Nevada Democratic Gubernatorial Hopeful Alexis Hill Pitches Casino Tax Increase
Posted on: June 8, 2026, 01:36h.
Last updated on: June 8, 2026, 01:36h.
- Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill thinks casinos should better benefit Nevada
- Hill, seeking to become Nevada’s next governor, is proposing a tax hike on casino revenue
Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill is running to oust Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) in the 2026 gubernatorial election. Her latest campaign pledge is one that won’t field her many backers in the state’s largest business sector.
Hill is one of six Democrats who have declared their candidacy to become Nevada’s next governor. She’s polling considerably behind Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, the Democratic Party’s likely candidate to challenge Lombardo in November.
Hill is making headlines this week after pitching an idea to increase taxes on the industry that makes Nevada tick. She wants to increase spending by an estimated $4 billion a year, and plans to pay for it by “making corporations finally pay their fair share.”
That includes raising the state tax on casinos and gaming taverns, which is currently capped at 6.75%.
Casino Gaming Industry Targeted
Nevada’s gaming regulations are often referred to as the “gold standard” of governing casinos and sports betting. Numerous states have cloned Nevada’s gaming law for their own, though many have opted for much higher tax rates on gross gaming revenue (GGR).
Casinos in Nevada that generate GGR of $134,000 or more in a month are subject to the 6.75% tax. Casinos and gaming taverns that earn less are taxed at reduced rates.
Hill thinks it’s time the gambling interests pay more.
Gaming needs to come to the table. I know that is going to take some work, but mining came to the table in 2019. When these industries start to feel pressure from the state government that we have things we must pay for, essential services, people are falling through the cracks, they will come to the table,” Hill told NBC 3 News in Las Vegas.
Hill says if the casino industry isn’t willing to negotiate a higher tax, she’s threatening to mandate a larger cut through legislation.
“We’ve done polling, people want to see gaming properly taxed,” Hill said.
The Washoe County official says she isn’t scared of the gaming industry, which would likely spend considerably against her should she win the Democratic Party ticket for November. Hill said her campaign is directed at the people — not the gaming industry.
Casino Industry
No industry is more important to the economy in Nevada than casino gaming.
In 2025, state gaming revenue totaled almost $15.8 billion, a record high. In addition to the gaming revenue, the casinos lure tens of millions of visitors to Nevada each year who spend money on travel, hotel rooms, food and beverage, entertainment, and shopping.
The gaming industry has a statewide annual economic impact of roughly $100 billion. Direct casino employment totals almost 150,000 positions.
Last Comments ( 2 )
Why are we reporting on her if she has not shot at the nomination? Ford is getting it. Lombardo is getting re-elected
What a shocker. A liberal white woman who has never held an actual job in the private sector thinks raising taxes is going to solve all of NV’s problems. You can’t fix stupid.