Frequently Asked Questions

Where would the slot machines be located?

The slot machines would be located at existing Texas racetracks and Indian reservations detailed on the map below.

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Will this legislation allow gambling to expand throughout Texas?

No. The footprint of gambling will not be expanded. The proposed legislation would allow slot machines at existing racetracks and federally-recognized Indian reservations.

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How many states allow gambling?


There are currently 38 states allowing gambling in the United States.

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Do Texans support this legislation?

A majority of Texans (64%) support allowing slot machines at racetracks and Indian reservations. 82% of Texas voters want the opportunity to vote on the issue in a statewide constitutional amendment election.

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What is the negative social impact of bringing slot machines to the racetracks in Texas?

Problem Gambling

It is estimated that 70% of adult Americans enjoy gambling as a form of entertainment and at least 96% gamble responsibly. About 1% of gamblers are pathological or compulsive while another 2% to 3% are said to be problem gamblers. Pathological gambling is described as “a progressive disorder characterized by a continuous or periodic loss of control over gambling; a preoccupation with gambling or obtaining money from gambling; irrational thinking, and a continuation of the behavior despite adverse consequences.” According to Keith Whyte with the National Council on Problem Gambling, “Problem gambling refers to the full spectrum of personal, familial, workplace, financial and legal difficulties experienced in relation to gambling.”

Studies of pathological gamblers have found there is no one form of gambling that is the primary cause of addiction. Most pathological gamblers indulge in more than one form of gambling. Some are attracted to video games of chance, while others to the perception of skill in cards or sports betting. Still others are drawn to the seemingly easy money of high-risk investments.

The National Council on Problem Gambling has stated unequivocally that casinos do not create problem gamblers. The Council cites the cause of problem gambling as, “… the individual’s inability to control the gambling…due in part to a person’s genetic tendency to develop addiction, their ability to cope with normal life stress and even their social upbringing and moral attitudes about gambling.” The council concludes that casinos, lotteries and other forms of gambling do not “…create the problem, any more than a liquor store would create an alcoholic.”

Gambling is already legal in the form of the Texas Lottery, Bingo, and horse and dog racing. In addition, it is estimated that Texas loses $2.5 billion annually in legal gambling across the state line. Every day Texans gamble in-state and out-of-state and some of them bring their problems home. Unfortunately, there are no programs to help identify and treat Texas’ problem gamblers. Win for Texas strongly supports a proposal for $10 million of the revenue from the slot machines to fund treatment and recovery programs for Texas’ problem gamblers. It is important Texans get the help they need.

Crime

The National Gambling Impact Study Commission concluded “insufficient data exists to quantify or define that relationship [between gambling and crime].” Also, sheriffs and police chiefs from gaming jurisdictions nationwide told the commission they could find no connection between gambling and crime in their localities. Further, the Public Sector Gaming Study Commission determined in the year 2000 security at gambling establishments and multiple layers of regulation provide effective deterrents to criminal activity.

In a 2003 study, crime rates in six casino communities were compared to crime rates in six non-casino communities. In some casino communities, crime increased after the casinos opened; in others, there was no increase. The study concluded that there was not enough evidence to prove that gambling actually causes crime to increase.

The mid-sized city of Lawton, Oklahoma, which has casinos, has lower crime rates than the mid-sized city of Waco, Texas, in five of the FBI’s nine major crime categories.

Even when a non-gambling attraction is introduced in a locality, crime rates may increase, because thousands of additional people are visiting the area. For instance, popular destinations like Orlando, Florida, and Branson, Missouri, experienced an increase in crime after Disney World and music theatres opened.

Many of the statistics attempting to correlate crime with gambling are used selectively. The truth is that crime is the result of many different factors, and there is no conclusive evidence gambling influences crime.

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How can Texas benefit immediately from allowing slot machines?

Class 1 tracks will pay the state $25 million in up-front fees, and Class 2 and other tracks will pay the state $15 million each. This totals $225 million before slot machines are even installed

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How will the slot machines be regulated?

Under the current proposal, all slot machines would be linked to a central computer system operated and controlled by the Texas Lottery Commission. This system will allow state to continuously monitor all machines and disable a machine if necessary. A primary focus of the central monitoring would be to facilitate auditing and prevent irregularities. Day to day management and operation of the machines would be carried out by license facilities.

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How can I help?

Please visit the Action Center and sign up for campaign updates. Send a letter to your State Representative and Senator telling them you want the right to vote on this issue. Back To Top

Where are the racetracks and Indian reservations located in Texas?

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