Report: Most Texans support new gambling law
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AUSTIN — Most Texans support a legislative resolution that would move the state closer to legalizing gambling, according to a new survey by the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs.
Texas Senate Joint Resolution 17, if passed, would place legalization of gambling before the voters in November 2023. Should a majority favor the constitutional amendment, the state would allow a regulated industry..
Of the 1,200 Texans surveyed over the age of 18, 75% said they support the passage of TSJR 17 with 41% saying they strongly support the measure.
About 25% said they oppose the resolution, including 13% who said they strongly oppose it.
The resolution has the potential to alter the industry by allowing for several reforms.
First, it would allow the creation of one destination casino resort in each of the state’s four major metros — Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Austin, as well as allow for limited casino gambling at each existing horse racetrack in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio.
Limited casino gambling will also be allowed at each existing greenhouse racetrack in Corpus Christi and Harlingen.
Additionally, it will allow for the Alabama-Coushatta in East Texas, the Kickapoo in Eagle Pass and the Tigua in El Paso to operate slot machine or casino gambling on tribal land.
Last, the resolution allows for legal sport betting in Texas.
Tax revenue raised from the casinos and gambling would be used to provide tax relief and funding for education and public safety.
The resolution, filed by state Sen. Carol Alvarado, a Houston Democrat, also garnered majority support across nearly all socio-economic, gender, political affiliation, generational gap and race subcategories, according to the poll.
For example, 88% of Black, 77% of Latino and 73% of white Texans support the resolution. About 78% of men and 72% of women also support it.
Additionally, 75% of Texans in the state’s five populous urban counties and 66% of Texans in the suburbs surrounding the five urban areas support it, as well as 74% of rural Texans and 81% of those living along the U.S.-Mexico border.
While most Texans favor the change, lawmakers appear to be more reluctant.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a Republican, is the head of the state Senate and is responsible for assigning all senate legislation to the committee of his choice.
He has said in a previous interview that he does not believe there is enough support in the senate to make it happen. TSJR 17 is the only resolution filed regarding gambling or sport betting so far.
A similar resolution or bill has not yet been filed in the House.
Lawmakers are currently in session until May 29.
