Texas Committee to Evaluate Potential of Casino Gambling Ahead of 2025 Legislative Session

As Texas gears up for its 2025 legislative session, a fresh initiative is in the works to address one of the state’s most debated topics: the legalization of casino gambling. The North Texas Commission (NTC) is taking the lead in forming a new committee to delve into the potential impacts of introducing casino gambling and betting across the Lone Star State.

A New Approach to Gambling Legislation

The issue of casino gambling in Texas has been a contentious one, with the 2023 legislative session ending without a resolution. Previous attempts to push casino measures through the legislature were unsuccessful. In particular, a bill proposing the legalization of casino gambling failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the House, while a Senate bill to permit online sports betting was rejected despite passing in the House.

In response to these setbacks, the NTC is stepping up with a strategic plan to evaluate the implications of gambling legalization more thoroughly. The commission will assemble a diverse group of business and community leaders to assess various facets of this issue, from economic benefits to public safety concerns.

NTC Chief Operating Officer Patrick Brophey announced that the committee will be made up of a wide range of participants. This includes elected officials, economic development experts, tourism leaders, members of chambers of commerce, and representatives from faith-based organizations. The intention is to create a balanced discussion, incorporating a variety of perspectives on casino gambling.

The conversation around gambling legalization in Texas has been buoyed by support from influential figures and industry advocates. Former Governor Rick Perry, sports team owners Mark Cuban and Jerry Jones, and other notable personalities have voiced their support for expanding gambling options in the state. Their endorsements are backed by research indicating that a significant portion of Texas residents favor this expansion.

In a recent roundtable session, Andy Abboud, Senior Vice President of Las Vegas Sands, provided compelling arguments in favor of casino gambling. Abboud highlighted that destination resorts featuring casinos could significantly benefit the Texas economy. According to a study conducted by Rice University in collaboration with Las Vegas Sands, legalizing casino gambling could infuse $13 billion into the Texas economy, create approximately 70,000 permanent jobs, and generate more than $34 million in tax revenue for the Dallas-Fort Worth region alone.

Legislative Hurdles and Community Reactions

Despite the optimistic projections from industry leaders, legislative progress remains uncertain. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has publicly opposed gambling expansion, a stance that complicates the path forward given the current political landscape. Historically, Texas Republicans have been reluctant to advance measures that do not align with their majority, which could pose a significant barrier to passing gambling legislation.

In preparation for potential legalization, major casino operators like Las Vegas Sands have already begun investing in Texas. The company recently acquired a large property in Irving and another in Dallas, signaling its commitment to establishing a foothold in the state.

Dallas City Council members have also started to explore the implications of legalizing casino gambling. Discussions have focused on the potential impact on local communities, public safety, and economic development. Carrie Rogers, Director of the Office of Government Affairs, has emphasized the need for a proactive approach, noting that the city must prepare for how to regulate and tax casinos if the legislation moves forward.

Council member Jesse Moreno has expressed support for considering casino gambling but also stressed the importance of choosing locations that do not adversely affect residential neighborhoods. The council is considering how casino revenue could be used to benefit the city and manage any potential negative effects.

Learning from Other States

The experience of other states with casino gambling provides valuable insights for Texas. Rich Fitzgerald, former county executive of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, shared his experiences with the introduction of casinos in his state. Fitzgerald noted that while there were initial challenges, the long-term economic benefits were significant. Pennsylvania saw job creation, increased revenue, and no substantial rise in crime rates. These outcomes provide a model for Texas as it considers its own approach to gambling.

In Pennsylvania, the expansion of gambling included not only casinos but also significant investments in public projects, including sports arenas. This model of using gambling revenue for broader community benefits might inform Texas’s approach if legalization proceeds.

Source:

''Dallas committee to explore casinos as Texas legalization question lingers'', sbcamericas.com, July 25, 2024.

''DFW committee looking into sports betting, casino gambling as legalization looms'', wfaa.com, July 24, 2024.

''Dallas May Push for Casino Gambling With the State Legislature'', txdra.com.