Legalized Casino Gambling On The Way To The Lone Star State

The state of Texas is a leader in many areas when it comes to innovation in the US. One of those areas is not casino gambling. The state has been slow to adopt the widespread policies that other states are taking on the issue.

That may all change this legislative session. Joe Straus is expected to become the Speaker of the House in the state, and his ties to gambling in Texas are well documented.

Although Straus claims he will not be involved in any discussions regarding expanded gambling, it is impossible to overlook what new laws would do for him and his family. His father developed the Retama Park Race Track near San Antonio.

"He (Straus) was born into a family of racing. He has an intimate knowledge of racing and breeding and track operations. I can't believe that this is anything but a plus for us," David Hooper, Executive Director of the Texas Thoroughbred Association told the Houston Chronicle.

Lobbyists are lining up in the state to make a plea to this years legislature for casino gambling. The state is more likely to start like other states have, by adding slots to their existing race tracks.

There is a group that is shooting for a higher goal. They want to bring as many as twelve casino resorts to Texas. That would be a major change for the state, which currently does not allow casino resorts.

The main goal of the legislature will be to try and figure out how much revenue can be gained by adding slots in the state. Other states will serve as case studies for Texas, with many recently changing their laws to include more gambling.

January 9, 2009
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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