AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Racing industry officials told Texas lawmakers they want slot machines legalized at horse and dog tracks to keep the state’s racing business vibrant.
The Legislative Study Group, a caucus of the Texas House, held the gambling meeting Wednesday in Austin.
Racing officials say neighboring states like Louisiana have slots at tracks and Texas is losing out. They say slots draw customers and build larger purses to pay race winners.
Andrea Young, president of Sam Houston Race Park in Houston, said slots at tracks could generate $1 billion a year for state government. The proposal would also allow slots at three Indian reservations in Texas.
Consultant Rob Kohler with the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission says gambling preys on the poor and doesn’t help local economies much.