Texans who now travel out of state to enjoy casino gaming are watching to see what happens with a bipartisan bill filed in the Texas Legislature.
The measure, which has the backing of the Las Vegas Sands casino conglomerate, would legalize gaming and clear the way for casino "destination resorts" to open in Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, Houston and San Antonio.
A recent poll from the Texas Tribute and the University of Texas found 41% of the state's residents in favor of full casino gaming. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has given the issue a cold shoulder in the past, saying he has "never been in favor" of expanded gambling. The state would benefit by imposing a 10% tax on table games and a 25% levy on slot machines.
If the measure makes it to the floor and passes both houses of the Legislature with two-thirds support, voters would then have to approve it in the form of an amendment to the state Constitution. That vote could come as soon as November.
The casino bill is sponsored in the Texas Senate by Sen. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston), who gave an update as she spoke with KRLD's Chris Sommer.