Texas Bill Revives Gambling Debate

Efforts are underway again in Texas to legalize gambling in the state, with the first bill  being introduced in the legislature Monday that would put the issue to a public vote.

 

According to the Dallas Observer, the resolution filed yesterday by state Rep. Carol Alvarado would require voters to approve a constitutional amendment establishing a state gaming commission to oversee casinos located in designated areas near the coast, in cities of 675,000 and more, and at horse and greyhound racetracks.

 

The Observer noted that the Alvarado bill, which was introduced last year as well but saw no action, is expected to be only the first of many gaming bills likely to be introduced this session. Her call to let voters lead the way is backed by the pro-gambling lobbying group, Let Texans Decide.

 

Let Texans Decide spokesman Matt Lavigne said decisions are still being made about what forms of gambling activities the lobbying group will endorse moving forward.