As reported by: Click2Houston
Big resorts with full-scale casinos, shops and restaurants could be built in up to a dozen Texas cities under legislation proposed Thursday by two high-profile senators and backed by major gambling interests.

Voters ultimately would have the say on the proposed constitutional amendment legalizing casino gambling.

A major selling point of the plan, the legislators contend, is a provision that would dedicate $1 billion per year to a fund to pay for eligible Texans to attend a community college or public university.


Sen. John Carona, a Dallas Republican, and Sen. Rodney Ellis, a Houston Democrat, sponsors of the legislation, both said they aren't gamblers themselves. But they said casinos in Texas would help slow the flow of gambling money leaving the state.

They also said "destination resort casinos" will attract tourism money for related activities, like high-end entertainment.

"Texans are already voting with their feet and going out of state," Ellis said. "It's time for Texas to reap the economic benefits and use that revenue to help Texas students go to college."
Article By: Click2Houston