Legislature: Senate approves slot voucher bill

(AP) - Gamblers who forget to cash in their slot machine vouchers will be helping to pad Nevada's coffers.

The Senate on Monday gave final legislative approval to AB219, It allows the state to rake in 75 percent of any unredeemed slot machine wagering vouchers that go unclaimed past a printed expiration or up to six months.

Those winnings that gamblers forget to cash in are currently kept by casinos.

The new law takes effect July 1.

An estimated $17 million projected to be reaped from the unclaimed tickets was built into Gov. Brian Sandoval's $6.2 billion budget.

During committee hearings, casino representatives said most vouchers are for small amounts, averaging around $5. But the chump change adds up to big bucks over time.