does casino money help healthcare legislation

If anything, they argue, there is less traction for expanded gambling this session because the Texas economy is in a better place than it was two years ago, brimming with a $33 billion budget surplus. Other opponents of more gambling are holding firm. In a December TV interview, he said that he did not see any “movement” on the issue. He has been the most resistant to expanded gambling out of the “Big Three” leaders - which include him, Phelan and Abbott. Still, it remains to be seen if gaming advocates can make any headway with Patrick this session. Phelan’s comment stood out for its use of the phrase “destination-style” - the same language used in Sands’ pitch. “I want to see destination-style casinos that are high quality and that create jobs and that improve the lifestyle of those communities.” “What I don’t want to see is to walk into every convenience store and see 15 slot machines,” Phelan said during a media briefing earlier this month as the session got underway. An Abbott spokesperson said in a statement last fall that “if there is a way to create a very professional entertainment option for Texans, Governor Abbott would take a look at it.” Both leaders expressed openness to expanded gambling in 2021, and they have gone further in recent statements, suggesting agreement with Sands’ vision for casinos in the state. Greg Abbott and state House Speaker Dade Phelan. The other lane is the Texas Sports Betting Alliance, a coalition of professional sports teams in the state and betting platforms that is exclusively focused on legalizing mobile sports betting.

The first is a continuation of a lavishly funded and high-profile effort initiated by the late Sheldon Adelson and his gaming empire Las Vegas Sands to legalize casinos, specifically high-quality “destination resorts” in the state’s largest cities.

There are two main camps pushing for expanded gambling in Texas - and right now, they appear to be operating on parallel tracks. But supporters have found promising signs elsewhere, and they have returned to the Capitol with an army of well-connected lobbyists after doling out millions of dollars in campaign contributions during the 2022 election.

Dan Patrick, who oversees the Senate, continues to pour cold water on the idea. The push is still an uphill battle, however, as Lt. Gambling legalization advocates in Texas are going all in again this legislative session, confident that they have built more support since their efforts came up far short in 2021.

Does casino money help healthcare legislation