So I recently came across an article on Texans going to border states to gamble. As a Texan all my life, and a person that enjoys testing my luck every now and then. I believe Texas or responsible Texas cities should be allowed to legalize gambling.
In this article by politifact, Talks about how 2.5 billion dollars are spent in other states by Texans on surrounding states due to gambling. Broken down, thats 1.2 billion in Oklahoma, 1.18 billion in Louisiana,and 27 million in New Mexico, thats a lot of Texas dollars, not being spent in Texas. The idea of Texans not spending money in Texas is a big deal, however thats also a big tax income for Texas.
The process of figuring out these numbers are controversial and the accurate numbers seem to be closer to 2.1 billion. With our current deficit that extra 2.1 billion could mean a lot if the taxes on casinos are going the right way. Thats not to say, tourist from other states, countries can raise that number higher. Also if Texas had casinos a percentage of vacationers would choose to vacation in Texas instead of other states.
Casinos also bring in business from other walks of life. For example. Las Vegas isn't just casinos, they also have the best shopping malls filled with high end stores. Near the Harrahs' in New Orleans there are plenty of good eateries that can attract non-gambling tourist that just came along for the ride. Atlantic City , which is another gambling destination also has attractions, museums, and trolley tours.
Gambling isn't for everyone, however at a business standpoint it could be the right decision for Texas.
I have written about the budget crisis we are facing here in Texas many times. I've read articles about athletic directors being grossly overpaid, important services being sacrificed to save money, and money going to a state program that isn't even working. Now, I've finally read a blog that talks about an excellent idea that can bring a lot of money to the state to help us with the budget. On March 3, 2011, the "Texas Politics" blog posted up an article titled "Gambling Anywhere But Texas" written by Tri Nguyen. In it, Nguyen breaks down the billions of Texan dollars being spent gambling in neighboring states. Nguyen also points out that not everyone is a gambler, and gives alternate ideas like adding shopping malls and restaurants in addition to the casinos in order to attract even more tourists.
ReplyDeleteNguyen presented a very thought out argument. Texas has tons of open land that the state can build wonderful tourist attractions, like the ones Nguyen wrote about. I think its about time Texas got a major, family oriented theme park, like Disneyland or Legoland. The taxes the state would be collecting from these attractions would greatly help our budget crisis, if not end it completely. Texas is one of the biggest states and has many possibilities. Like Nguyen said, building major casinos, family theme parks, luxurious shopping malls, and maybe even a man made lake is sure to attract vacationing families from Texas and other surrounding states as well.
It was a pleasure reading such a well written and thought out article. It makes me wonder, if a college student can see what a great idea this is, why can't the intelligent and educated people of the state see it too?