Support Grows for Texas Casino Plans Among Various Groups, According to Survey
Resort casinos in Texas are endorsed by various demographics, but enthusiasm for sports betting is less prevalent, as per a recently released survey.
The survey, sponsored by the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation, unveiled that destination resort casino legislation received support from:
- 56% of probable voters and rejection from 30%
- 61% of males and 52% of females
- 68% of Blacks, 58% of Hispanics, and 54% of Caucasians
The Rice University professor, Mark P. Jones, who's linked to the foundation and has a background in political science, stated that regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, education, party affiliation, and faith, a majority of Texans from more than 20 socio-demographic subgroups endorse the idea of destination resort casinos in Texas.
Possessing bipartisan support, the results indicated that 58% of Democrats and 57% of Republicans approve of the legislation to allow gaming establishments. The survey also revealed that 52% of people who identify as "born-again Christians", 59% of other Christians, and 55% of non-religious Texans are enthusiastic about this project.
Sports Betting Support
The surveyors delved into the opinions of participants regarding:
- Destination resort casinos in Texas
- Online sports gambling in the state
- Sportsbooks at pro sports venues in Texas
Jones pointed out that the popularity of destination resort casino bill is far greater than that of online sports gambling legislation or laws permitting sportsbooks inside sports arenas in Texas. He elucidated:
Legislation to permit online sports gambling in Texas boasts the support of 47% of potential voters and is opposed by 37%. Likewise, the proposal to authorize sportsbooks at Texas pro sports venues has the support of 41% of probable voters and faces opposition from 42%.
Female Tendencies
The statistics also pointed out that 52% of the women consulted favored destination resort casino legislation. In contrast, merely 40% and 35% of women supported online sports gambling and stadium sportsbooks, respectively.
Although a majority of Black, Hispanic, and white men favor both online sports betting and stadium sportsbooks, the approving perspective amongst women, especially white women, is considerably lower: 44% and 50%, respectively.
1,600 prospective Texas voters were surveyed in this study which took place between April 5 and 10.
Currently, Class III (commercial casino) gambling is outlawed in Texas. Similarly, online sports gambling and in-person sports gambling at sportsbooks are restricted.
During the 2023 session of the Texas Legislature, a bill allowing several destination resort casinos was proposed. However, a bill enabling online sports gambling in Texas barely managed to pass the Texas House, and perished in the Texas Senate. Support from the citizens would also be required for any changes to be applied through a referendum.
Recently, Las Vegas Sands disclosed a new petition aiming to introduce casino gaming in Texas. Several lobbyists have been persistently working on the issue in the state. Fresh legislative proposals are anticipated in future sessions.
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Source: www.casino.org
