Pro-gambling interests spent millions of dollars on Texas elections and hired dozens of lobbyists to persuade Texas lawmakers.
Casinos are constitutionally banned in Texas and opponents say legalizing them would have adverse social effects.
The Tiguas have been fighting in court for decades to offer electronic bingo that is not subject to regulation by the State of Texas.
The court heard arguments in a case in which the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo is seeking the right to regulate its own gambling activities.
For decades, the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe has battled the State of Texas for the right to regulate its own electronic bingo.
Naskila Gaming has been in an ongoing legal battle with the State of Texas since the destination opened five years ago.
Proposed constitutional amendments to establish four commercial casinos in Texas are currently pending in committees.
A representative of Las Vegas Sands Corp., which has hired 73 lobbyists in Texas, testified in favor of legalizing casinos.
Texas Ethics Commission records say Las Vegas Sands, a casino gambling giant, has so far hired 60 lobbyists in Texas.
