Texas Senator Defends Gambling Legalization Amid Controversial Donations

Texas State Senator Nathan Johnson defended his recent push to legalize gambling in the state. He distanced this move from campaign contributions he got from a political action committee linked to the Las Vegas Sands Corporation.

Texas Senator Denies Las Vegas Sands Influence on Gambling Bill

Johnson, who represents parts of Dallas and nearby cities like Garland and Irving, has introduced Senate Joint Resolution 82. This proposal aims to give Texans the chance to vote on removing the constitutional ban on gambling. While the measure does not make casinos legal right away, it would get rid of the current ban and allow lawmakers to take more steps in the future.

The senator’s plan arrived as Sands Corporation looked at building a fancy resort in Irving. The company got zoning approval but dropped the casino part after people complained. Some people thought the idea might have been a way to sway lawmakers and use Irving to push for changes to gambling laws across Texas.

Johnson said he did not work with Sands Corp. He claimed his backing for legal gambling comes from his long-held view that voters should decide. He said Texas residents should get the final word on whether to allow casinos in the state.

Financial records indicate Johnson got two donations adding up to $9,000 from the Texas Sands PAC. His office acknowledged these contributions but stressed they did not affect his choice to introduce SJR 82. The senator noted that many lawmakers from different political backgrounds have also received money from this PAC, including top state officials.

Johnson’s Casino Bill Could Pave Way for Major Resorts if Voters Approve

If voters approve Johnson’s resolution, it would allow lawmakers to set up rules for up to ten casino licenses. These licenses would last 40 years and let companies build big resorts with shows, hotels, restaurants, and places to gamble.

While the idea sounds similar to the Sands Corporation’s earlier plan for Irving, Johnson said the resemblance is by chance. He also mentioned that talks about gambling laws have been part of his to-do list for years.

Those in favor claim that making casinos legal could bring in a lot of money for the state, given possible federal budget cuts that might put a strain on local funds. Even so, Johnson admitted that many people and lawmakers still strongly oppose the idea.He called for open talks on the topic, saying we will not make headway until leaders are ready to face the facts about the state’s economy and the presence of illegal gambling within Texas.