Legal Casinos a Possibility in Texas

Hopes have been raised over the possibility for legal Casinos in Texas

Traditionally, Texas’ legislature has been against legal casinos in the Lone Star State. There have been numerous attempts over the years to bring casino action to residents, but the bills never get off the ground once they have been presented in the House. However, the tables could be turning thanks to a casino tycoon’s political interest. The tycoon in question is Sheldon Adelson, and during the recent election, Adelson made a massive donation to the Republic campaign. This was a sign pointing towards Las Vegas-style betting facilities in Texas.

Along with his wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson, the tycoon donated more than $4.5 million to the campaign. Before the new parliamentary session, one Texas legislature has proposed a constitutional revision that would allow casinos to operate in specific locations within the state. To emphasize the growing support for this movement, State Representative Joe Deshotel, Democrat, stated it was the paramount time for Texas to take a look at its gambling laws.

The legislator proceeded and demonstrated that the endorsement of casinos would grow revenue within the state. Explaining this, Deshotel said that all the neighboring states had at least one casino property near the Texas State borders, which lures residents across state lines as they look for some betting action and entertainment. Consequently, Texans are spending money in other states, whereas if casinos were legal in Texas, their money would stay there.

State Rep. Doshotel expanded on this by saying that permitting casinos in the state would remove the outlets for money leaving Texas. Rather than money leaving the state, it could go to Texas’ reserves as tax and aid those in need. It is hoped that legalizing casinos in the state could generate some of the numbers seen across the country as reported in NJ and Nevada.

What are Lawmakers Suggesting About Legalizing Texas Casinos?

Rep. Deshotel has suggested constructing Las Vegas-style casinos in Texas. These properties will be located in various shoreline areas of the state. This new proposal follows a similar bid, which was rejected during the preceding legislative sitting. Six other bills failed in the legalization process.

The new legislatorial session will begin soon after New Year’s Eve. Texas will face a tough ask to get a gambling bill approved. The legislature faces a massive $4.6 billion budget shortfall this year following the impact of the global pandemic. However, allowing casinos to legally operate on coastal lines in Texas will go some way to making up the shortfall as it will provide the state with a new revenue source. Similar efforts have been made in the past regarding legalizing casinos in Texas that have failed, so the odds of this new one passing may seem small.

One thing that could change that is having someone of authority on board, such as Sheldon Adelson. Additionally, according to Mark Lipparelli, who works, at the University of Nevada, major casino players/influencers would place the state of Texas of their wishlists.

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