In a dramatic turn of events, House Republicans are racing to reverse a controversial gambling tax deduction that has ignited outrage among the gaming community. The deduction, initially set at 100%, was slashed to 90% in the so-called “big, beautiful bill” pushed through by the Trump administration. This sudden change has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry, prompting an outcry from stakeholders who argue that taxing “phantom income” is fundamentally unfair.

Representative Dina Titus of Nevada, a leading voice against this tax policy, has garnered unexpected bipartisan support for her Fair Bet Act, which aims to restore the full deduction. “No one should pay taxes on money they don’t have,” Titus stated, highlighting the potential fallout that could drive gamblers back to unregulated offshore sites. With states increasingly legalizing sports betting, the stakes have never been higher.

The backlash was swift. Titus reported an overwhelming response from constituents—over a million messages flooded in after her office raised concerns about the deduction. “This caught people’s attention like nothing else,” she remarked, emphasizing the urgent need for legislative correction. The bill, which faced initial resistance in the Senate, is now gaining traction as Republicans reconsider their stance in light of public outcry.

The urgency is palpable as lawmakers scramble to address this issue before the end of the year, with the tax changes set to take effect in 2024. “We need to get this done,” Titus stressed, as bipartisan support grows. The gaming community is watching closely, knowing that the outcome of this legislative battle could have far-reaching implications for their industry and the millions who participate in legal gambling across the nation. The clock is ticking, and the pressure is on Congress to act swiftly.