Lone Star State Lawmakers Explore Expanded Gambling Options

In various parts of the country, the gambling issue has been at the forefront of legislative agendas this session. Texas legislators received information on Tuesday that could potentially hurt any expansion plans.

John Heleman of the state comptroller's office told lawmakers on Tuesday that revenue generated from slots machines at racetracks would not help much with the current budget deficit. The assessment was based largely on the amount of time it would take to get the machines up and running.

Pro-gambling groups have been pushing the idea of slots at state racetracks for several years. The budget deficit is expected to be in the billions by next year, and revenue from the slots would not come to fruition for at least two, possibly three years, according to Heleman.

"You won't get any money the first year," said Heleman to legislators, "and it is very likely you will get a small amount in the second year." The time frame would be delayed because after lawmakers created the new law, voters would have to approve the slots.

Even with the negative news from Heleman, the pro-gambling groups still believe that in the long run, additional gambling would not only help the state, but also the racing industry. Throughout the US, the racing industry has been ravaged by the economy in the past couple of years.

Massachusetts lawmakers are facing a similar decision this session. Governor Duval Patrick would like to see four casino resorts built in the state. The House has proposed three casino resorts and slots at racetracks. The Senate has passed legislation that would add casino resorts, but no slots at the racetracks.

July 8, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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