EDITORIAL: Texas Governor Abbott, once icy to expanded gambling, is thawing

EDITORIAL: Texas Governor Abbott, once icy to expanded gambling, is thawing

Article brief provided by Texarkana Gazette
  • Texarkana Gazette
November 2, 2022 6:33 PM

No matter who wins the tight Texas governor’s race between Republican incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott and Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke, the state might be in for a big change.

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O’Rourke has expressed support for expanding legal casino and sports gambling in the Lone Star State. Abbott has always been steadfastly against it. But now Abbott seems to be more willing to role the dice.

The Houston Chronicle reported Tuesday that the governor was open to hearing from the casino industry about opportunities for casino resorts in Texas.

A spokesman for the governor told the newspaper that while Abbott doesn’t want to see a situation where slot machines and the like are installed in neighborhood stores, “If there is a way to create a very professional entertainment option for Texans, Gov. Abbott would take a look at it.”