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HOUSTON, TX (KTRK) — Texas will push to legalize casino and sports betting in 2023 as we enter a new legislative session. The resolution will legalize a limited number of resorts and facilities.
Democratic Senator Carol Alvarado has been introducing similar legislation since 2009.
While the odds may be against her, she’s optimistic that Texans are ready to vote on the issue this year.
The proposal reads, “A joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to promote economic development and job growth, and to provide education and public benefits by creating the Texas Gaming Commission to authorize and regulate casino gaming at a limited number of destination resorts and facilities Security provides tax breaks and funding. The commission authorizes sports betting, requires a professional license to conduct casino gaming, and requires taxation.”
“It’s just for Texans to go and vote and vote whether we should have games in Texas,” Alvarado said. “The way it’s been crafted is perfect for a casino, Dallas, Austin, Houston and San Antonio. It has to have several components, starting with a four- to five-star hotel, a convention, convention complex, and entertainment, restaurants and shops.”
The senator said it was about stimulating the economy and creating jobs, as well as making Texas a vacation and entertainment destination. In Houston alone, Senator Alvarado believes it will bring hundreds of thousands of jobs.
“Entrepreneurs in construction, indirect jobs and direct jobs in the hospitality industry. Houston is where people come for economic opportunity. Opening restaurants and stores will boost our local economy,” Alvarado said.
Governor Greg Abbott recently said he was open to the idea of limited legal gambling. By contrast, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has previously said that gambling is not an issue that will be discussed in the Senate.
The bill needs the support of two-thirds of the state legislature before Texas voters will have the final say. The legislative session begins on January 10.
“Texans love to gamble,” Alvarado said. “I promise, you go to Louisiana, you go to any casino, most of the license plates are from Texas.”
According to Alvarado, she remains optimistic because she believes it has been overshadowed in previous years and because she has Republican support in the House, which she sees as key to bipartisan support.
For updates on this story, follow Brooke Taylor Facebook, Twitter with instagram.
related: Former Gov. Rick Perry ‘very confident’ Texans will vote to legalize sports betting
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