CHRIS TOMLINSON,Associated Press
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Texas Senate committee is considering a proposed constitutional amendment that would bring casino gambling to Texas.
The Senate Business and Commerce Committee heard testimony Wednesday on a plan to bring 21 casinos to Texas and rebuild the state’s horse racing industry.
Dallas Republican Sen. John Carona crafted the proposal by negotiating between the two main groups pushing the measure, casino operators and racetracks. They have agreed to support the measure.
Texas is one of only 10 states that don’t allow at least a limited amount of casino gambling. Religious and some liberal groups oppose gambling on moral grounds and are expected to fight the measure.
Supporters say Texans already spend $3 billion to gamble outside the state, and that casinos would bring 75,000 new jobs to Texas.