Nevada lawmakers push for statewide lottery vote

Wednesday, May 16, 2001 | 10:55 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Although Nevada is known worldwide for its gambling, residents have no in-state access to the type of lottery that pours millions in to states' coffers nationwide.

The state Assembly took the first step toward allowing such a game of chance Tuesday when it approved sending such a measure to the voters.

"We are an open-ended gaming state," said Kathy McClain, D-Las Vegas, the sponsor of the resolution. "It just seems incongruent that we don't have a lottery."

California takes in $2.5 billion annually from its state sponsored lottery, and other states like Pennsylvania can cover the costs of expensive senior citizen programs solely using lottery proceeds, lawmakers said.

Assembly Joint Resolution 11 would amend the state's constitution to allow a lottery with revenues funding public education and senior citizen health and welfare programs.

If approved by the Senate, the measure would go before the Legislature again in 2003, and to voters in 2004. A lottery would take effect until 2005.

John Lee, D-Las Vegas, joined Sharron Angle, R-Reno; David Brown, R-Henderson; and Don Gustavson, R-Sun Valley, in opposition.

"I do not believe that this revenue will enhance anything," Lee said, calling lotteries and the spread of gambling a moral issue. "It'll only push it farther down the line."

The measure passed 38-4.