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The Lone Star State has but a lone star in its gaming universe: tribal gaming.
However, the North Texas Commission (NTC), an advocacy and lobbying group representing commerce in the North Texas region, is trying to change that. The NTC announced it has opened an application window for a new exploratory committee that will consider the impact of gaming expansion in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and beyond.
The committee will comprise a variety of participants, including religious organizations, elected officials, and economic development experts, NTC COO Patrick Brophey told the Dallas Business Journal.
Key takeaways
- The North Texas Commission is launching an exploratory committee that will consider the impact of destination casinos in Texas.
- Texas has a history of being resistant to expanding gaming beyond tribal casinos.
- A 2023 bill proposing eight non-tribal casino licenses failed to make it through the legislature.
- Texas online casinos could generate $500 million to $600 million per month.
Why the North Texas Commission’s new committee is important
Texas has been a lesson in competing gaming interests. As a staunchly conservative state with small pockets of progressivism, tribal casinos have been the only form of gaming allowed.
As the majority of the country has settled into commercial (non-tribal) gaming and sports betting, Texas has taken a stand against both and online casinos, too.
That being said, momentum for gaming expansion has grown over the past couple of years:
- In late 2022, Gov. Greg Abbott expressed an openness to gaming expansion. At the time, Abbott’s press secretary told the Houston Chronicle that the governor is willing to consider gaming if “there’s a way to create a very professional entertainment option for Texans,” a statement alluding to the governor’s desire to gaming expand without increased crime, problem gambling, and pervasive gambling access.
- In 2023, a Texas bill that would’ve legalized eight commercial casinos options, our guides cover all the details.
