The press has not properly informed the public as to the taxes that the casinos do pay. At the present time, casinos pay a gross gaming tax. This tax is tiered in three parts. The last time we increased the gross gaming tax was in 1987. At that time, the Legislature increased the third tier from 5.75 to 6 percent and to 6.25 percent, respectively.
Casinos pay other taxes such as sales taxes, room taxes and property taxes.
The gross gaming levy is different and apart from those other taxes. The gross gaming tax is based upon a money-concentrated operation. In other words, the customer puts up his or her money to win the house's money. This tax is passed through to the customer. Certain deductions are permitted from the gross winnings of the casinos.