Group eyes slot machines at racetracks and reservations

Tuesday, April 26, 2011  

A group called Win for Texas is proposing to legalize slot machines on reservations and at racetracks.

The group says Texans spend $2.5 billion at gaming facilities in Louisiana, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Legalizing slot machines will keep that money in Texas, according to the group.

"If racetracks and the Native American tribes are permitted to add slot machines, it would bring more than 75,000 new jobs and $8.5 billion in economic activity," the group says on its web site.

Texas is home to the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, the Tigua Tribe and the Kickapoo Tribe. Only the Kickapoos are able to engage in Class II gaming due to provisions in state and federal law affecting the other two tribes.

The group is pushing for the passage of SJR 33/HJR 111, which will put the slot machine issue to voters.

Get the Story:
PRO: Keep Texas money in state (The Victoria Advocate 4/25)
CON: Gambling, no way to fund government (The Victoria Advocate 4/25)

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Tribes jump into debate over legalization of casinos in Texas (3/30)