Efforts are once again underway in the legislature to bring casino-style gambling to Texas. It’s an idea that has failed in recent legislative sessions, but backers are hoping they’ve found the right formula for success in 2009.
There are many appealing arguments on the side of pro-gambling groups. Keeping gambling money that is now going to Louisiana and Oklahoma in Texas is one popular idea. Reviving the state’s horse-raising industry by allowing slot machines at racetracks is another. Some advocates want to help struggling Indian tribes develop their economies through gambling.
Opponents generally cite moral grounds for their hostility to gambling legislation. There are, however, many fiscal arguments against gambling as well. Although gambling proponents always promise large tax revenues from gambling, a statewide survey shows that such promises are almost never fulfilled.
For example, gambling proponents are currently claiming that introducing gambling to Texas can bring in $2 billion in tax revenue to the state. However, the entire State of Nevada only receives $1 billion in revenue each year.
Another argument against gambling is the reduced power of the state to control gambling – particularly Indian gambling – proliferation once it is legalized (this will be discussed in Part III of our series). Many opponents also point to statistics which appear to show increases in unemployment, crime and the use of public welfare programs related to gambling.
Ultimately, gambling is a complex – and risky – business, and while a libertarian, open approach may sound appealing to many Texans at first, a closer look at laws and little-known facts about gambling make it a very complicated issue that few Texans understand.
The Background
Gambling in America was limited until 20 years ago to only a few locations, notably Los Vegas, Nevada and Atlantic City, New Jersey. Spurred by the growth of Indian Gaming (see Part III of our series), gambling exploded in the last 20... [continues]
There are many appealing arguments on the side of pro-gambling groups. Keeping gambling money that is now going to Louisiana and Oklahoma in Texas is one popular idea. Reviving the state’s horse-raising industry by allowing slot machines at racetracks is another. Some advocates want to help struggling Indian tribes develop their economies through gambling.
Opponents generally cite moral grounds for their hostility to gambling legislation. There are, however, many fiscal arguments against gambling as well. Although gambling proponents always promise large tax revenues from gambling, a statewide survey shows that such promises are almost never fulfilled.
For example, gambling proponents are currently claiming that introducing gambling to Texas can bring in $2 billion in tax revenue to the state. However, the entire State of Nevada only receives $1 billion in revenue each year.
Another argument against gambling is the reduced power of the state to control gambling – particularly Indian gambling – proliferation once it is legalized (this will be discussed in Part III of our series). Many opponents also point to statistics which appear to show increases in unemployment, crime and the use of public welfare programs related to gambling.
Ultimately, gambling is a complex – and risky – business, and while a libertarian, open approach may sound appealing to many Texans at first, a closer look at laws and little-known facts about gambling make it a very complicated issue that few Texans understand.
The Background
Gambling in America was limited until 20 years ago to only a few locations, notably Los Vegas, Nevada and Atlantic City, New Jersey. Spurred by the growth of Indian Gaming (see Part III of our series), gambling exploded in the last 20... [continues]
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