{"id":2533910,"date":"2023-04-04T12:02:27","date_gmt":"2023-04-04T16:02:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/platoai.gbaglobal.org\/platowire\/voters-to-decide-on-legalization-of-casinos-and-sports-betting-in-texas\/"},"modified":"2023-04-04T12:02:27","modified_gmt":"2023-04-04T16:02:27","slug":"voters-to-decide-on-legalization-of-casinos-and-sports-betting-in-texas","status":"publish","type":"platowire","link":"https:\/\/platoai.gbaglobal.org\/platowire\/voters-to-decide-on-legalization-of-casinos-and-sports-betting-in-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"Voters to Decide on Legalization of Casinos and Sports Betting in Texas"},"content":{"rendered":"

Texans will soon have the opportunity to vote on the legalization of casinos and sports betting in the state. The decision will be made through a constitutional amendment that will be on the ballot in November 2021. If passed, it would allow for the establishment of casinos and sports betting facilities in Texas.<\/p>\n

Currently, Texas is one of only a handful of states that does not allow any form of casino gambling. The only exception is the state lottery, which was established in 1991. However, many Texans travel to neighboring states like Oklahoma and Louisiana to gamble, which has led to millions of dollars leaving the state each year.<\/p>\n

Proponents of the amendment argue that legalizing casinos and sports betting would create jobs and generate revenue for the state. They estimate that it could bring in up to $3 billion annually in tax revenue. Additionally, they argue that it would keep Texans from spending their money in other states and instead keep it within Texas.<\/p>\n

Opponents of the amendment argue that gambling can lead to addiction and other negative consequences. They also argue that it could lead to an increase in crime and other social problems. However, supporters of the amendment point out that gambling is already happening in Texas, just illegally and without any regulation or oversight.<\/p>\n

If the amendment is passed, it would allow for up to 10 casinos to be established in the state. The Texas Gaming Commission would be responsible for regulating the industry and ensuring that all casinos operate within the law. Additionally, sports betting would be allowed at these casinos as well as at horse racing tracks and professional sports venues.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to note that even if the amendment is passed, it will still be up to individual cities and counties to decide whether or not they want to allow casinos and sports betting facilities within their borders. This means that even if the amendment passes statewide, some areas may still choose not to allow gambling.<\/p>\n

Overall, the decision on whether or not to legalize casinos and sports betting in Texas is a complex one with both pros and cons. It will ultimately be up to the voters to decide whether or not they want to take this step towards legalizing gambling in the state.<\/p>\n