Congress’ Strategy For Slashing U.S. Gambling Activity Proves Problematic, Part II

Casino History, Gambling History, Gambling Laws / Regulations: U.S. Public Law 93-499, Gambling Laws / Regulations: U.S. Revenue Act of 1951, Gambling: Taxes, Governing / Regulatory Bodies: Internal Revenue Service, Governing / Regulatory Bodies: U.S. Congress, It Really Happened, Law Enforcement / Judicial System: U.S. Supreme Court, United StatesLeave a comment

1952-1968 Soon after two new federal taxes — the tax on wagers and the wagering occupational tax — went into effect in late 1951, problems with them arose. (See Part I for a description of and impetus behind the taxes.) First Complication to Arise The constitutionality of the occupational tax was called into question. In…

Despite Ridicule, Nevada Politician Protects Gambling

Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel, Casino History, Crimes / Violence / Punishments: Tax Evasion, Desert Inn (Las Vegas, NV), Flamingo (Las Vegas, NV), Gambling, Gambling History, Gambling Laws / Regulations: U.S. Revenue Act of 1951, Gambling License, Gaming History, Moe Dalitz, Nevada, Politicians / Politics: Kefauver Committee, Politicians / Politics: Kefauver Committee: Contempt of Congress, Politicians / Politics: U.S. Senator (NV) Patrick "Pat" A. McCarran, Pro-Gambling Efforts, Salvatore "Sam" Maceo, United StatesLeave a comment

1933-1954 His unfavorable personal opinion about gambling notwithstanding, Patrick “Pat” A. McCarran (D-Nev.) — U.S. Senator between 1933 and 1954 — acted repeatedly on the industry’s behalf. Had he not, it’s likely gaming wouldn’t have emerged as The Silver State’s greatest revenue-producing economic sector — a positive or negative, depending on one’s view. Because gambling…