Reschenthaler, Titus Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Repeal Excise Tax on Legal Sports Bets

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) and Representative Dina Titus (D-NV), co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Gaming Caucus, introduced the Discriminatory Gaming Tax Repeal Act, legislation to repeal the 0.25% excise tax placed on all legal sports bets, known as the “handle tax.”

“The U.S. gaming industry provides over one million jobs, including 33,171 jobs in Pennsylvania, and generates more than 70 billion for state and local governments throughout the country,” said Reschenthaler. “Unfortunately, outdated tax codes and burdensome regulations penalize legal operators and incentivize illegal activity. The Discriminatory Gaming Tax Repeal Act will ensure the gaming industry can support good-paying jobs and promote economic growth in southwestern Pennsylvania and nationwide. I’m proud to join Gaming Caucus Co-Chair Titus in introducing this bipartisan legislation, and I urge our colleagues in the House to support it.”

“With the explosive growth of sports betting across the country, it’s time to finally repeal the handle tax, which penalizes legal gaming operators and punishes sportsbooks for creating jobs,” said Titus. “As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Gaming Caucus, I’m pushing this legislation to keep legal gaming markets thriving nationwide and help local economies reap the benefits of a growing industry.”

Pennsylvania ranks second in the nation for total gaming revenue generated, grossing $4.83 billion in 2021.

Reschenthaler and Titus first introduced this legislation in the 117th Congress.

Read the full text of the bill here.