| | |  | Last Updated: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 |  | | | Texas Legislation Addresses Video Gambling
- Tuesday, 21 Feb 2006
While proposals to bring video gambling to Texas have traditionally merited fierce opposition, a new change in legislation could open the door to the use of video gambling machines throughout the state. Supporters of the new legislation state that introducing video slots to places where lotteries and arcade games are legal will not increase gambling; while opponents state that the legalization of video slot machines is one step away from legalizing casino games.
The move to introduce video gambling machines has been initiated by the Lottery Commission, which operates lottery machines legally throughout Texas. The video slot machines are controlled by a centralized computer system that allows lottery officials to determine exactly how many winning combinations can be hit by a gambling fan each time a terminal is programmed. Gambling fans point out that video slot machines differ from casino machines because they often operate independently, meaning winning combinations pop up randomly and are outside of the casino’s control.
While the controversy continues, many Texans are asking themselves a pertinent question. Does the average tax payer support more gambling? Most officials argue that their constituents are opposed to any increase in gambling activities. However, figures from the Texas Poll have consistently indicated that a majority of Texans favor it if the taxation revenue it generates is put back into the community. | |
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