Texas lawmakers introduce plan for nine casinos

Texas residents seem to want Las Vegas-style casinos in the Lone Star State, even though Baptist groups and a coalition of racetrack owners are opposed to the concept.

The day before four Texas lawmakers introduced legislation Tuesday that would permit nine casinos to operate in several of Texas' major cities, legalized gambling proponents displayed a statewide poll showing that a majority of Texas voters want casinos.

The survey of 1,0006 Texas residents was conducted in early February with 75 percent of the respondents reacting favorably to legalizing casinos. Gaming is being proposed as a way to fund the state's deficit, finance education, and provide jobs.

The measure would have to pass both houses of the Texas Legislature by a two-thirds vote and then be placed in front of voters.

The is not the first time Texas casinos have been proposed. But every time, gambling opponents have beaten back the effort.

Deutsche Bank gaming analyst Bill Lerner said the current economic climate might make gaming more palatable to lawmakers despite opposition from religious groups. He said Texas casinos might be a way of keeping gambling dollars inside state borders.

"When I visit Oklahoma casinos I see a lot of Texas license plates," Lerner said. "The state should be realistic about that dynamic and if (lawmakers are) intellectually honest, (they) would find a way to keep those revenues in the state."