Texas lawmakers are considering a bill that would bring casino gambling to the state.
State Representative Charles Geren is sponsoring a bill that would allow for the construction of what he calls "destination resorts" and casinos in major urban areas.
Geren says in addition to the revenue from gambling, those developments would provide a big boost the state's economy.
If the casino gambling measure clears the House and the Senate, it would go to the public for approval in November.
In addition to the casino bill, State Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, authored a bill that would legalize and regulate online sports betting in Texas.
It's supported by owners of some of the major sports teams - including Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.
"Hundreds of thousands of Texans right now who are placing sports bets illegally, criminally right now, should be allowed to come out of the shadows," said State Rep. Jeff Leach to NBC 5.
"The people of Texas deserve a right to vote on this. We have an obligation and an opportunity right now to put a regulatory framework in place," said Leach about regulating sports wagering.
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