Group launches petition pushing Texas to legalize casino gambling

LMT Online – Steven Santana

A group backed by a major Las Vegas casino company is still pushing Texas legislators to legalize casino gambling in the Lone Star State after last year’s proposed changes to gaming laws failed to pass. The group, called the Texas Destination Resort Alliance (TDRA), has launched an online campaign asking Texans to sign a petition calling on lawmakers to legalize casinos. 

“Show Texas lawmakers that you support the expansion of gaming – and all of its benefits – in Texas,” the petition reads. “By signing the petition, you’re joining a broad coalition of Texans calling for a more prosperous, secure future for our state.” 

TDRA lists those supposed benefits on its website as luxury amenities, “thousands” of new jobs, possible funding for education and billion-dollar investments into the Texas economy. 

The petition comes after two 2023 legislative efforts, House Joint Resolution 155 and House Joint Resolution 97, would have legalized gambling on existing betting sites and legalize new casinos. HJR 155 failed to pass in the House while HJR 97 never made it past House committees. 

Still, Las Vegas Sands has already made major investments into the North Texas area, buying a controlling stake in the Dallas Mavericks last year and purchasing the site where the Texas Stadium once stood — the Dallas Cowboys’ old stomping grounds.

Read the full article HERE.