That’s where a lot of the critical parts of this have worked out,” said Alvarado. It has to go before the voters and once the voters approve us to have gaming in Texas, then the legislature would come back and a gaming commission is established. “We have to pass a constitutional amendment. The bill would need two-thirds support by the state legislature before it can go to Texas voters. This is something that will spur some job growth, add value to our economy,” said Alvarado. “This is not somebody putting up a slot machine or blackjack table in a restaurant, a bar or convenience store. Texas is currently one of 14 states that have not approved legalized sports betting. “Last session was the first time that we had a Democrat and Republican sponsoring the bill in the House and the Senate.”Īlvarado added it could bring thousands of jobs to these specific metropolitan areas and keep millions of dollars in the state that would otherwise go to neighboring states that legalized some form of gambling. “It gives others that maybe were hesitant a second look and say, ‘we’re not exactly approving gaming, we’re just going to allow Texans to vote on it,’” said Alvarado. Dan Patrick has staunchly opposed any form of legalized gambling in Texas, saying the Senate would not have enough votes to send the amendment to the voters.īut Alvarado is staying optimistic because she said she’s started to receive bipartisan support on the topic. You’ll have to go through extensive background checks and everything else. “The regulations and everything for a licensee to even bid will be pretty strict. “This would have to be a casino that has a four- or five-star hotel, shops and restaurants,” said Alvarado. The bill also states that facilities licensed by a proposed Texas Gaming Commission would require occupational licenses to conduct casino gaming and require the imposition of a tax. It makes Texas a destination place with resorts and all sorts of amenities,” said Alvarado. “This is something I’ve been pushing for quite some time because I believe it diversifies our economy. The other destinations Alvarado mentioned would be Austin, Dallas and Houston. If passed, the bill would authorize and regulate casino gaming at a limited number of destination resorts and facilities in Texas with San Antonio being one of them. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) recently filed bill SJR 17 in the legislature.

SAN ANTONIO – There’s a new push in the state capitol for legal casinos and sports betting in Texas right before the legislative session gets underway on Jan.

Gambling law in texas facebook