Governor Greg Abbott has always opposed any expansion of gaming — until now
Opponents might counter that the state budget has an unprecedented surplus and thus requires no additional funding . While that is true , the budget surplus can easily turn to deficits , and planning for those dips is vital for a state thriving and growing like Texas .
The Players
Legislative leadership is the same as in 2021 , but some of their tones and tenors have evolved . Fresh off his reelection , Governor Greg Abbot has expressed support for exploring the opportunity to expand gaming while maintaining that it should be put up to the voters through a referendum .
House Speaker Dade Phelan has been more positively vocal of his support for the passage of a bill , and believes that Texas voters would pass a statewide referendum overwhelmingly . Lt . Governor Dan Patrick has continued his vocal opposition to any bill . Although quietly , he might allow a bill to be heard in the Senate if he believes widespread support exists . All three wield varying degrees of influence over any bill ’ s trajectory through the legislature .
The industry ’ s position has remained resolute with interesting , nuanced changes that could propel the legislation forward . Las Vegas Sands ( LVS ) continues to be the tip of the spear and lead on lobbying efforts . Their cadre of 70 lobbyists is working very hard to demonstrate the positive economic , jobs and fiscal impacts of large-scale , resort-style casino developments .
While LVS is leading the lobbying charge , other operators with eyes set on Texas are working cooperatively to spread a message of economic prosperity .
The Legislative Vehicles
Bills have been filed in both the House and Senate , and each mirrors the other . Senate Joint Resolution 17 and House Joint Resolution 97 offer similar paths to the development of large-scale resort destinations hosted in multiple Texas cities .
The Senate bill has been assigned to a committee , but a hearing date has not been set as of this writing . Currently , the House resolution is still waiting for a committee assignment . Each bill outlines the creation of a Texas Gaming Commission and provides for developing two large-scale resort developments in the Dallas and Houston metroplexes .
These four resorts would have to spend $ 2 billion each , and preference has been granted , through the horsemen ’ s involvement , to two existing tracks — Sam Houston Raceway , owned by Penn Entertainment ; and Lone Star Park , owned by the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma .
Another resort could be located in the San Antonio / New Braunfels metropolitan area with a development budget of $ 1 billion . Finally , two other developments have been outlined in Corpus Christi and McCallan , tethered to existing horse track licenses in each city , with a required investment of
The addition of racetracks to the approved sites for casinos could make a big difference , including Sam Houston Raceway , owned by Penn Entertainment
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