In Oregon, as well as in other states, certain gambling losses can be written off by gamblers when they calculate their taxes. This could soon change, though, as lawmakers are considering a proposal that would take away those deductions. Casinos are, as to be expected, launching a fight to try and prevent the legislation from becoming law and the fight is being spearheaded by the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community. It argues that the losses would be an encumbrance to their operations.

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Oregon Senate Finance Committee Chairman Senator Mark Hass is behind the effort, Senate Bill 212 (SB 212). It has already been approved by the Senate, having successfully passed a vote this past March, and is now making its way through the House obstacle course. It is stuck in traffic in the House Revenue Committee.

This will give the tribe, which operates the Spirit Mountain Casino, time to rally the troops. It has joined forces with he Oregon Tribal Gaming Alliance (OTGA) in opposing the bill, hoping to thwart the efforts before the bill gains more momentum. According to the tribe, the result of the bill would mean serious reductions in its revenue. Last year, 2% of the gamblers on those machines accounted for 50% of the casino’s revenue.