People pushing for the move say they are hopeful they’ll get legislative approval this year. If not, one executive said, it’s “inevitable” in the future.
gambling
Analyzing 2020: The pandemic recession in Texas
We’ve selected some columns from 2020 on the recession and the budget.
Analysis: Texans might be ready for casinos, but lawmakers aren’t convinced
Casinos are making a serious run at Texas lawmakers, hoping to open up to five gaming destinations in a state that has resisted them for years. But gaming in Texas hasn’t been expanded in almost three decades.
GOP megadonor Sheldon Adelson readies 2021 lobbying blitz to bring casinos to Texas
Adelson’s Las Vegas Sands has built a stable of high-powered lobbyists for the session, which starts in January, and the company acknowledged Tuesday that it is serious about bringing casinos to Texas.
Analysis: Adding a new tax might be easier than ending an old tax break
It might seem that closing tax loopholes and ending exemptions would be an easy way to balance a state budget during a pandemic. It’s not. In fact, that might be the hardest option available.
Analysis: In a recession, turning to sin might save the Texas budget
The pandemic-induced recession punched a hole in the Texas budget that lawmakers will try to patch when their session starts in January. And a hole in the state’s finances almost always starts a conversation about how to raise money. This time, marijuana and casinos are in the spotlight.
Texas House passes bill defining fantasy sports as legal game of skill
While critics say fantasy sports sites are hubs for illegal online gambling, others contend the games are based on skill and are therefore legitimate.
Led by Democrats and young adults, most Texas voters want to legalize marijuana, UT/TT Poll finds
Most Texans are ready to legalize marijuana, but political obstacles remain, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
Analysis: For hints to next year’s fights at the Texas Capitol, watch the investment advisers
Editor’s note: If you’d like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey’s column, click here. The political debates of this election year will foreshadow some of the issues you’ll see when the Texas Legislature meets next year, but some of the best clues — sports gambling is one example — come from the financial advisers to public sector investors.
The Supreme Court ruled that states can legalize sports gambling. But Texas still might not play.
Gov. Greg Abbott and other state leaders have shown resistance to expanding gambling in the state in recent years.

