Texas Gambling: The Morality vs Legality of Casino Gambling

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For years casino gambling was portrayed in the media and Hollywood as being associated with criminal activities and the mafia. Now with proper scrutiny and government regulations casino gambling has become a lucrative business, with casinos stock even trading on Wall Street. Casino gambling is an ever increasingly popular and legal activity in many states throughout the United States. “The term gambling or ‘gaming’ as the industry calls it, means any legalized form of wagering or betting conducted in a casino, on a riverboat, on an Indian reservation, or at any other location under the jurisdiction of the United States” (National Gambling Impact Study Commission Act). States that allow casino gambling benefit vastly by re-incorporating the taxation off of commerce gained from casinos and tourism associated with the casinos back into the state and local communities. Jobs created by casinos also have a positive impact on the economy in local communities surrounding casinos as well as, the states that legalize gambling. Texas, while allowing horse and dog racing, lottery, and charitable bingo, does not currently prohibit casino gambling. In this essay, I will provide the different reasons the State of Texas will benefit from legalizing casinos gambling. By not having casinos, Texas continues to lose valuable tax revenue that could be awarded to state and local government funded programs for example, education, public safety, economic development, and infrastructure improvements. With the increasing number of legal casinos in bordering states such as Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, the loss of tourism and tax revenue is a growing concern for Texas. Passing legislation to allow casinos in the State of Texas will help fund ... ... middle of paper ... ... the overall increase in commerce. The benefits will also be felt through the decline in poverty and welfare by way of incorporating new jobs and revenue into the state. The State of Texas must put an end to all of the money being spent elsewhere while Texas has the capabilities and resources available to provide and profit off the same gambling experience other states provide. It has been shown through numerous states that legalized casino gambling can be a rewarding business model, just as The Lottery, pari-mutuel wagering at horse and dog tracks, and charitable bingo has proved in Texas. Due to the current state of the economy it seems to me the only logical point of view is to bring Texans home, by legalizing casino gambling in Texas, recapturing vital commerce that will help lead to financial prosperity thus, enriching The State of Texas and its residents.

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