Legalization of Casino Gambling to Be Explored by North Texas Commission

By Jerry Smith Staff Writer Updated: 08/07/2024

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Legalization of Casino Gambling

It has been revealed that the North Texas Commission is set to create a committee to look into the effects of legalizing casino gambling in the state. With the state edging closer to legalizing these gambling activities, the NTC is keen to have a specialist team that can study the impact of destination resorts and casino gaming, with officials likely to engage in lengthy discussions in the 2025 legislative session.

The committee is set to be made up of a range of business and community leaders according to the Chief Operating Officer of the NTC, Patrick Brophey. He said that once the committee had been formed, officials would look at everything from economic development and infrastructure to workforce requirements and public safety implications of destination gambling. It is likely that the committee will be formed later this year.

Members from Different Backgrounds

The NTC aims to have members from a wide range of backgrounds on the committee. This includes leaders in tourism, elected officials, religious organizations, economic experts, and more.

Brophey said,

This is open to North Texas Commission members who we traditionally cater to, but well beyond that as well to get the full scope of our community including social services, public safety, nonprofits, arts and entertainment, mental health professionals, and business and industry leaders.

He added that the NTC was looking for ‘parity’ across the region, hence the goal of having members from a diverse variety of backgrounds and industries.

The decision to form a committee came on the back of discussions that were arranged by the NTC and the Texas Association of Business. During the discussions, there was a presentation from the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, with executives from the corporation highlighting the benefits that the legalization of destination gambling would bring to the state.

Benefits and Concerns Regarding the Legalization of Casino Gambling

According to reports, there are both benefits and concerns that have been highlighted in relation to the legalization of destination gambling in Texas.

Those supporting the move have said that this could bring tens of thousands of new jobs to the area, which would have a huge positive impact on employment levels and job opportunities. Data suggests that around 70,000 permanent jobs could be created as a result of the move, and in addition to this, there could be other temporary construction jobs.

Another huge benefit would be the economic impact that the legalization of destination gambling could have on the state. An economic study was carried out on behalf of Sands, and this suggested that gaming could mean an additional $13 billion for the Texas economy. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, operations could lead to a potential boost of close to $35 million in tax revenue.

There have been some concerns highlighted about the move, one of which is the social issues that are often linked to casinos. Some are also concerned that the legalization of destination gambling in the state could lead to an increase in crime rates.