Gaming News

Texas casino supporters gearing up

FORT WORTH, Texas –- As reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: "With the economy slumping and state revenue getting tighter, gambling proponents are betting that it's the perfect time to bring casino-style gambling to Texas.

"They say casinos could bring billions of dollars into the state and add thousands of jobs.

"Some of the extra push this session is coming from Galveston, the storm-ravaged island that is struggling to recover from Hurricane Ike. And the continued expansion of tribal casinos just across the border in Oklahoma continues to attract more dollars from North Texas.

"'We're optimistic we'll get a fair audience at the Legislature,' said Duane Galligher, a lobbyist for the Texas Gaming Alliance. 'Gaming is always prevalent, but the fact that the budget looks far worse than it did two years ago has legislators looking for new sources of revenue.'

"The Texas Gaming Alliance represents the Las Vegas Sands and Station casinos and is chaired by Dallas businessman and former Hollywood casinos chief executive Jack Pratt..."

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