Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently indicated his openness to some of the proposals for the legalization of gambling currently introduced in the Texas Legislature.
In an interview with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Gov. Abbott suggested, “If it can be built in a way that is, kind of like a professional operation that provides a form of entertainment for people, that’s something I can be open to.”
He cautioned, however, that any legalization of gambling would need certain limitations to protect Texans from overplaying their hands.
“We both need and kind of have an obligation to make sure that we will not be setting up a system where people without means are using money that they need to pay their bills. … We need to safeguard against that,” Abbott told the Star-Telegram.
Casinos have been gambling big on Texas for the past several years, with the famous Las Vegas Sands company donating millions of dollars to Texas politicians on both sides of the aisle, as reported on by The Dallas Express.
Several legislators have proposed giving Texas citizens the ability to legalize gambling and luxury casinos in limited cases, including Sen. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston), Rep. Harold Dutton (D-Houston), and Rep. Charlie Geren (R-Fort Worth).
Although polling suggests many favor these proposals, some Texans are taking a stand against the introduction of gambling and casinos.
Jonathan Covey, the director of policy for the political group Texas Values, pushed back against the notion that legalization would benefit the state.
He explained to The Dallas Express, “Legalization of gambling is not a win-win proposition.”
“Casinos and gambling create immense social problems wherever they show up and come with definite hidden costs,” Covey suggested.
“We oppose legalization in the State of Texas for the good of Texas citizens and families,” he added.
For Dallas, if such legislation passed, it would likely mean the creation of a luxury casino in the DFW area and could affect the ongoing litigation between card houses and the City of Dallas.
Recently, the City Council approved up to $600,000 in legal fees related to lawsuits concerning whether two separate card houses in town can legally operate, as reported by The Dallas Express. The Board of Adjustment had approved their operation, while the City’s chief building official disagreed, revoking the businesses’ certificates of occupancy.
The ensuing litigation is currently being appealed after a district judge ruled against the card houses.
Council Member Chad West (District 1) told The Dallas Express, “I believe they’re legal right now.”
West noted, however, that “the way the penal code is written has caused problems in Dallas.”
“Ultimately, the penal code, which is controlled by the state legislature, is going to have to change to make it viable,” West concluded.
The Dallas Express also reached out to Texans Against Gambling for comment but did not receive a response prior to publication.
If the state of Texas allows casino operations, they should only be allowed to open in unincorporated areas, definitely not in cities. Card/poker establishments and gambling in gas stations or convenience stores should not be allowed to operate anywhere in the state. Our police departments cannot enforce the crime that currently occurs let alone add these types of businesses to the mix.
Not Texans don’t need more crime or criminals .keep texas for family’s. It is not like you can not find casinos. Besides the crimes and heart ackes that families are put through it is not worth one cent. Texas elected officials cannot not do right by it’s citizens with taxes or lottery, and voting a rino for speaker. No faith here
For many gambling is entertainment, but only if you can afford to lose. For others, it is a desperation or worse, an addiction. In that case, the gambler is willing to lose more than money which may directly affect too many others. For that reason, I am opposed.
As a citizen of Texas, I am FOR opening casinos in Texas!!! It’s better than people spending their money in surrounding states.
I don’t know why this is even an issue Texas money has been streaming over our state lines for years. Time to keep that money here
I have gone to casinos to play, and I fear that if they are here, it would make it too easy to lose money you need for your bills such as rent/mortgage, utilities, etc. Casinos have caused social problems wherever they spring up. Shreveport/Bossier City have been ranked in the 50 worst cities to live. There would be several more Texas cities on that list if we legalize casinos here. It really is not a win/win proposition, and the losses are mostly from those who can least afford it.
Yes, Texas money has been streaming over our State lines for years. It is also the communities on the other side of our State lines which get to deal with the societal problems caused by casino gambling.
Whether or not we allow casino gambling in Texas “is even an issue” because we don’t want or need the societal problems caused, promoted, attracted or allowed by casino gambling.
I find this all quite silly, people leave this state everyday to cross state lines into Oklahoma to gamble.
I like our governor and I think Abbot is one of the good guys, but he is worried about people not being responsible with their finances. Is it not the parents job to teach them and the educational system? I am sorry but if they have not learned by the time they are adults on how to handle their finances, they may not learn at all. I do not believe it’s the governments problem and many people every single day go into debt due to their gambling habits.
I am not a gambler and I will not judge those who have the funds and enjoy it. The problem that is at hand is that every corner store will have slots and what not. Crime will probably increase but the pawn shops will flourish.
If this idea gets a green light then I truly hope that they restrict the locations and keep them away from schools and suburbs.
I do however think that there are more pressing matters at hand at this current moment than trying to figure out if we should have casinos here in the
Lone Star State!
Oh, isn’t playing the lottery gambling along with the scratch-offs?
Good Day⚓️
If you have money for gambling then spend some for safe travels and adventure. Besides Abbott cannot even declare a invasion at the border . He cares not for Texas or Texans
Have you been to Las Vegas lately it’s Like Leper coloney, crimes everywhere.if you want turmoil &crime let the people dig there own graves!!!
“Recently, the City Council approved up to $600,000 in legal fees related to lawsuits concerning whether two separate card houses in town can legally operate,… “. Wow, what a way to waste taxpayer dollars. The lawyers are certainly making a killing nowadays. I do know that Durant does very well financially because of Choctaw casino.
Not sure how they can control someone overspending unless they won’t let you go in to the casino until after they’ve checked all your finances, which would be invasive and ludicrous.
I don’t think they should put it in the DFW area. Dallas has enough problems. Put it in some open area that people have to travel to get to it. And doesn’t a casino on land have to be run by Native Americans? They do a good job of handling Choctaw.
I like Choctaw. I love the craps table.
The House always wins in the end.