When Will Texas Legalize Gambling

1. When Will Texas Legalize Sports Betting
2. When Will Texas Legalize Gambling Laws
3. When Will Texas Legalize Gambling Winnings

Nov 24, 2020 Texas lawmakers will return to the capitol in January tasked with budgeting for the next biennium with a $4.6 billion shortfall. Proposals like legalizing marijuana and casino gambling present. Apr 21, 2017 Legalizing casinos, eight-liners — even fantasy sports — all remain long shots for now in Texas as state lawmakers prepare to wrap up their legislative work by the end of May.

News in the online realm of the gambling industry regarding billionaire casino mogul Sheldon Adelson typically revolves around his avid dislike of online gambling. The idea of online casino games has inspired him to spend tens of millions – at a minimum – of dollars to fight it from the highest levels of the United States government.

Recent rumblings about Adelson out of Texas were quite a change of pace. It seems one of the richest men in the world may want to legalize land-based casino gambling in Texas.

Money and Influence in Texas

Adelson is the kind of man who believes he can buy anything. In many cases, he can. He has shown that significant campaign donations to manipulable members of the United States Congress – ahem, Senator Lindsay Graham – are effective in pushing policy objectives.

While those like Graham have been largely unsuccessful in their Adelson-driven work regarding online gambling, they tried.

When Will Texas Legalize Sports Betting

Recently, though, Adelson has been pouring donations into the Texas legislature. According to KXAN News, he and his wife donated approximately $4.5 million to election campaigns for House Republican candidates in the November 2020 race.

Further, Adelson hired eight “influential Austin lobbyists” to be prepared for the start of the new legislative session that begins in January. It seems that the lobbyists will push to legalize casino gambling in certain areas of Texas, mainly along the coasts.

Casino Proposals for Lawmaker Consideration

Poker players have long bemoaned the fact that Texas Hold’em is not explicitly legal in the state of Texas. There are a variety of options for players, from membership-only card clubs to underground games, as well as traveling to surrounding states to play in numerous casinos along the Texas borders.

Texas State Representative Joe Deshotel, a Democrat, just introduced two pieces of legislation within the past month. It is unclear if these are the bills for which Adelson’s lobbyists will encourage support, but it could be a bipartisan effort.

First, HJR.26 is the proposal for a constitutional amendment to authorize casino gaming in “certain state coastal areas” and to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct casino gaming through a new gaming compact with the state. This amendment will also provide for occupational licensing and the determination of related fees and taxes.

The purpose of the move is to “provide additional money for residual windstorm insurance coverage and catastrophic flooding assistance” in the areas in which casinos will be constructed. Details include:

–No more than nine casinos may be licensed.

–Casinos must be located within 200 miles of the Gulf of Mexico

–Kickapoo Chairman may execute a new compact for Class III gaming (including video lottery terminals and other games of chance) with the governor per the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA)

Essentially, this bill will amend Sections 47a and 47b to legalize casino gaming. Players will be able to compete at “games of chance that award prizes” and are operated by authorized gambling providers.

Second, Deshotel introduced HB.477, a bill that essentially echoes the basics of the related amendment but without the focus on tribal gaming. It would create Chapter 2005 of the Occupations Code under Title 13, to be defined as “Casino Gaming.”

This bill defines everything from games of chance “in which the outcome may be partially determined by skill or ability, that involves the making of a bet” to vendors and managers. It states that the Texas Lottery Commission will adopt all rules for casino gaming, administer the rules and procedures, and ensure the security of gaming operations. The Commission will also establish the details surrounding casino applications, licenses, and fees.

The details of licensing outlined in the bill include:

–Nine licenses to be allocated one to Galveston, one to Jefferson, one to Nueces, three in Bexar and Harris Counties, and one in each of the three first-tier or second-tier coastal counties (per the Texas Insurance Code) that already operate pari-mutuel wagering on horse or greyhound races

–Casino operators to pay 18% tax on gross gaming revenue for wind and floor damage to be aided by the Catastrophic Flooding Assistance Trust Fund

–Players must be 18 years of age or older to play casino games

–Video lottery machines and video gaming machines to be prohibited except in accordance with new Chapter 2005 of the Occupations Code

–Texas Lottery Commission must adopt initial rules that expire no later than May 1, 2022

–Bill would take effect December 1, 2021 if voters approve the constitutional amendment

Funding Deficits and Lobbyists May Equal Success

There were about a half-dozen casino-related bills in the 2020 legislative session that failed to garner enough support to move forward. The story has repeated itself year after year.

Deshotel believes that 2021 may be a different story. “Now may be the best opportunity that casino gambling has had in quite a while.”

Not only will the tax revenue provide much-needed financial assistance to Texans in desperate need of funds to rebuild. Many people have yet to rebuild after Hurricane Harvey, the Category 4 storm that caused tremendous damage (estimated to be at least $125 billion) in August 2017. Since then, Tropical Storm Imelda caused significant flooding in September 2019. And Hurricane Hanna hit South Texas as a Category 1 storm in July 2020.

Add a pandemic in 2020 to create even more of a financial deficit for the state of Texas. The new budget facing lawmakers in January will show a $4.6 billion shortfall.

Deshotel also pointed out, as he and others have in past years, that Texans do gamble. Many of them cross the state line and spend their entertainment money in neighboring states. “The issue is trying to cut the money leaving Texas in such large amounts that could be going into the coffers here and helping Texans who need help,” he said.

Joe Deshotel, a Democratic State Parliamentarian in Port Arthur, sees the 87th State Parliament as a great opportunity to revisit casino gambling in the state.

“Now it may be the best opportunity casino gambling has had for quite some time,” Deshotel told KXAN. pic.twitter.com/fi4bF3fVsU

— Evie Mazzone (@Evie_Calling) November 25, 2020

Aren’t There Poker Rooms in Texas?

Yes, there sure are poker rooms in Texas. They simply can’t operate as traditional poker rooms because deriving a profit from poker – as a casino or poker room might do – is illegal in Texas.

Operators found their workaround years ago. They open private clubs requiring memberships. Players pay to belong to the club, and they can then participate in tournaments and cash games without paying rake. Some of the clubs also make money from charging seat rental fees.

Some law enforcement officials and lawmakers believe that the clubs are violating state laws. Sometimes, the police raid the clubs and arrest people. It rarely ends well, though.

When Will Texas Legalize Gambling Laws

The latest example was when the Houston Police Department raided two popular Houston poker clubs – Post Oak Poker Club and Prime Social Poker Club – in 2019. They seized bank accounts and cash, arrested nine people, and charged them with crimes like felony money laundering and engagement in organized crime.

However, less than three months later, District Attorney Kim Ogg dropped all charges and returned seized funds.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, more than two dozen poker clubs operated across Texas. Since that time, many operators were not able to keep up with building rent and other expenses when businesses were forced to close or limit capacity per health official mandates. Some reopened in 2020, but it remains to be seen how many will weather the full storm to survive into 2021.

If Texas lawmakers actually move forward with casino legislation in early 2021, poker may not be relegated to legally-challenged establishments much longer.

Related Articles

Legalize Gambling In Texas

INTRODUCTION:

We have heard of stories where one pilot won lottery twice in a row. We have also heard of stories of greenhorn gamblers winning a thousand U.S. dollars worth in a one night casino stand. There are many advantages and disadvantages of setting up gambling joints. The following paragraphs discusses in detail the advantages and disadvantages of setting up a gambling joint.

BODY:

The article Gambling Industry Wins Big – social impact of gambling(Price, 1999)

Showed that our nation’s gigantic growth of the gambling industry has resulted as an dominant and segregating force in American politics, even as the arguments of both side of the gambling issue strengthens about how legitimized gambling influences and even changes the pervading culture and society.

Evidently, there were only two states that twenty years ago that permitted similar gambling activities. But today, there are only three states that disallow gambling in their community. As proof, Two GOP governors with names of David Beasley in South Carolina and Fob James Jr.

in Alabama had been booted out of their job Last November because they rallied against for the lotteries and other kinds of wagering.

Many people think that gambling is an incurable cure to be given utmost care and time. Whereas, others think that gambling will be a legitimate business that must be given full support or an uncontrollable cancer. Gambling has divided the Republicans and Democrats into half. Research shows that Americans put to chance more than $600 billion annually in legal gambling operations. This represents an amount that is estimated to be $100 billion more than the average American budgets for food, according to industry figures and data from the Department of Commerce. In fact, the gambling industry’s gross revenues totaled nearly $51 billion, up from $10.4 billion only 15 years. Furthermore, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey projects that the betting on Super Bowl XXXIII last month may have reached $4 billion, not counting side bets and office pools.

Furthermore, social conservative James Dobson, head of Colorado Springs-based Focus on the family ministry argues.”The epidemic that is sweeping the nation reflects the enormous power and influence that is held by the gambling kingpins” “Because of their unlimited financial resources … they can influence elections dramatically and entice political leaders to obey many of their wishes.

Gambling makes money, It will make a big dent in terms of impacting Texas needs, i.e. education, shortfall, and health insurance for the uninsured. Many people want to set up gambling joints because they believe there is money in gambling. Statistically, there is more probability that a person will lose money than if a person will win money. If gambling will be allowed, then gambling money can be used to set up schools, contribute to the improvement of the state’s roads, infrastructure, pay for shortfalls and insure some of the citizens. Gambling will also help give employment to show girls/boys, waiters, card dealers, gambling employees and others. There are many studies of gambling in Las Vegas, Atlantic City including the Mississippi River where River Boats park. And, gambling is legal on boats on the water but, not on the land so gambling is on party boats that float in the river but, don’t move. Also, many states around Texas, OK, NM, and LA gladly take Texas money and gambling efforts. Gambling cities do make dollars in terms of taxes generated. These additional taxes will be used to build the roads, bridges and public facilities. Also, these will be used to build school buildings and other

It is also correct to assume that many people prefer to set up a gambling joint because there is money in gambling that will help fund the needs of Texas, set up education, pay shortfalls and provide for health insurance. .

Many persons are opposed to the setting up of gambling joints for its bad influence. Putting up a gambling joint cost money. Also, crime does go up and welfare Transients to go the gambling towns. Furthermore, social crimes increase which include robbery, prostitution, alcoholism, illegal drugs and indebtedness. For emphasis, in the article If the government wants to stimulate the economy, it should outlaw gambling, a legal policy expert told a gathering of antigambling activists in the Christian Century Journal stated that the government should forbid gambling according to a the expert opinion of legal consultant as he spoke in a gathering of antigambling activists. For emphasis, John Kindt reiterated, professor of commerce and legal policy at the University of Illinois reiterated that “Gambling is a catalyst for economic downturn,”

John Kindt proposed that gambling be made a criminal offense in order fro the 401(k) to return. This band will then divert the gambling investments into consumer spending. He further stated that in his speech in the annual meeting of the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling and National Coalition Against Gambling Expansion last

September 27-29 in Arlington, Texas. As proof, John Kindt cited a 1999 report of the U.S. Gambling Commission connecting the increase of legalized gambling with the increase in addiction, bankruptcies and criminality. Consequently, the commission further advocated a suspension on gambling expansion and also the prohibition of “convenience gambling” such as video-gambling machines in stores. These persons are right in opposing the setting up of gambling joints for there more net losses than net gains in gambling

There are many variables to consider whether to allow gambling joints in Texas State. For, the opportunity cost of gambling is that, the funds that will be use to set up gambling centers would have been used for setting up infrastructure and roads that would be conducive to opening of new and bigger businesses. Crime will increase because the many gambling losers may resort to crimes in order to have money to buy another casino token. Also, drinking will double as many of the gambling losers would drink while gambling. Many of the losers will have to undergo proper drug addition treatment. Also, property values will rise when gambling will proceed for many people will visit the gambling joints. Gambling will also increase the sales restaurants and night spots near the gambling areas. Many new hotels will crop up in order to serve the overnight sleeping needs of gamblers. Gasoline prices will rise because many cars will visit the Texas area and car rentals will increase because of the increase in gambling customers.

Based on the study of the Gambling in Las Vegas, There will a precipitation of more net losses than net gain in the net five, ten or fifteen yours.

Many people at first come, and then go all the way to Vegas and Atlantic City?

In the article No candidate opposes gambling Fort Worth Star-Telegram, JOHN MORITZ stated that in the 2006 governor’s race that the principal sponsors of legalizing more gambling opportunities have felt that like they’ve been dealt a pretty strong hand. Republican incumbent Rick Perry has previously proposed allowing Texas’ racetracks and Indian reservations to operate Las Vegas-style slot machines. So has Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, who has been seen by many as is also running as an independent. Democrat Chris Bell stayed he’s “open” to casinos because the tax revenue could help pay for education and social services. And Kinky Friedman, the entertainer and novelist who’s also running as independent, makes no bones about his enthusiasm for legalized casinos. He boasts that on his “fact-finding missions to Las Vegas,” he often meets more Texans than he would at a suburban shopping center. “We invented Texas Hold ’em, and we can’t even play it here,” he has said repeatedly on the campaign trail. The tax revenue, he said, would be plowed into public education

CONCLUSION:

When Will Texas Legalize Gambling Winnings

Many people think that gambling is indeed an incurable cure to be given utmost care and time. Also, gambling will be a legitimate business that must be given full support or an uncontrollable cancer. Also, gambling has divided the house between the Republicans and Democrats.

There are many variables to be considered in deciding to allow a gambling joint to be set up in Texas State. For, the opportunity cost of gambling is that, the funds that will be use to set up gambling centers would have been used for setting up infrastructure and roads that would be conducive to opening of new and bigger businesses. Crime will also increase due to the many gambling losers may resort to crimes in order to have money to buy another casino token. Also, drinking will double as many of the gambling losers would drink while gambling. Many of the losers will have to undergo proper drug addition treatment.

In conclusion, there are more disadvantages than disadvantages of setting up a gambling joint in a peaceful community. It would be preferable for a major city like Texas with a population of over 320,000 to allow one casino only and that no slot machines will be operated. As a result, the excess money will go to Nevada and Louisiana that can be successfully be budgeted for good use in Texas. This will make both sides of the argument very happy.

REFERENCES:

Price, J. Gambling Industry Wins Big – social impact of gambling, Insight on the News, March 15, 1999

No author, If the government wants to stimulate the economy, it should outlaw gambling, a legal policy expert told a gathering of antigambling activists, Christian Century, Oct 9, 20002

Moritz, J., No candidate opposes gambling, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, October, 2006 by JOHN MORITZ