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Bill Would Protect Indian Reservation Gambling

Legislation by Representative Juan Hinojosa (D-McAllen) would grant legal protection to casinos and other gaming facilities located on Indian reservations within the state of Texas. Although casino style gambling is illegal in Texas, certain federally recognized tribes are allowed to operate casinos on their land within the state because of their legal status as independent nations occupying federal land grants. Some of these tribes, however, have signed recognition agreements with the state that bring them under the purview of state gambling law. Hinojosa's bill is intended to clarify which tribes are allowed to operate casinos, and provide them with an affirmative defense in the penal code from state prosecution. Leaders of tribes from across the state have touted gaming as a solution to the endemic poverty and unemployment that typically comes with reservation life. Some lawmakers have agreed, noting that casinos would generate badly needed economic activity in these traditionally depressed areas.

Although the economic arguments made by these leaders and lawmakers seem sensible, the harsh reality of the consequences produced by legalized gambling should be sufficient to give even the most ardent casino boosters second thoughts. In areas where legalized gaming has been introduced, sharp increases in gambling addiction has always followed, producing high rates of divorce, unemployment, bankruptcy, criminal activity, and health problems among its sufferers. In addition, local restaurants and hotels are harmed as comparable casino operated establishments artificially deflate prices in order to attract additional business.

The destructive consequences of legalized gaming ALWAYS outstrip the nominal benefits produced. No exceptions to Texas' prohibition on casino gaming should be allowed. Current federal and state law should continue to apply to reservation gaming as interpreted by federal courts, and the deleterious effects of legalized gaming should be contained to the greatest extent possible.

**ACTION ITEM**

Rep. Hinojosa's bill, HB514, has passed the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and is in line to be scheduled for floor debate by the House Calendars Committee. Please contact your state representative and ask him to vote against HB514, as well as any effort to legalize casino gambling.