Pro-gambling interests spent millions of dollars on Texas elections and hired dozens of lobbyists to persuade Texas lawmakers.
While the proposals have dim prospects in the Senate, final passage on the House floor would be a major step forward for pro-gambling interests.
Casinos are constitutionally banned in Texas and opponents say legalizing them would have adverse social effects.
The court heard arguments in a case in which the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo is seeking the right to regulate its own gambling activities.
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.
