Efforts to expand legalized gambling in Texas got new life this week. Senator John Carona was permitted to submit after the filing deadline a proposed constitutional amendment that would create a Texas Gaming Commission and allow for up to four casino resort destinations in highly populated counties.
Other gaming bills were referred to committee this week, including one that seeks to authorize online poker gambling. But some social conservatives say they are ready to fight gaming efforts.
“There is a moral as well as an economic problem with an expansion of gambling," said Cathie Adams, director of the Texas Eagle Forum. "There is a link between family breakdown, addictions and economic problems.”
"We will fight every effort to expand gambling," Adams said.
The House and Senate proposals to allow expanded casino gambling would require approval from voters in a statewide referendum.
"I'm frustrated seeing billions of our hard earned dollars fleeing the state," pro-gaming lobbyist and former state Senator John Montford said in a statement. "There is growing, bipartisan support to let Texas voters decide this issue."
