Posted by remeis
Apr 02, 2013
Texas-based economic group, TXP, released new numbers that show Texans spend $2.96 billion each year at gaming establishments in Oklahoma, Louisiana and New Mexico. That’s a $590 million increase since a 2009 study! This doesn’t even include the $1.41 billion for food, lodging, and travel expenses Texans spend when visiting these states, for a grand total of $4.37 billion.
Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico accounted for 11.7 percent of national gaming, despite only have 3.4 percent of the nation’s population and 3 percent of national income. Texans fun 38.6 percent of gaming activity in neighbor states. That’s 4.7 percent of gaming activity in the U.S.! A 2013 license plate survey on more than 5,200 vehicles at Oklahoma, Louisiana and New Mexico casinos showed that 90 percent were Texas plates.
There is no denying that Texans like to gamble, so why shouldn’t we decide it at the ballot?
It’s time to tell our legislators to support SJR 64, SJR 36, and HJR 121. These bills would give Texans an opportunity to vote on expanded gaming at the ballot box and level the playing field for the Texas horse industry. Find out who represents you and send them a letter today! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date information on these bills and other gaming news.
