Two resolutions support state lottery

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003 | 9:10 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Two Democratic lawmakers are hoping their colleagues take a gamble on a state-run lottery to help Nevada raise more revenue.

The proposals, which both require an amendment to the state Constitution, never found much support in past legislative sessions.

But Assemblywoman Kathy McClain, D-Las Vegas, said she hoped this year would be different, especially in light of a recommendation by the Nevada Task Force on Tax Policy for lawmakers to consider a lottery.

Assembly Joint Resolution 1 would amend the Constitution to allow a lottery. Unlike past attempts to pass such a proposal, McClain's bill this session does not specify how the revenues would be spent.

"A lot of hope is riding on it this time because there is a lot more public support," McClain said. "It's also a very clean bill and doesn't say what we'd do with the money."

Assembly Joint Resolution 2, sponsored by Assemblyman Wendell Williams, D-North Las Vegas, would permit the state to join one or more lotteries operated by a nonprofit association of states, such as Powerball.

The gaming industry has staunchly opposed a lottery, in part because tickets would be sold in convenience stores and not in casinos.

Williams envisions selling Powerball tickets in the casinos.

"My initial conversations with the gaming industry about this seem to be more friendly," Williams said. "Selling the tickets in the casinos seems to provide more of a comfort level."

Both bills were referred to the Assembly Committee on Constitutional Amendments.