President Trump Promotes “Not Tax On Tip” During Rally At Circa Resort in Casino

President Donald Trump has met with gaming industry leaders and stakeholders at the Circa Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, the president’s first appearance at a casino this term. Hosted by Circa CEO Derek Stevens, the event with the president saw a few discussions on the gaming industry, including taxes and general policy. Among other things, leaders are calling for canceling sports betting excise tax.

Improvements in casino policies are likely to have widespread effects on the sector and also benefit online gambling, which provides users with convenience. With the right policy, iGaming platforms in the US will see some major legal advancements in the time ahead. On the other hand, offshore platforms like Megadice are already welcoming US players looking to enjoy exciting bonuses, deposits, and withdrawals via several cryptocurrencies, a reliable sportsbook, and official partnerships with several game providers.

Industry leaders and stakeholders believe the president’s visit so quickly after his inauguration is encouraging and could be positive for the sector in the long run. According to Bill Miller, the president and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA), the event and the president’s presence underscores his commitment to ensuring that the tax code supports job creation and keeps workers more financially buoyant. 

Miller referred to Trump’s first term, stating that his support for the industry helped to obtain federal economic relief during a difficult period in the early 2020s. He added:

“We look forward to further engagement with President Trump throughout this year on critical tax policy and other important industry priorities.” 

Trump is no stranger to the gambling business, as he owned and ran several casinos in New Jersey’s Atlantic City before running for office. These include Trump Marina, now Golden Nugget Atlantic City, and Trump Taj Mahal, now Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City.

At the Vegas event, Trump also discussed his plan to reverse taxes on tips. Trump has long promoted his “no tax on tips” policy. At the Vegas event, Trump promised to work hard to eliminate the tax. According to the president:

“In the coming weeks, I’ll be working with Congress to get a bill on my desk that cuts taxes for workers, families, and small businesses, and very importantly, keeps my promise. We’re gonna get it for you – no tax on tips.” 

Trump promised that all servers, valets, bellhops, bartenders, and restaurant workers would be able to keep 100% of their tips. The idea was first announced last year during a campaign rally. Reports state that Trump’s initial plan came after receiving a complaint that the government was seizing a little too much of workers’ tips.

While Trump cannot simply change the tax code, the president intends to influence decision-makers to consider taking taxes off tips received by workers across the country. 

Last July, two senators, Catherine Cortez Masto (Nevada) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (Mississippi) filed the “Withdrawing Arduous Gaming Excise Rates Act (The WAGER Act), seeking to remove the federal sports betting excise tax. In a statement shortly after the bill was filed, the AGA explained that the tax was enacted over 70 years ago and was used to prosecute illegal sports betting service providers. With sports betting legal in most states today, the AGA argues that the tax is “antiquated,” puts legal operators at a disadvantage, and rewards illegal offshore providers who pay no taxes.