March 19, 1931 - Nevada legalizes casino gambling

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - On this day, March 19, 1931, Nevada lawmakers voted to legalize casino gambling.

At the time of the legalization, the state was struggling through the Great Depression, and state lawmakers saw legal gambling as a way to boost the economy, bring jobs, and create tourism.

Because of the new law, casinos, card games, and other types of betting were legalized under regulations at saloons and hotels.

The legalization came years after gambling was criminalized in the state.

The comeback of “wide open” gambling made it possible for cities like Las Vegas to become major tourist destinations, building hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues around the casino industry.

Today, state gambling taxes account for the majority of Nevada’s overall tax revenues.

In Wisconsin, gambling is legal, but only at Tribe-operated casinos.

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