A new Texas bill could see a casino open in San Antonio and several other cities in Texas.
The city of San Antonio has moved one step closer to legalized gambling and the possibility of a casino thanks to a Texas House of Representatives joint resolution that was heard yesterday.
House Joint Resolution 155 would allow for casino resorts to be built in several major cities in Texas, including San Antonio. Under the bill, "one destination resort" could be in the San Antonio-New Braunfels area. Texas would provide casino licenses using existing horse and dog racing licenses to businesses such as Retama Park in San Antonio.
There are several bills on the issue of gambling being debated during the legislative session.
Last year Sen. Carol Alvarado filed Senate Joint Resolution 17, a constitutional amendment to be considered during the 88th Texas legislative session, which, if approved, would allow Texans to vote on the legalization of gambling next November.
A poll released earlier this year by the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston found that 75% of Texans support a proposed constitutional amendment by Sen. Carol Alvarado that would legalize sports betting and allow for up to four upscale “destination resorts.”
Only 25% of Texans oppose her bill, while just 13% strongly oppose it
The resolution has the support of House Speaker Dade Phelan, saying he would be open to allowing resort-style casinos in Texas.
“I want to see destination-style casinos that are high quality and that create jobs and that improve the lifestyle of those communities.” Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan
The proposal could even see support from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
"We don’t want slot machines at every corner store, we don’t want Texans to be losing money that they need for everyday expenses, and we don’t want any type of crime that could be associated with gaming. But, if there is a way to create a very professional entertainment option for Texans, Gov. Abbott would take a look at it.” Renae Eze, Abbott’s press secretary
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