State lottery bill dies in Senate committee

CARSON CITY -- Once again, a bill to legalize a state lottery has died in the Legislature.

David Parks, chairman of the Senate Legislative Operations and Elections Committee, decided Thursday against bringing a lottery measure, Senate Joint Resolution 1, to a vote in his committee.

Bills must pass by today or are dead for the rest of the legislative session.

The Las Vegas Democrat said he believes most committee members opposed the lottery resolution . He said some legislators feel lotteries attract poorer residents who really should not be spending their money gambling.

Many state lotteries, including one in his home state of New Hampshire, have been plagued by problems and have not brought in the revenue anticipated for education, Parks said.

During a March hearing, supporters of the resolution said studies show a state lottery would raise $40 million to $60 million a year for education.

The gaming industry for decades has complained that a lottery would compete with casinos for business.

The Legislature has rejected moves to create a lottery 25 times since the 1970s.

In 2007, a study by Boyd Gaming and Station Casinos found a lottery would raise $48 million a year and create 316 jobs but would eliminate 595 jobs in the gaming and hospitality industry.

While Nevada legalized gambling in 1931, the Nevada Constitution, ratified by voters in 1864, outlaws lotteries.

Lotteries are allowed in 44 states.