Episode 51: Dina Titus on the Fair Bet Act
Summary
World Series of Politics returns with Congresswoman Dina Titus to discuss her Fair Accounting for Income Realized from Betting Earnings Taxation (Fair Bet) Act — a direct pushback against a Senate change that would cut the tax deduction on gambling losses from 100% to 90%.
Titus describes the offending Senate provision as the “big, bad, beautiful, bullshit bill,” warning it would effectively tax bettors on phantom winnings by denying full loss deductions. The episode covers the bill’s impact on players, the regulated gambling sector and broader communities, and notes growing bipartisan support (including backing from tribes, industry groups and the AGA) to reverse the change before it takes effect in 2026. The podcast episode is available via Apple Podcasts and other platforms.
Source
Key Points
- • The Fair Bet Act (Fair Accounting for Income Realized from Betting Earnings Taxation) is Congresswoman Dina Titus’ response to a Senate tax change reducing the deduction for gambling losses to 90%.
- • Titus argues the Senate provision would tax players on non-existent or “phantom” winnings by preventing full offset of losses.
- • She uses blunt rhetoric to draw attention to the issue, calling the Senate measure the “big, bad, beautiful, bullshit bill.”
- • Bipartisan momentum is building to reverse the provision, with support from the American Gaming Association, tribes and major industry players.
- • The change would take effect in 2026 unless Congress acts; Titus frames the fight as protecting consumers, communities and the integrity of regulated gambling.
- • The conversation is part of the World Series of Politics podcast (Episode 51), hosted by Brandt Iden and Brendan Bussmann; the episode is available on Apple Podcasts.
Why should I read this?
Quick heads-up: if you care about US sports betting, taxes or the regulated gaming market, this is worth two minutes. Dina Titus isn’t just defending industry wallets — she’s arguing the tax tweak would quietly hit everyday bettors and undermine regulated markets. The podcast and her Fair Bet Act explain who stands to lose, who’s backing the fix, and what could happen if Congress doesn’t intervene before 2026. Consider this the short cut to the political stakes without having to listen to the full debate.
Author note
Punchy and direct: Robin Harrison’s piece flags a fast-moving policy fight with tangible consequences for players and operators alike — worth tracking if you work in US gaming, regulation or tax policy.