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WHY CASINOS in TEXAS?
Texas needs a new plan to come up with revenues - other than our raising taxes!
Governor Perry and other legislators have repeatedly said they want to provide property tax relief while finding OTHER SOURCES of MONEY.
Texans should have the choice on what options they'd prefer!
Options could include:
a. Significantly Increased Taxes (sales tax, services tax, payroll tax, a state income tax and more are being considered by legislative leaders.)
b. More Budget Cuts which means slashed essential services.
c. Constitutional Amendment that would create a new/fresh revenue "cash cow" for state and local governments of approximately $3-4 billion annually, plus create over 300,000 permanent new jobs, approximately $7 billion in new construction and enhance tourism in Texas.
Casino-anchored destination resorts could be the "economic engine" that sends a huge boost into our economy.
Why Would Casinos Be Approved by the Voters?
- Property Tax Relief- Virtually every option available to significantly raise revenues for property tax relief, public education, or other worthy public purposes involves an extraction from the public. Every major revenue base--be it property, sales, income, payrolls, or business activity -- removes funds from consumers or businesses in order to provide for public needs.
- Taxpayers are already burdened with as much or more than they can bear. Would you like have a choice between higher taxes or a "voluntary payment" at casino entertainment venues?
- We’re already gambling. Why not keep tax revenues in Texas - instead of flowing out of state? Louisiana reports over $2 billlion annually in casino revenues - 70% of that comes from Texans. Not to mention Oklahoma, New Mexico, Nevada and Mississippi sucking additional money and jobs away from Texans. Mexico may also soon legalize gambling. Eventually, we may be completely surrounded by gaming.
- Casinos create Good New Jobs for Texans - The proposed casino legislation would create over 300,000 permanent new jobs in Texas. (The average income for casino workers is over $23 per hour and some dealers make up to $90/hr.)
- Casinos are a "Voluntary Tax" - on those who wish to participate in the entertainment of gaming. (The average casino patron in Louisiana and Mississippi spends about $110 per visit, which is similar to a major sports event, music concert, night out at the theater, etc.)
- Casinos Support other Business Activity - In locations that have welcomed casinos, reliable sales data show that existing local businesses either hold their own or perform better after the casino opens. Benefits to local businesses exist because of new tourism and because casinos increase employment opportunities and incomes in local communities, thus expanding the income available for consumer purchases.
- Gaming stimulates public spending and actually enhances the business climate and competitiveness of the state. Additonally, as an ongoing source of state revenues, casino gaming offers excellent stability and growth prosperities. (As an example, during the recent downturn of the economy, casino gaming in the U.S. had consistent growth.)
- Perceptions have changed - Acceptability of casino gambling is at its highest level in years. 85 percent of Americans view casino gambling as an acceptable activity for themselves or others. Most people understand the widespread economic benefits to the local economy and other industries and businesses within the region where commercial casinos operate.
- A recent poll conducted by Baselice and Associates shows 85% of Texans want to vote on this issue.
- Regulating and Taxing Illegal Gambling means less crime and more revenues - Texas Casino legislation would significantly reduce the massive unregulated gambling activities that are currently operating in Texas. Those billions of dollars in annual "action" would be diverted into legal casinos, which means this activity would be regulated and taxed for the benefit of all Texans.
- Safeguards Built Into Legislation - The proposed casino legislation will mandate funding and training for casino supervisors to spot compulsive problem gamblers and refer them to appropriate counseling, at no cost to the subject. Vigorous enforcement of underage gambling prohibition will be mandated casino policy.
[Sources: Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau; Sources: Walker and Jackson, "New Goods and Economic Growth: Evidence from Legalized Gambling;" Hart/ Luntz Research Co: NFO WorldGroup, Inc; The Tulia Herald; The Perryman Group]
Today, 11 other states and their economies are flourishing due to overwhelming success of the commercial casino industry. Texas deserves the same.
SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC, TOURISM, EMPLOYMENT and REDEVELOPMENT BENEFITS.
With 21 other states considering gaming legislation, Texas' failure to pass casino legislation would squander our state's last Window of Opportunity to participate in the significant economic, tourism, employment and redevelopment benefits that limited casino gaming would generate for all Texans. The U.S, Canada, and Mexico could be saturated with casino venues within the next decade.
Now is the time to act...
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GENERATE REVENUE WITHOUT RAISING TAXES
Within reasonable limits, legalized casino gambling is a good way for cities and states to generate revenue without having to raise everybody's taxes.
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American Perceptions Of Casino Entertainment
PERCEPTIONS HAVE CHANGED
More than three-quarters of Americans who frequently attend religious services believe casino gambling is acceptable for themselves or others.
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