Big push ahead for Texas gambling

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The 83rd Legislature, about to convene in January, may see its biggest push yet to expand gambling in Texas.

There has been a lottery and wagering on dogs and horses in Texas for years. But efforts to expand to slots and casinos have always stalled in the legislature.

Still, 2013 may see the strongest effort yet. Gambling forces are doubling down.

Social conservatives continue to argue that gambling rots the soul and bankrupts the poor. Rob Kohler, a consultant with the Christian Life Commission, says opposition is still strong.

"If they're looking for new revenue, that's not going to come out of the people who can least afford it," Kohler said. "It busts people and the question is whether the state should be doing that to its citizens."

Advocates say gambling would bring new revenue, thousands of jobs, billions in investments and millions of tourists who have been drifting off to Louisiana and Oklahoma.

Political analyst Harvey Kronberg, editor of the Quorum Report, said supporters are shoring up efforts.

"They're bringing super heavyweight guns this time, some incredible lobbyist types and they're never short of funds," Kronberg said. "The problem has been there's been no consensus on how to get there."

It would take a two-thirds vote in both chambers to approve a statewide referendum. Polls by KHOU in Houston and WOAI in San Antonio suggest there would be strong support for gambling if it came to a referendum.

Bill Miller, a lobbyist with Hillco Partners, believes the legislature will be the biggest hurdle.

"It is unlikely to get two-thirds unless it conforms to something the legislature really needs," Miller said. "If it does get two-thirds I think the referendum would pass."

Indian casinos outside the Texas border will fight the expansion, but in Texas, for the first time, slot machine and casino advocates are working with, not against each other.

Sometime between January and March we should see who is holding the high cards.