Texas Senator Carol Alvarado’s resolution that, if approved, would allow the electorate to vote on the expansion of legalized gambling in the Lone Star State is now gaining traction in the Senate with a companion House bill to follow soon.
SJR17 will ask voters to decide on the expansion of gambling in Texas and will include the establishment of a gaming commission.
Speaking of the move Alvarado said:
“My intent is to create jobs, give a boost of energy to our economy here, and to diversify our economy because we rely so heavily on oil and gas. I think if we had it regulated and it was authorized and legal, that it would put a lot of this illegal stuff out of business.”
House Speaker Dade Phelan said last week that he is open to the idea of resort-style casinos in Texas.
Alvarado has stated that she already has possible casino locations selected.
“We would have a casino in Houston, one in Dallas, one in Austin, and one in San Antonio. So it’s very specific. This is not, you know, people putting in a blackjack table or slot machine in their bar. This is very specific.”
A House companion bill is expected to be filed late this month while online betting legislation is also in the works. However, while casinos may get the green light, it’s unclear just how far sports betting and online gambling legislation would make it as Lt Governor Dan Patrick has previously stated that he is opposed to legal sports betting in Texas. This is why separate legislation is being drafted for both casinos and online sports betting.
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.