Slot Machine Proposals in the Legislature

Texans are considering allowing video slot machines at their racetracks, but many are concerned that if they allow slot machines in they should only be at casinos. There is where the battle lines have been drawn – but many disagree with both sides and say that they only want to see slot machines and gambling (other than the state lottery) in neighboring states and not in Texas at all.

Proponents of gambling say that there is nothing wrong with allowing slot machines and gambling in the state of Texas, especially since millions of dollars in revenue are currently being spent at their neighboring states by Texans. They say that they don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t want that money to stay in state.

However, some think that in order to keep that money, all they have to do is allow slot machines at their racetracks, and then people will gamble here. Others think that they need actual casinos so that they can compete with all the bells and whistles that the other states have. They say that if they allow casino gambling in the state that they will start to see $4 billion yearly in slot machine revenues.

The racetracks say that they need the slot machine revenue because they are a dying industry, and the machines would be just the thing to keep them going. The casinos say that the slot machines would bring in much needed jobs if they are allowed to build casinos, and that is much more important than helping out the horses.

One bill wants to do it all. They want to have casinos that will bring in the big gamblers, and they want slot machines at the tracks because that will satisfy the locals. But it is ultimately going to be up to the voters if they want slot machines at all.

Back to Monthly Archive // Main Slot Machine News Index