Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : House Backs Bigger Gambling Tax Bite

The House passed a bill that would raise tax withholdings on lottery and other high-odds gambling winnings above $1,000 to 28% from 20%. The action was taken to offset the revenue losses from legislation that exempts charitable groups from business income taxes on the highly profitable “Las Vegas Nights” and “Casino Nights” they sponsor. Passed by a voice vote, the bill expands the current tax exemption for bingo games sponsored by nonprofit organizations to virtually every other game of chance these groups put on. In the case of state-run lotteries, the winnings for the higher withholding rate would have to be at least $5,000.