Casinos split with other Nevada businesses on taxes

Casinos and other businesses disagree on how best to raise money for Nevada's state budget, but leaders on all sides say they hope tensions won't get out of control next year, when legislators are expected to approve a budget for 2010-2011.

MGM Mirage Inc. chief executive Terry Lanni says he hopes there won't be deep divisions between casinos and other businesses on fixing the state budget.

Station Casinos Executive Vice President Scott Nielson says casinos and other businesses agree the state must be more efficient in its spending.

Casino companies, which provide almost half the revenues in the state's general fund, have asked non-gambling businesses to support general increases, but they have resisted.

Kara Kelley, president of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, says she believes casinos and other businesses will be able to form a compromise before the legislative sessions.