As Texans Leave State For Gambling On Labor Day, Debate Arises

The state of Texas loses millions of dollars in revenue each month because of their current casino gambling laws. With no casinos in the state, residents are forced to take their money into neighboring states where casinos are legal.

The battle has already begun between lawmakers who want to change the outdated laws in Texas, and those who wish to keep the laws the same. Several attempts to allow racetracks to offer slot machines have already failed, but the pro-gambling groups are pressing on at a time when many residents have left town for the weekend.

"I have friends that took a group trip to Mississippi this weekend and another group of friends who went to Louisiana," said Frank Lerner. "Both groups were only leaving to go gamble. We (Texas) need to change the laws so that people come into our state to spend tourism money instead of having money leave the state every holiday weekend."

Lerner is not alone in his thoughts. Win for Texas is pushing for a constitutional amendment that is being backed by racetracks throughout the state. The group believes that billions of dollars in tax revenue could be used to help finance the struggling racing industry.

Opponents of expanded gambling in Texas have used the same arguments that have been seen in many other states. The opponents point towards a possible increase in crime and gambling addiction. Those are both issues that have been dealt with in states where gambling was added.

Educational programs have been started to help protect against problem gambling, and security has been added to deal with any potential crime increase, although many areas have reported no increase in crime where casinos have been built.

Supporters of the slots believe that casino gambling could help Texas economically through job creation and tax revenue. Thousands of employment opportunities would be created if the state were to amend their current gaming laws.

September 6, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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