currently spent on lottery tickets bought in California and Arizona.

The Culinary Union is also backing the measure, saying public money from a lottery could be directed to youth mental health initiatives.

Gaming operators have opposed a lottery, arguing that it would divert money away from traditional brick-and-mortar casinos.

Because AJR 5 amends the state constitution, it would need approval from the Senate and Assembly both this year and in 2025 before going to voters in the 2026 general election.

SOURCE: Las Vegas television station KSNV.