Will Texas ever get gambling? Isn't everyone tired of driving out of state (Eagle Pass: rent, how much)

[CallMeLaura]

I wouldn't vote *against* it, but I dont' *want* it, either. I find gambling boring, so I definitely wouldn't make a special trip, no matter how close.

[Lucidus]

Originally Posted by RSTX

The only people who benefit from gambling are the casino owners. For everyone else, it is a plague. An addiction that ruins men, and women. Sure, you might not be addicted, and you might be able to afford losing a few hundred dollars. You are the minority. The people who can least afford to throw away money are the very ones who become victims of gambling. Still, human nature is what it is, and the humans who are easily seduced by quick money will find a way to lose their's no matter what the location.

I agree but in general I favor legalized gambling because I believe that people must be responsible for their own behavior and not look to the government to protect them from their own vices, and as you pointed out, gambling addicts will find a way to lose their money legal or not. We already have a state tax on the statistically challenged (the lottery) why not let some casinos come in?

I like the West Texas oasis idea. I propose the gambling district be within a 30 minute drive of Midland International Airport on interstate 20.

[CamaroGuy]

Well Texas money is being spent at casinos in Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Nevada. It just seem silly that Texas has but one casino which is located in Eagle Pass.

[blueskies49]

Originally Posted by RSTX

The only people who benefit from gambling are the casino owners. For everyone else, it is a plague. An addiction that ruins men, and women. Sure, you might not be addicted, and you might be able to afford losing a few hundred dollars. You are the minority. The people who can least afford to throw away money are the very ones who become victims of gambling. Still, human nature is what it is, and the humans who are easily seduced by quick money will find a way to lose their's no matter what the location.

I agree with every point you made, RSTX. Why should we bring in casinos when it's only lining the owners pockets? They just take advantage of people's greed/weaknesses. Sure, some folks may lose their money another way if there weren't casinos but then again some of these folks manage not to lose alot of money until the temptation is put in front of their noses.

Originally Posted by C2H (ComingtoHouston)

I think the laws in Texas are what's holding the big cities like Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio from becoming World Class and Entertainment recognized cities. Dallas and Houston could get the status of Chicago or NYC but liquor stores closing at 9pm and no casinos in the state is idiotic IMO. People still find a way to sin regardless.

Who wants the status of these bigger cities if it brings along the mafia, more crime and prostitution? Sounds like we don't need yet more people who want to bite the hand that feeds them, i.e., take advantage of Texas opportunities while at the same time bashing the state.

[momof2dfw]

Look what it has done for Louisanna. Sure created a ton of high paying jobs - NOT! Same goes for New Mexico and Oklahoma. The casinos and gambling have not created high paying jobs nor improved the economy one bit in those states so I say no thanks. So having liquor stores open till the wee hours of the morning and casinos make a city "World Class"? If that is the case then I'll pass and keep Dallas just the way it is. There was recent discussion about this and how Reunion Arena in Dallas could be a casino. I'm glad it was shot down. Sure I like to gamble but that is what makes trips to Las Vegas fun - it is something I can not do here at home. I also don't want all of the "action" of such a "World Class" city . BTW, where are these world class casinos in Chicago and NYC??? When I think of those two cities casinos and gambling do not top my mind.

[EastTexGal]

I completely agree with RSTX. Gambling is no good. It takes over lives; ruins people, marriages, and families. Good call, RSTX.

[Debsi]

Originally Posted by EastTexGal

I completely agree with RSTX. Gambling is no good. It takes over lives; ruins people, marriages, and families. Good call, RSTX.

Me too. I've never driven out of state for it either, though I did fly to Vegas for a weekend with friends once.

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by Debsi

Me too. I've never driven out of state for it either, though I did fly to Vegas for a weekend with friends once.

Been to Vegas twice and Shreveport once. Shreveport is a ripoff as are the casinos in Oklahoma from what I've heard. When I've past them and the ones in NM they are all practically empty. I LOVE blackjack but I don't think I would go at all even if it were here in Dallas.

[Muhnay]

I think El Paso should have saloon style gambling.. like it had it is conception. We should embrace our outlaw roots.

And trainwreck.. I'll vote for it.. so we will offset one another.

[cleoT]

I think there are two issues at hand here. First is the money. While it is true casino jobs aren’t high paying, there’s little doubt casinos can bring opportunity for small businesses, and a good size cash flow into Texas that is currently being spent in other states. No matter if you don’t like them, many people do. Tons of money flow into casinos every year. And yes, the owners get the biggest chunk of it, but the point is that money spent outside of the casinos is also good for Texas. Casinos also bring entertainment which some people only come to the casinos and stay at the hotel for. This all adds up to lots of dollars spent within the state that is currently being spent outside of the state (I know I said this before, but it’s a point to make).

The other issue is human nature. No matter what your political preference is, everyone has the right to choose for themselves how they want to live their life. I don’t agree with abortion, but the right is there. I don’t smoke, but the right is there. I do drink, and I enjoy going out and having fun with friends, so I’m glad my right is there. Some people might think, just because I drink socially, I’m a drunkard. That’s their right to think. But If I choose to spend my money elsewhere, say gambling, that’s my right. You may think I’m addicted if I went every week, but that’s my right. I’m not saying I do this, heck I’ve only been to Shreveport once, and the one time I went to Vegas, spent only $10 in the casinos, and I have gone to a casino in another state many times simply for the bands playing. But just because you may think a person is addicted doesn’t mean they are. And, for the ones who truly are addicted, believe me, they are getting their fix and will continue to get their fix, whether it’s in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, or Vegas. So IMHO, this shouldn’t even be an issue. If the communities of, say, a small town in west Texas decide this would be a perfect way to increase their size and pocket book, I think they should be able to. But as it stands, they don’t have the choice.

I’m not saying I’d go, but I do believe Texans should have the choice. Whether you like it or not, Texas is changing. It will continue to change over the course of the next century. Life is nothing more than continual change. Sure, I’d like things to stay the same as they are, but they won’t. Some changes we might think are good, some we’ll think are bad. That’s life.

I hope I haven’t offended anyone. Please don’t slam me. I like to ponder both sides, and the other side has brought up some good points. I’m simply trying to bring up good points for gambling and casinos.