Question of the Day - 07 February 2026

I wasn't aware that slot machine winnings are to be kept by the “session.” Did I just miss this? Or is this BS or another way the IRS is trying to penalize gamblers (as if the 90% rule isn't bad enough)?  

Yes, you missed it and no, it's not BS or the IRS trying to penalize gamblers (any more than they already do). But this is, as always with gambling and taxes, a somewhat complicated and imprecise concept, which is explained at length in Tax Help for Gamblers by Jean Scott. We'll give you the Cliff Notes version here. 

In IRS gambling terms, a “session” isn't formally defined in the tax code, but it has a well-accepted practical meaning used by casinos, accountants, and the Tax Court: A gambling session is one continuous period of play on the same type of game, without a meaningful break, during which wins and losses can be netted against each other for tax reporting purposes. In plain English, a session generally means you're at the same game (slots only, blackjack only) and play continuously with no significant interruption; it ends when you cash out and walk away. It's most important for keeping a gambling log, where you record your wins and losses, especially if you have to explain your sessions to the IRS.  

I have been following the Evel Knievel museum’s move to Las Vegas. Can you update us on when it will open and the particulars of who runs it?

The Evel Knievel Museum is relocating from its previous location in Topeka, Kansas, which closed in November 2024, to Las Vegas, specifically in the Arts District at 1001 South 1st Street (a renovated former Mission Linen building). According to the museum website (evelknievelmuseum.com), it's coming in "early 2026, with construction ongoing. Some earlier reports anticipated a 2025 opening, but more recent updates include a news item from last month that mentioned an expected April opening in the 35,000-square-foot facility.

As for who runs the museum, it was founded in 2017 Lathan McKay, a filmmaker and Knievel enthusiast/archaeologist from Austin, TX, Mike Patterson, and Jim) Caplinger, both from Topeka. These three established the collection of authentic artifacts, jumps memorabilia, and exhibits dedicated to preserving Evel Knievel's legacy. For the relocation to Las Vegas, the project expanded with additional co-ownership from two other people, plus J Dapper of Dapper Companies, which purchased and is redeveloping the building. Evel's son Kelly, a Las Vegas resident and family-brand owner, doesn't seem to be directly involved, but he has publicly supported the move, noting it's a fitting home for his father's legacy in the city where many of he iconic stunts took place.

Who decides which questions that are submitted to you are selected to become Questions of the Day? 

Usually, it's Deke. All the submitted questions go to his email inbox. He sifts through them and selects the ones that meet the criteria (unwritten, but established over many many years) for answers.

Sometimes, however, it becomes a committee of two, when for example, a good question comes in that requires expert evaluation. Those generally go to Anthony, but on occasion to Jean Scott, Bob Dancer, Arnold Snyder (when he was alive), Andrew Uyal, Mike Shackleford, Blair Rodman, Houston Curtis, Colin Jones, Joe Dorsey, Karen Lesley, Richard Schuetz, Nelson Rose, Tony Cabot, Jeff at VintageVegas, various casino PR departments and unnamed executives, and others of our acquaintance. 

Rarely, it takes a committee of more than two, when Deke, Anthony, and a third or fourth contributor weigh the merits of an answer. Those discussions are always lively and enlightening, as evidenced by excellent Questions of the Day.