Texas is one of the least friendly states in the country for commercial gambling, but former US Congressman Beto O’Rourke says his state should be.
O’Rourke said in a recent press conference that online sports gambling could benefit the Lone Star State. O’Rourke, the former Democratic presidential candidate, is trying to remove incumbent Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican.
“From listening to Texans across the state, it’s a very popular proposition, and second, it will also help us address some of the challenges we have in lowering inflation and property taxes in the state,” O’Rourke said, according to the reports. “So I think this calls for a very close look and is something I tend to support.”
O’Rourke also indicated that he would support Las Vegas-style casinos in the state.
Texas has always been a nutritious market for Las Vegas or Louisiana, but the likes of the Las Vegas Sands have tried to lobby for the legalization of casinos there.
In the absence of casinos, the state has seen a boom in so-called social poker clubs that don’t charge traditional fees but instead get revenue from membership fees and seats, along with amenities.
a survey Conducted by the University of Houston in 2021 shows that the majority of Texans support expanding gambling and bringing casinos to the Lone Star State.
O’Rourke’s run for governor is tied to a long run.
