Texas lawmakers face pressure in upcoming session to expand gambling

Texas Baptist public policy watchdogs believe that state lawmakers will resist intense pressure to expand gambling and approve some form of vouchers for private education when the 88th Texas Legislature convenes on 10 January.

austin texas lawmakers expand gambling
Listen To Article

John Litzler, Director of Public Policy for Texas Baptists’ Christian Life Commission, said: “Expect legislation similar to the types of bills filed in the past.”

However, unlike some recent sessions in which legislators faced tight budgets, this year lawmakers likely will work with a $27bn budget surplus, albeit limited by a spending cap.

Litzler added: “The challenge legislators face is making improvements that can be sustainable for the future. They have to look for permanent solutions. It can’t be just a one-time fix, working with extra money.”

Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, already introduced SJR17, which would allow up to nine casino licences in Texas, including four for destination casinos. This would create a sports wagering licensing program.

And both Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick campaigned on expanding “school choice,” allowing parents to direct state funds to private schools.

However, Texas Baptists strongly oppose gambling expansion. They feel doing so will legalise sports betting. 

They are also against introducing efforts to divert tax dollars to private religious schools as they believe the law will amend it and allow to pass a limited voucher program, instead of a full-scale alteration of education funding.

In September, Scientific Games confirmed it will extend its partnership with the Texas Lottery to provide scratch ticket games and custom promotions.

Premium+ Connections
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium Connections
Executive Profiles
Hann Casino Resort
Bloomberry Resorts Corporation
Sightline Payments
Sightline Payments
TalkSport Bet

Global Gaming Awards Asia: What to expect in 2023

Gambling Insider looks ahead to the Global Gaming Awards Asi...

The power of the rebrand

With the help of industry experts, Gambling Insider Editor T...

Evolution Europe CEO Gionata La Torre: The Italian job

Evolution Group’s new CEO Europe, sits down with Gambling...

Big Question: How can slots innovate from here?

Simon Hammon, CEO of Relax Gaming, Erkki Nikunen, Partner &...

Read Magazine