So why no gambling in TX still?

[Atfulldraw]

The reason it's not here is that we have some good sense.

The industry is full of slimebags.

The sheriff raided and shut down those bs "charity sweepstakes" around my town.

Turns out there wasn't even a charity after all....just greedy criminals lying about it, lining their own pockets with cash from folks that could barely afford it.

[Bear82]

I say if you don't want casinos near the metropolitan areas then I'm okay with it. But how about allowing casinos within 5 miles of the state line so then at least the tax dollars stays here. You will never get me to believe that Texas is not being paid off somehow.

[Graysonhogs]

Really?

Can you post the article. I have not read that.

Thanks

Here's the one for the Greyhound park

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/horseracing/2015/08/26/gulf-greyhound-park-last-texas-dog-track-to-close/32444243/

[dbaio1]

Only good to be in gambling if you own the House or Book

[Todd-ty729]

Yes, the 90day extension allows Greg Abbott to replace a few expired positions, but there's more to it.

The way I understand it...

Racing in Texas has been dying a slow death because of casino gambling at the tracks in Shreveport and Oklahoma City (I'm sure Hot Springs too). These tracks have a stronger revenue and are able to pay bigger purses on their races, so the horse owners in Texas are crying out to raise the purses or they'll take their horses elsewhere.

The Racing Commission wanted to "help out" by legalizing a game called Historical Racing. The senate told them it was gambling (slot machine) and would not be allowed. They approved it anyway, which ticked off the Senate. If you like your government funded position, don't tick off the Senate.

So time came to get the budget approved, and guess what?!?! The legislature first rejected the budget, then allowed surplus monies from 2015 be used for the first fiscal quarter of 2016. This has allowed fall racing, but who knows what the spring will hold.

If you really want to have fun, see how much campaign funding the current seats get from Louisiana and Oklahoma.

Weed will probably be legal in Texas before gambling will..and horse/dog racing is dying on the vine.

This is virtually the same thing I was told!

[tvc184]

It was my understanding that poker tournaments in bars are legal as long as the house (the bar) doesn't profit and all money gets paid back out? This is how it was explained to me.

That is not correct. The gamblers cannot put in their own money. If they did so, it is gambling under TX law. Gambling, even a simply bet between two agreeing people, is a crime if done in public. If the house puts up money for a tournament as part of a promotion, it is not illegal gambling under TX law.

Two guys pitching pennies on the sidewalk is illegal. The same two guys at the kitchen table in one of their homes betting $100 on poker is legal as long as the house isn't taking a cut or charging admission to enter.

[Jason]

Everybody knows it's cause God is against gambling in Texas. It's ok for folk to cruise over to the boats in LA, or fly out to Vegas, but Hezekiah 13:64 states "Though shall not gamble in thy state that thou resides in."

Just remember, you have have to tithe 25% on all (out of state) winnings to the local church though.

[PEC]

Imagine the amount of money given to Texas politicians to keep it off the ballot. If it made it to a ballot I think it would pass.

[ladrones]

I would bet as the OP said "bible thumpers" make up a high percentage of guest visits to surrounding state casinos.

[tvc184]

Lottery: Ok

Correct.

Online Sports Betting: Ok

Illegal

Horse/Dog Racing: Ok

Correct

Poker games at bars and other places: Ok

Illegal if any person puts up their own money or anything else of value to play.

Electronic slots in gas stations and bars: Ok (whether it's actually legal or not)

Illegal.

Casinos: Nope

Correct except the one at the border on Tribal land. Other tribes in TX have opened to casinos only to have TX shut them down and win the case in federal court.

What's the reason? Bible thumpers? Lousiana lobbying? Oklahoma lobbying? Vegas lobbying? All of the above?

Seems like more jobs, keeping money in-state, tons of tax money to state, and bringing in tourism is a win for TX??

Some of the things cited above as legal are actually illegal. Many times law enforcement simply turns a blind eye to it, doesn't get a direct complaint or doesn't have the resources to constantly be trying to bust illegal gambling although I know that many times we have raided and prosecuted 8 liners at gas stations, bars, convenience stores and washaterias/laundromats.

While it is easy to get away with gambling in its various forms at a personal level, it would be almost impossible to run a casino which some Indian tribes found out.

I think a cross between religious beliefs and many people simply not wanting it in this state for the various reasons mentioned like mob influence and other corruption and problems it brings to cities.

[Bily Lovec]

Lottery: Ok

Online Sports Betting: Ok

Horse/Dog Racing: Ok

Poker games at bars and other places: Ok

Electronic slots in gas stations and bars: Ok (whether it's actually legal or not)

Casinos: Nope

What's the reason? Bible thumpers? Lousiana lobbying? Oklahoma lobbying? Vegas lobbying? All of the above?

Seems like more jobs, keeping money in-state, tons of tax money to state, and bringing in tourism is a win for TX??

actuallly, studies show the opposite. when people go to gamble thats all they do, the casino gets a large % of their $$.

[wisco-hunter]

Imagine the amount of money given to Texas politicians to keep it off the ballot. If it made it to a ballot I think it would pass.

x2, seems most of the slimebags are in congress

[Deers & Beers]

actuallly, studies show the opposite. when people go to gamble thats all they do, the casino gets a large % of their $$.

I would think the state would still collect tax they otherwise wouldn't? And quite a few people would be employed there? And neighboring businesses like gas stations would probably increase sales?

Even if casinos get the lions share, I think money would come to TX that otherwise wouldn't..

I wanna play some blackjack!!

[Hamshire]

I have no answer because I've wondered the same thing. I really do wish we would allow it here. I could lose my money much closer to home. (Saves gas so I really win no matter what)

[brrdnk]

You have the Worlds largest Casino right across the Red River, parking lot always full with Texas plates same goes for the ones in LA. The money they spend to keep it out of Texas is why there is no gambling here. I wish it would get legalized. Sell limited Casino licenses
for certain areas of the state so that its not on every corner. Use the money for education and roads only. Not General fund. Make it full blown Vegas style casinos also. The money and jobs created just building them and supporting them would be outstanding to the tax rolls. Needs to be put out as a state wide referendum for the voters to decide.