Posted by Let Texans Decide
Jan 04, 2013
The Dallas Morning Review wrote an editorial this week that highlights some familiar messaging: Texans are spending billions in neighboring states that have casino-style gaming and Texans should be given the chance to vote on gaming in Texas. We applaud the Dallas Morning News for addressing this issue. Below are some important points from the editorial, which can be read in full here.
“Gambling is no longer limited to a neon city in the desert. Forty-eight states allow some iteration; 40 have some form of legal casinos, from riverboats to racetrack slots. The world hasn’t stopped turning. States and localities have banked the tax dollars and benefited from the economic development. So when will it be Texas’ turn to win?”
“The most logical argument in favor of such an amendment hasn’t changed. Some Texans want to gamble. They will fly or drive to do it where it’s legal. A pro-industry study estimates that in 2007, Texans put in play about $2.4 billion in seven states: Nevada, Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado and Arizona.”
“[Legislators] don’t even have to go all in, just support more revenue from people willing to provide it — unlike, say, with a tax increase. They can let their constituents make the not-so-tough call for them.”
Now it’s your turn to let Texas legislators know that expanded gaming needs to be on the ballot, and soon. The 2013 Texas legislative session starts next week. Send a letter to your legislators through our action center today!
