President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill has been a cause of great controversy since its introduction this month. While it is set to become law—having passed a final vote in the House of Representatives—its provisions related to gambling tax deductions are creating turbulence throughout the casino and gaming industry.
A particularly contentious clause limits the deductibility of gambling losses to just 90%, down from the previous 100%. This change may seem minor to the average observer, but it has wide-reaching implications for both recreational and professional gamblers, as well as the casinos that cater to them.
Las Vegas casino owner Derek Stevens, who operates The D, Golden Gate, Circa, and Circa Sports, told KTNV that the fallout could be immediate. Some of his high-volume clients have already indicated they plan to move their gambling activity offshore to jurisdictions where tax treatment remains more favorable. Stevens also voiced concern that this policy could hurt U.S. operators’ ability to attract and retain top-tier gamblers, ultimately shrinking the domestic gaming market.
Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus has stepped in, calling the tax policy harmful to the very players who fuel the gaming economy. She’s currently pursuing a legislative fix to restore the full 100% deduction, emphasizing that the issue impacts not just players, but also state revenue and the overall health of the regulated gaming sector.
As regulators, operators, and lawmakers continue to navigate the ripple effects of this legislation, one thing is clear: the economic behaviors of gamblers—particularly those at the higher end—are extremely sensitive to taxation policy. And when those behaviors shift, the effects are felt across the broader ecosystem of gaming businesses, state tax bases, and even tech providers.
At SCCG Management, we’re already advising our partners in gaming, sports wagering, and fintech on how these legislative shifts may impact player behavior, market dynamics, and international expansion strategy. With over 120 global client-partners, we recognize the importance of adapting to regulatory developments quickly and strategically—ensuring operators stay compliant while still competitive in a rapidly changing environment.
It’s an inclusion that Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus is currently fighting to remove from the legislation. She believes it will harm recreational gamblers and destroy the livelihoods of professionals, and is working on a “legislative fix” for the issue.
Stevens said he had spoken with politicians to see if they can return the 100% deduction total. “It should be a very simple fix, but I know everything gets a little more complicated sometimes than it ought to be,” he said. “This is good for all our states. This is good for gamblers.”
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: https://www.vegasslotsonline.com/news/2025/07/17/casino-exec-says-big-beautiful-bill-will-drive-us-gamblers-offshore/