Gambling and Casinos are the Wrong Choice for Texas Families

In the 89th legislative session, the topic of expanding gambling in Texas has once again reared its ugly head. From casinos to the lottery, proponents claim this will create jobs, boost state revenue, and fund important programs. However, as conservatives who believe in fiscal responsibility, limited government, and protecting Texas taxpayers, we know these arguments are fallacious at best, and malicious at worst.

The gambling lobby, including powerful lobbying interests like Las Vegas Sands, has spent millions to influence lawmakers in Austin. They seek to profit from Texans’ wallets, but expanding gambling is not the answer to the state’s financial needs as proponents claim.

Here’s a few reasons why we oppose gambling expansion in Texas:

1. A Hidden Tax on Texans
   While gambling may appear inherently voluntary, it functions as a regressive tax on the most vulnerable in society. Lower-income individuals disproportionately fund the lottery and casinos, often viewing gambling as a quick fix to financial struggles. This approach to revenue unfairly burdens and exploits the struggles of working-class Texans, while in no way proving to be a sustainable way to fund state programs.
   
2. Encouraging Government Dependency
   Gambling expands the government’s reliance on revenue from an industry that thrives on addiction. Rather than fostering long-term economic growth, it creates a cycle where the state depends on the losses of its citizens. This is not in line with the conservative, Texan values of limited government and fiscal responsibility.
   
3. Corruption and Big Money Influence
   The gambling industry is heavily invested in lobbying Texas lawmakers, with Las Vegas Sands spending millions to push for the legalization of casinos. This distorts the political process, as wealthy, out-of-state special interests work to shape policy in Texas, rather than prioritizing the best interests of Texas taxpayers.
   
4. Gambling Won’t Solve Texas’ Problems
   Rather than expanding gambling to fund state programs, lawmakers should focus on cutting wasteful spending, reducing property taxes, and limiting the size of government. Gambling provides a temporary, volatile source of revenue and isn’t a solution to Texas’ challenges, and will only make them worse in the long run.
   
5. Social Costs
   Perhaps most importantly, the social impact of gambling cannot be ignored. Addiction, family breakdowns, and increased crime are all negative consequences of expanded gambling. Texas should focus on creating a productive and healthy society, not one where its citizens fall victim to addiction and financial ruin.
   

As the Texas legislature considers gambling expansion, we urge lawmakers to stand firm against the influence of big-money casino lobbyists. Expanding gambling is not a conservative solution for Texas; it’s a step backward.

We encourage all Texans to contact their representatives and voice their opposition to gambling expansion. Our future depends on keeping Texas a place where prosperity is built on hard work, not dependence and addiction.

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