Could Texas Casino Gambling Luck Change?
The opportunities for Texans yearning to get a foothold in casino gambling in the Lone Star State have never been better.
HOUSTON – The opportunities for Texans yearning to get a foothold in casino gambling in the Lone Star State have never been better.
“I think it’s long overdue. I think Texans are ready, their appetites are wet, it’s ready,” said State Senator Carol Alvarado.
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The Houston Democrat is again proposing a quartet of gaming resorts, each equipped with luxury hotels, restaurants, convention centers and entertainment venues.
“It’s not like someone would put up a blackjack table or put up a slot machine in a supermarket or bar,” Alvarado said.
A new bill aims to expand gambling in Texas and bring casinos into the state
In Texas you can play the lottery and win bingo, but sports betting and gambling in a casino are not legal. However, there is now a push to bring casinos to Texas under a new bill called SJR-17 tabled by State Senator Carol Alvarado.
If approved, Alvarado’s move would give Texans the final say in a statewide referendum.
“I think Texans deserve the right to vote on this because they travel to so many states near and far to play. Texans love to play,” Alvarado explained.
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Polls consistently support this claim, with a large majority of Texans anxious to see casinos under construction here sooner rather than later.
Casino gambling in Texas? Abbott says he might be open to the idea
Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement suggesting he may be open to casino gambling in the Lone Star State despite years of and conflicting laws.
Alvarado sees the limited number of regulated gaming resorts as a magnet for out-of-state tourism and the prospect of significant job creation.
“It would be a boost for our economy and would diversify our economy,” she said. “I think we should always reinvent ourselves. How can we diversify the Texas economy?”
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Aside from popular enthusiasm, Alvarado’s casino bill has garnered support from House Speaker Dade Phelan and, for the first time, a willingness from Gov. Abbott to give Texans a choice.
That leaves Alvarado’s colleagues in the State Senate and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick as potentially the final and greatest hurdle.
“You speak of 185,000 direct and indirect jobs,” said Alvarado.
