Is Casino Gambling in Texas on the Way?
The Shreveport Bossier casino market has been hit hard by casinos in Oklahoma and Arkansas and now we could be seeing more competition. Texas lawmakers will likely be asked to pass a measure allowing casinos in the Lone Star state.
The Texas Legislative session kicks off in January and one hot topic will be gambling. The Texas Comptroller says the state is facing a pretty serious budget shortfall as a result of the pandemic. It's not expected to be as bad as expected, but the state will need to find other ways to bring in money. One of the ideas is to legalize casinos.
If that happens, the Shreveport Bossier market will likely be hit hard. We have already experienced the closing of the Diamond Jacks casino in Bossier City. Many experts believe at least one more local casino would have to close if gambling comes to Texas. A large portion of the gamblers in our local casinos come from Texas.
The Houston Chronicle reports Andy Abboud who is with the Las Vegas Sands Corporation says
Texas is considered the biggest plum still waiting to be out there in the history of hospitality and gaming. According to the Houston Chronicle, the Las Vegas Sands considers Texas a top destination.
Abboud adds that Texas is up there with Japan and Singapore as markets that would be worldwide destinations for visitors.
Quorum Report says Sheldon Adelson who is CEO of Las Vegas Sands has already hired 10 lobbyists to get busy contacting Texas lawmakers.
Another idea being discussed as a way to bring in money is the legalization of marijuana in Texas.