Jesus Tovar, of El Indio, plays Hot Shot Progressive with his wife, Sandra Tovar at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass in 2014. Jesus won $600 earlier in the night.in Texas, that industry was trying to improve its odds in Texas by doling out massive campaign donations and building an army of lobbyists in preparation for the legislative session that begins in January.
“We don’t want slot machines at every corner store, we don’t want Texans to be losing money that they need for everyday expenses, and we don’t want any type of crime that could be associated with gaming,” said Renae Eze, Abbott’s press secretary. “But, if there is a way to create a very professional entertainment option for Texans, Gov. Abbott would take a look at it.”
Supporters of expanded gambling in Texas say the state is losing out on billions of dollars in tax revenues that residents are spending in neighboring states like Louisiana, Oklahoma and New Mexico, which all have casinos. But the industry continues to direct campaign donations to Patrick and others in Texas to improve their chances when the Texas Legislature meets.
Abbott received $200,000 from that group but also has been a favorite of the late Las Vegas gambling tycoon Sheldon Adelson and his wife Miriam, who combined to give Abbott an additional $1.5 million since 2020 for his re-electionThe Texas Constitution has prohibitions on expanded gambling, meaning to even consider a plan for casinos or sports betting, the Texas Legislature would need to put the issue to a referendum in Texas.