Legalization has failed to gain political traction in the past. However, the measure would require approval by a two-thirds majority in the Texas House and Senate, then voters would have to approve a constitutional amendment. Proponents say legal casinos in Texas would 'blend into existing infrastructure' in a 'strict regulatory environment,' and would create jobs and generate tax revenue for the state.
The Texas Tribune first reported that casino mogul and GOP mega-donor Sheldon Adelson of Las Vegas Sands - one of the world's largest gaming companies - is lobbying to bring his business to the Lone Star State. Texans who want to visit any other casinos have to go elsewhere and they do, spending a reported $2.5 billion a year at out-of-state casinos. The state currently touts some of the nation's strictest gambling laws, allowing only the lottery, bingo, dog and horse races, and three federally recognized casinos operated by Native American tribes with limited game options.
Texas lawmakers could once again consider legalizing casinos in the state's 2021 legislative session - a move supporters say could help fill a $4.6 billion hole in Texas' budget amid the pandemic-induced recession.
