Bill to increase tax on casino winnings dies

Thursday, Feb. 24, 2005 | 9:16 a.m.

JACKSON, Miss. -- A bill that would have generated $44 million in taxes and fees -- including higher taxes on Mississippi casino winnings -- has failed because the House didn't consider it before a deadline.

Wednesday was the last day for the House and Senate to pass or kill the first round of revenue and spending bills.

The $44 million tax and fee bill had passed the House Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday, but committee Chairman Percy Watson, D-Hattiesburg, chose not to bring it up for vote of the full House.

The bill would have increased the state tax on casino winnings from 3 percent to 5 percent.

It also would've increased the entrance fees to the cash-strapped state parks.

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