Casino operators have donated practically $2.5 million to Abbott’s re-election marketing campaign since 2021.
SAN ANTONIO — Gov. Greg Abbott would think about laws permitting gambling operations in Texas, a spokesperson informed KENS 5 Friday.
“We don’t need slot machines at each nook retailer, we don’t need Texans to be dropping cash that they want for on a regular basis bills, and we don’t need any sort of crime that might be related to gaming,” mentioned Renae Eze, Abbott’s press secretary.
“But, if there is a way to create a very professional entertainment option for Texans, Governor Abbott would take a look at it,” she added.
Texas’s structure outlaws gambling, although lawmakers have tried to circumvent the rule in current years. Since the U.S. Supreme Court successfully licensed sports activities betting in 2018, state legislators have repeatedly tried to legalize the observe.
But in 2021, payments that may’ve legalize sports activities betting in Texas didn’t clear a single legislative hurdle. Each died in committee.
Texans are already betting on sports activities illegally. Bookie black-markets are thriving on-line.
The United Nations estimates individuals illegally wager up to $1.7 trillion on sports activities, worldwide, every year.
“(Lawmakers worry) about people gambling away their family’s income… that it creates organized crime,” mentioned UTSA political scientist Jon Taylor. “There’s a host of worries that sort of come into play.”
Abbott had beforehand expressed comparable considerations.
“This is throwing out a bone for politics with less than two weeks to go before the election,” Taylor mentioned of the governor’s obvious openness to gambling laws.
Since 2021, on line casino operators have donated practically $2.5 million to Abbott. Expanded gambling is a well-liked concept which could safe a vote on election day, too.
Beto O’Rourke has provided full-throated help for gaming growth. He argues the income generated at a on line casino might even assist pay for a property tax reduce.
Even if Abbott explicitly expressed help for gambling, any growth faces steep odds in the legislature.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who can stall payments in the state capitol, adamantly opposes gaming growth.
“It will be difficult to get legislation out of the state senate and get some sort of compromise,” Taylor mentioned. “Is it possible? Sure. It’s always possible.”
story by Source link
