Gambling Expansion in Texas: A Bargaining Chip for School Vouchers?

In light of debates surrounding gambling in the Texas legislature, a proposal that could potentially expand gaming opportunities is being considered as leverage to push for school vouchers. As per recent poll results conducted by the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation (THPF), Texans are divided over where gambling should and shouldn’t be legalized. The survey questioned 1600 likely voters about three proposals related to sports betting in Texas, with intriguing outcomes that have heightened political appetite for expanded gaming options among church-going Texans and women – a significant change from previous legislative cycles according to Jason Villalba, the Chairman, and CEO of THPF. The poll showed 56% support for constructing and operating Destination Resort Casinos in Texas compared to just 30% who opposed it; however, there was more opposition (42-41) regarding legalizing sports betting at professional venues in Texas than those against it entirely. Interestingly enough, men were significantly more supportive of these proposals as opposed to women, and the results showed a relatively even split among political affiliations. The push for gambling expansion has risen remarkably in recent years in contrast to past sessions marked by reluctance over introducing casinos into Texan culture. Noteworthy here is Las Vegas Sands’ campaign supporting expanded gaming options via petitions – led and funded by the Adelson family, who recently purchased the Dallas Mavericks basketball team. Last year, bills proposing sports betting and casino legalization failed to garner legislative support in Texas; however, it remains unclear whether these measures would ultimately earn lawmakers’ endorsement or suffer rejection this session too as their fate hangs precariously on a delicate balance between proponents of expanded gaming options versus those who oppose them.