Lawmakers Seek to Expand Texas Casino Market in 2023
Lawmakers seek to expand Texas Casino Market in 2023. Senate Joint Resolution 17 will be considered soon. It aims to establish the infrastructure necessary to create the Texas Gaming Commission which would regulate casinos and sports betting in the state.
Lawmakers want to make room for up to four casino resorts in major metropolitan areas. Existing resorts can apply for a Class 1 gambling license. There will be three Class II licenses for prospective horseracing operators and two Class III licenses to run greyhound racing. Three tribes already have permission to operate casinos in Texas.
Texas Senator Carol Alvarado is pushing to expand the gambling market in the state. Many Texans travel to neighboring states to visit casinos and wager on sports. The bill has only outlined how casinos will be taxed. Table games will have a 10% tax on GGR (gross gaming revenue) while slots will face a 25%.
Lawmakers are trying to legalize casinos and sportsbooks in Texas. The state's legislative session begins on January 10. If the bill passes, Texans will be able to vote on whether or not they want casinos in the state’s major cities.
Most license plates from Texas are seen in Louisiana casinos.