Is Casino Gambling Coming to Texas?

It’s hard to believe that the state most identified with cowboys and the Old West wouldn’t have casinos, but that’s certainly the case in Texas. However, that could change as early as December if Senators John Corona (Dallas) and Rodney Ellis (Houston) have their way.

The two men have proposed a bill which would allow voters to decide whether or not they want casino gambling to be legal in The Lone Star State. The bill also calls for the legalization of slot machines at horse and dog tracks. This last part is especially important, as these facilities have slowly been losing business to out-of-state casinos.

According to Corpus Christi Greyhound Racetrack GM Jaques Triplett, “We’re hoping and praying. Without it, all horse and dog tracks are slowly fading into the dust.”

While critics of the bill drag out the same tired old moral arguments, supporters point to the massive yearly revenue that Texas is losing to nearby states like Oklahoma and Louisiana, which both have some form of legalized gambling. Corona and Ellis believe that an individual who wants to gamble will find a way to do it. But they also believe that state taxes on the increased revenue would greatly assist Texas schools and other worthwhile projects.

The ultimate goal of the bill is the construction of 12 casinos to be built in locations around the state. The locations have yet to be determined, but Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio would almost certainly be on the list. It has also been mentioned that at least two of the casinos would be constructed on “resort island destinations.”

As a resident of Texas who enjoys gambling, I would certainly jump at the chance to actually be able to vote on this topic. Of course, I’m sure some activist group composed of overweight soccer moms will be all-too-happy to stand in my way.

For more on the subject of gambling and the law, please read the following:

Legal Updates from the World of Gambling

Texas Poker Bill is Dead

Is Casino Gambling Coming to Texas?