The Texas Lottery reported more than $5 million in draw game and scratch ticket sales so far this fiscal year.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick indicated recently there is virtually no support in the state Senate’s GOP caucus for casinos and sports betting.
The gambling industry told the House State Affairs Committee casinos and sports betting could bring in hundreds of millions in tax revenue.
Members of both political parties are pushing a constitutional amendment to license a handful of casinos across the Lone Star State.
Rep. Charlie Geren of Fort Worth filed a resolution to allow Texans to vote on seven commercial casinos and a sports wagering program.
Dr. Miriam Adelson and her company casino gambling titan Las Vegas Sands Corp. contributed millions of dollars to Texas candidates last year.
Sen. Carol Alvarado filed a joint resolution to legalize a limited number of casinos and authorize a sports wagering program in Texas.
Texas is among a minority of states that have not created a legal sports betting market since it became permissible under federal law.
Gov. Greg Abbott’s reelection campaign received a $1 million check from casino gambling mogul Dr. Miriam Adelson.
Commercial casinos are banned in Texas, but a political action committee funded by a Las Vegas corporation hopes to change that.
Laws regulating game rooms featuring casino-style gaming machines are being enforced very differently in different jurisdictions.
The Texas Lottery Commission indicated that nearly $2 billion went to the Foundation School Fund and tens of millions to benefit veterans.
