For the first time in recent history, a Texas governor is willing to sign a gaming compact with the state's tribes.

George W. Bush and his predecessor, Anne Richardson, refused to sign compacts with the Tigua Tribe or the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe. Their actions led to the eventual closure of the tribes' casinos.

Now, Gov. Richard Perry (R) has proposed to legalize video gaming at horse and dog racetracks. He says he will sign compacts with the tribes to authorize slot machines, with a portion of the revenues going to fund education.

The issue will be taken up at a special session of the Texas Legislature this week.

A third tribe in Texas, the Kickapoo Tribe, doesn't have a compact but is allowed to offer Class II gaming and has been given approval to seek Class III gaming through the Department of Interior. The tribe is opposing the video gaming proposal.

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Gambling proposal could allow Texas tribes to reopen casinos (AP 4/19)