According to documents filed in his divorce case in 2003, Sen. Williams, R-Burkesville, reported gambling losses of $36,147 in a four-year period of 1999 to 2002. On a yearly basis, the losses ranged from $3,445 in 2000 to $17,889 in 1999.
...the disclosures raise concerns that Sen. Williams should address. He implied in interviews that he “must have had winnings more than (his declared losses).” Not necessarily. A taxpayer can claim and deduct gambling losses up to the amount of betting income that is reported, but losses could have totaled more — even much more. Given that Sen. Williams has tended to visit out-of-state casinos, it is highly unlikely he came out ahead in any of the four years, let alone all of them. The odds are set to favor the house in casino wagering, and it's a rare player indeed who beats the house over time.
...It is important that Sen. Williams, a candidate for governor, make appropriate information public. For starters, he should release his tax returns — which, among other disclosures, will include his gambling winnings, reveal whether they were entirely offset by losses and shed light on whether his claim that he has stopped patronizing casinos is truthful. He should also answer questions about his gambling, including the sums that he has won and lost.
The Herald-Leader added:
He should answer questions and release his income tax returns going back into the 1990s. At the very least he should release the portions of his tax returns that deal with gambling. He also should release the documentation of his losses, which would include information about where and when he was gambling.
And he should disclose whether he has received preferential treatment from casinos, including lodging, meals or other perks.
These are legitimate questions that will dog Williams should he win the Republican nomination. The sooner he gets them out of the way, the better.
