Texas Lottery Commission attempting Casino Gambling backdoor

"Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need."
Ephesians 4:28

Sigh; what part of HELL NO do you people not understand?!?

Electronic devices similar to slot machines may soon be coming to bingo halls around Texas. The proposed devices, which give bingo players "video confirmation" of wins and losses, will be discussed by the Texas Lottery Commission on April 16. The proposition has surfaced a long-fought battle in Texas, over whether or not casino-style gambling should be made legal in the state.

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Despite this, many oppose the new video bingo machines because they are similar to slot machines.

The Christian Life Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas opposes casino-style gambling in the state. A spokesman from the group, Rob Kohler, told the Associated Press of the proposed machines, "This changes the gaming landscape in the state."

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But Tony McDonald, General Counsel for the political advocacy group Empower Texans, said expanding gambling in Texas could hurt the state more than it helps.

McDonald told Breitbart Texas, "The gambling industry sells false hope for people who don't understand probabilities. The industry is designed to dazzle people and trick them out of their money. They give the free drinks for a reason--they want you to stick around. The longer you stay, the more likely you are to lose your money."

He said it is often the poorest individuals and families in society who end up getting gamed by the system.

McDonald also pointed out that historically, the lottery has not funneled a significant amount of revenue into the state.

"There is a big problem with the revenue argument," he said. "Supporters start trumpeting statistics of money going to the state from the lottery and people think, 'We're going to bring in tons of revenue for our schools.' But in reality, the money collected from the lottery each year only funds about three days of the school year."

Many assert that state-regulated bingo, which gives proceeds to charities rather than schools, is no more effective.

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McDonald warned that as gambling becomes more popular in Texas, burdensome regulations in the state will only grow in size and scope.

"The problem is, when we talk about gambling, we're not talking about getting together in a room and having a poker game," he said. "We're not talking about a free activity in the market. Gambling is one of the most regulated industries in the U.S. By legalizing gambling, you're creating another stake holder in government."

He concluded by joking, "Battleground Texas would love nothing more than a cash cow of casinos to fund liberal Democrats."

Last session, there was a surprise opportunity to eliminate the Texas Lottery.  Unfortunately, Joe Straus killed it.  But if the Texas Lottery Commission is going to create loopholes for the casino gambling lobby, we ought to take another shot at them in 2015.

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Concerned Texans can contact Texas Lottery Commission chairman Gary Greif via the following means:

E-mail: gary.grief@lottery.state.tx.us
Phone: 512-344-5160