Texas Republican Leaders Don’t Want to Gamble with Texas Budget, says Governor Perry

There is currently a push in the Texas Legislature to expand and legalize Gambling in Texas, such as casino gambling. The legislation to legalize gambling is being driven by nearly a million dollars that the gambling industry has given to Members of the Texas Legislature in this last election cycle.

H.J.R. No. 112 is a joint resolution that has been introduced in the Texas Legislature proposing a constitutional amendment that would legalize casino gambling in Texas.

So does Casino Gambling have a chance to be legalized in Texas?

Considering that Republicans have a Super-Majority control of the Texas House of Representatives, let’s take a look at what the Republican leaders in Texas have to say about gambling on the future.

Republican Party of Texas Platform

The RPT platform language on gambling: "We continue to oppose gambling as a means of financing state government. Government–sponsored gambling has had a devastating impact on many Texas families. Moreover, we oppose any further legalization, government facilitation, or financial guarantees relating to any type of gambling including casino, riverboat, video lottery terminals (VLTs), slot machine, video keno, eight-liners, multi-state lotteries, and other games of chance including on Indian reservations. We support the repeal of the state lottery, and enforcement of existing laws and regulations related to gambling. We oppose dedicating any government revenue from gambling to create or expand any governmental program."

Republican Party of Texas Gambling Survey

Furthermore, the Republican Party of Texas did an informal survey of Republican county chairmen and State Republican Executive Committee members, to poll grassroots leaders on their views of expanded casino gambling in Texas. The survey had excellent participation from our leadership. I participated in the survey, and I was emailed the following results of the survey after it was completed:

Do you believe that Texas should legalize casino gambling?
71.2% NO - 28.2% YES

Do you support using revenues from expanded casino gambling to address the budget shortfall?
72.0% NO - 28.0% YES

Would you be in favor of, or opposed to, having a casino built within your region (30 miles of your home)?
72.0% NO - 28.0% YES

Governor Rick Perry Says NO to Expanding Texas Gambling

I was on a conference call with Gov. Perry (sponsored by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility).

I asked Governor Perry if he supports the current push for gambling in Texas. He said that he is and always has been against expanding gambling in Texas. He says that he believes most of the Texas Legislators are also AGAINST expanding gambling in Texas too. He said if gambling was the way to solve state financial problems then Nevada would be doing great, but Nevada has serious financial problems.

Conclusion:

There will be no expanded gambling in Texas anytime soon.

But you won’t see me crying about it because I am one of the nearly ¾ of the Republican Party against expanding Gambling in Texas.

For more information about proposed gambling in Texas, including what other leaders have to say about the idea, and also a list of gambling industry campaign contributions – click here.