The Benefits of Legalized Gambling
by Paul Cannon

During Governor Rick Perry's term we have seen schools go under funded, teachers go under paid and insurance benefits to teachers slashed by the millions.  His "solution" to stop rising property taxes across the state was to create a new tax on businesses that amounts to an income tax.  What makes matters worse is that his solution barely provided any relief to Texans and is merely a temporary solution that will eventually be nullified by rising taxes since there is nothing stopping the property taxes from rising.  In short, he put a band aid on a gaping wound.

Legalizing gambling can solve these problems. It has the potential to generate tax revenues at rates no other tax payor generates. For example, casinos in Louisiana are taxed at a rate of 21.5% of their gross revenue. Unlike the rest of us, they pay taxes off what they bring in with no deduction for expenses. (See Casinos of Louisiana.) In 2002-2003 Louisiana Casinos contributed over 400 million in taxes to State and Local Governments.  Here is what they say about how much of that comes from Texas residents:

"Approximately 53% of all gaming revenue comes from out-of-state, most from Texas. As a result, on average, over $18.2 million per month is received by the state and local governments in gaming taxes."  

Imagine what we could do with all that money we are currently investing in the Louisiana economy. It is time we woke up to the fact that Texas residents are gambling whether we like it or not.  It is time we legalize Texas gambling.

Read about The Financial Benefits of Legalized Gambling in Texas. By Paul Cannon.

Read about The Social Impacts of Legalized Gambling 
by William R. Kelley, Ph.D.

Read about the gaming industry opponents Disproven by the facts.

Learn more about the benefits of VLT legalization.