Gibbons backs down on gaming markers

Gov. Jim Gibbons has backed down on his push to get tax revenue for the state by forcing gaming companies to pay taxes on markers when they're issued, rather than when they're repaid.

The change would have generated an estimated $31 million for the biennial budget, but gaming companies strongly opposed it. Gibbons spokesman Daniel Burns said that in light of the continued decline in gaming revenue, the governor's office won't be submitting that proposal.

"We are in the process of looking for other ways to deal with that shortfall," Burns said. "We're sure we'll be able to find something. There was a little bit of leeway built into the budget."