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Texans Could Get To Vote On Expanding Gambling

By KRWG News

Texas – Texans could get to vote on a constitutional amendment to expand gambling.

The House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee is hearing testimony on a number of measures to allow casinos and slot machines. The Texas Gaming Association is backing a measure that would license eight casinos and slot machines at eight racetracks. Other measures would allow gambling on Indian reservations or slot machines at bingo halls.

The Texas Gaming Association says its proposal could bring in $1.2 billion a year in gaming taxes alone. But opponents warn that gambling could bring more trouble than it's worth.

Tilman Fertitta, who runs Landry's Inc. says he could have a casino up and running in Galveston in a matter of weeks, if the bill passes.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.