LAS VEGAS (AP) - Las Vegas-based casino company Station Casinos lost a Nevada Tax Commission appeal for a refund of $15.3 million plus interest on sales taxes it paid on free meals to players and employees.

Taxation Department chief Chris Nielsen tells the Las Vegas Sun that interest could double the amount.

Station Casinos attorney John Bartlett says the next will be a hearing Oct. 17 before a Clark County District Court judge in Las Vegas.

This is step an ongoing battle between the casino industry and the state.

Bartlett notes that Boyd Gaming and Caesars Entertainment have also sued to reclaim millions of dollars in sales and use taxes.

The commission did vote to refund to Station Casinos an estimated $700,000 in sales and use tax on free meals on nongaming activities.

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