FROM WATCHDOG WIRE - TEXAS
Texas Legislature Considering A Measure Legalizing Casino Gambling
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Introduced for sixth straight session
November 12, 2014
by Brad Matthews
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A measure that would establish a Texas Gaming Commission and that would allow that commission to establish casino gambling in resort areas, cities with more than 675,000 people and existing pari-mutuel horse tracks, has been introduced to the state legislature. The bill HJR 47 is sponsored by State Rep. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston), according to Newsradio 1200 WOAI.

The proposed population limit would allow for casino gambling to be established in Dallas, Ft. Worth, El Paso, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. Alvarado’s measure also seeks protection for Indian tribes, who have traditionally opposed expanded casino gambling because it would draw crowds away from Eagle Pass, the state’s only current operational casino.

Supporters of casinos cite the struggles of the pari-mutuel horse racing industry, and the drawing of consumer money away from the state to casinos in New Mexico, Louisiana and especially Las Vegas. They say that this Texan money is going to benefit the government projects of those states, and that they would prefer Texans spend their money in Texan casinos to help fund Texan government projects.

Others, mainly religious conservatives and others unconvinced of gambling’s benefit to the government, say that gambling expansion’s time has passed. Rob Kohler, a lobbyist for the Christian Life Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, told WOAI that “the people did vote, they voted last week, and the people they sent to the House, the Senate, and elected as Governor are not people who think casino gambling would be a good idea.” He remained confident that this legislature, like the others which have shot down similar measures, would rule against gambling.

So once something is "decided" the first time it is the last time something should be discussed? That seems to be what the lobbyist is saying.

Wonder what he would say if the elected officials were in favor of the proposal.

To protect the Indian casino, I would look at the average net yearly profit the casino has made since it has been open and have the state make up the difference when the casino doesn't earn that.

Actually, Mr. Kohler is capable of changing his mind. He stated the following in 2009:

He said that as a jackpot game, Powerball is “pretty benign.” He added, however, “We don't think it will solve any of the budget problems or add any more money to the state.” [chron.com]

Today, the organization he represents is trying to abolish the lottery.

Mr. Kohler spent twelve years as an executive with the Texas lottery, and said the following when asked why he was now against the lottery (June 29, 2012):

"Well, you know, it took me eight years of really seeing the other side of the table..." [video.foxbusiness.com]

They didn't delve into why it took him four more years to leave.

Wouldn't get my hopes up. Greg Abbott will shoot this down. Well that is of course unless Adelson wants to expand to b&m to Texas.

And if you aren't aware, Adelson has lined Greg's pockets.

where do you look to find out info like that, rocket?

Adelson does want to expand to Texas, but the Chickasaws and Choctaws have given Abbott at least $450,000.

Let Texans Decide [lettexansdecide.com]

Two years ago, Las Vegas Sands chairman Sheldon Adelson, a generous Republican donor who is also aggressively lobbying Congress to abolish Internet gambling, gave $150,000 to the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) in Texas.

Even though Abbott was not on the election ballot in 2012, he received $91,377 of Adelson’s donation to the RSLC, according to reports.

we're pretty much stuck between a rock and a hard place.