Lobbyists for some of the biggest gambling operators in the US believe legal casino gambling has a strong chance of becoming a reality in Texas next year. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

An interesting discussion

A panel of notable lobbyists at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas said they believe the chance of Texas getting legal casino gambling next year is greater than 50%.

lottery, greyhound and horse racing, and charitable activities are the only forms of legal gambling

The state has historically been conservative about gambling expansion. The state lottery, greyhound and horse racing, and charitable activities are the only forms of legal gambling in the region.

The discussion on Tuesday garnered plenty of attention, with the heads of government relations with FanDuel, MGM Resorts, and Las Vegas Sands making up the panel.

Las Vegas Sands’ Andy Abboud was the most confident, stating that expansion in the Lone Star State is “inevitable,” even if it isn’t next year. The casino company has spent millions in recent years lobbying in Texas and its owner Miriam Adelson now has a majority stake in the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.

The key is the Senate

One of the biggest stumbling blocks, according to MGM Resorts’ Rick Limardo, is the Senate, as this is where previous casino and sports betting bills were killed last year after progressing through the House.

main gatekeeper in the Senate is Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick

The main gatekeeper in the Senate is Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who has opposed proposals in recent years. The panelists believe Patrick will put forward gambling bills for a vote if the proponents gain sufficient support in the Senate.

They also pointed to Patrick’s close relationship with Donald Trump, explaining that a Trump win in November’s presidential election could result in Patrick getting a new role in Washington and leaving a gap in Texas.

Letting the public decide

A message the lobbyists keep reminding lawmakers of is that they won’t come under scrutiny for voting in favor of a gambling expansion bill as the issue ultimately lies in the hands of the general public.

FanDuel’s Caesar Fernandez pointed out the potentially huge market for legal gambling in Texas; Eilers & Krejcik estimates the sports betting black market is currently worth $7bn annually.[/boxout]

A constitutional amendment is necessary to enact such a change, which requires a public vote. Limardo commented, “Nobody’s ever lost an election for voting for a sports betting or casino bill.”