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Texas lawmakers draft gambling legislation

TEXAS – As reported by the American-Statesman: "Lawmakers drafting gambling legislation have a message for would-be casino operators, the owners of horse and dog tracks and the state's tribes: Greed kills.

"In a proposed constitutional amendment to be filed later this week, Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, and Rep. Ismael 'Kino' Flores, D-Palmview, are joining together what those who stand to profit could never agree to at the start of the legislation session — sharing the riches.

"…Billions of dollars, according to gambling proponents, are at stake for both them and the state.

"Two months ago, casino proponents couldn't persuade the horse and dog track owners to join them in legislation that would allow a dozen Las Vega-style casinos, plus slot machines that are touted as the race tracks' financial salvation. Track owners, however, worried that casinos would siphon too much money from their operations.

"Indeed, the horse and track owners only reached unity among themselves a few days ago.

"…The proposed legislation and amendment, described as a starting point, echoes the proposal championed by proponents of Las Vegas-style casinos.

"Indian tribes would have the right to duplicate whatever games the state authorizes at the tracks and casinos. Money would be set aside to make the purses at Texas tracks among the nation's highest. The legislation would finance grants to law enforcement agencies to close down eight-liners, an illegal form of slots, that have flourished around the state…"

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