State Senator Carol Alvarado is leading the charge to legalize casinos and sports betting in Texas, following a recent University of Houston survey that shows bipartisan support for the idea. The survey indicates that a majority of Republicans and Democrats in the state support allowing destination resort casinos, online sports betting, and sportsbooks at professional sports venues. Alvarado has been advocating for this since 2009 and is reintroducing the topic in the current legislative session, with hopes that Texans will have the final say through a voter-approved constitutional amendment. She believes that legalizing gambling will not only provide a boost to the state’s economy but also attract tourism and convention business.
Governor Greg Abbott’s recent statement expressing openness to sports betting in Texas has added momentum to the push for gambling expansion. However, not all Texans are in favor of the idea, with concerns about the long-term implications of having gambling in the state. Alvarado urges Texans to weigh in on the issue, emphasizing the potential economic benefits and the opportunity to diversify the state’s economy away from reliance on oil and gas. While previous attempts to legalize gambling in Texas have stalled, the current level of support and political will make it seem more likely that this time, the state may finally see a change in its gambling laws.
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