Casino gambling on Legislative docket
South Padre Island could qualify as a destination site for casino gambling under legislation introduced this week in the Texas Legislature.
Sens. Rodney Ellis, a Houston Democrat, and John Carona, a Dallas Republican, unveiled their casino legislation Tuesday and said that Texans are gambling, but they're going to out-of-state casinos to do it. They said the state of Texas should get a take of that action through casinos' tax revenue and jobs.
The proposal calls for up to 12 "destination resort" casinos, meaning they would be major real estate developments that would include retail and other entertainment, Carona said. Two casinos would be allowed on Gulf islands with at least 1,000 guest rooms in hotels and condominiums, meaning gambling establishments could open in South Padre Island and Galveston, both of which have been struggling to revive their economies after last summer's hurricanes.
Other casinos could be located on Indian lands and urban areas of the state. The measure also would allow slot machines at existing horse and dog race tracks and casino gambling on Texas Indian reservations.
"Legalized gambling would be good for the entire Valley," businessman and former Island alderman Doyle Wells. "The economic benefits would be tremendous. As for those who throw up moral objections, I would rather be in charge of my own destiny. Good oversight can take care of any problems before they happen. We're talking about 250,000 jobs created statewide."
Across the bay, Laguna Vista Alderwoman Terri Galloway expressed concern over how casino gambling would impact the area.
"Legalized gambling is a double-edged sword. I wouldn't say I'm for it," she said. "I would rather see us raise money some other way. We need a wholesome atmosphere, and casinos would change the complexion of the whole area."
Island Mayor Robert Pinkerton noted that gambling legislation is nothing new, but said the proposal needs to be monitored.
"This comes up every time the legislature convenes," he said. "The new speaker of the house is the only unknown in this go-around. I'm trying to get more information on it, and hopefully I will (soon)."
The main bill is Senate Bill 1084, which establishes a state gaming commission and the regulations that would govern gambling in the state. Senate Joint Resolution 31 proposing the state constitutional amendment that would allow the gambling.
If the measures pass in the Legislature, a statewide vote on a constitutional amendment would be required before the gambling trade could move forward in Texas.
