Video gambling may keep people at home in Texas

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Another Day, Another Dollar
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Ten years ago this month the first legal wager on horse racing was made in Texas, launching the Texas racing industry. It is appropriate that this milestone occurs as the Texas Legislature meets in special session to determine the future of the state's education financing system. Both have reached a cross roads that must be addressed by legislative action.

When the Sam Houston Race Park opened 10 years ago, the potential for Texas racing industry appeared limitless. But with Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) at neighboring facilities contributing to higher purses and therefore attracting the best horse talent, Texas race parks simply cannot compete. And a sure thing to succeed has instead become a long shot.

But like Seabiscuit, that long shot has the potential to become a Triple Crown champion.

In Texas' case, our Triple Crown would include billions of dollars earmarked for public education, the creation of thousands of jobs in both urban and rural Texas and a vibrant industry that would finally take its rightful place as the premier destination for championship racing.

According to a report by Harrah's Inc., Texas ranks No. 7 among all states in residents traveling to other states to gamble. It has been estimated that Texans generate 75 percent of Louisiana's gaming revenues. Put simply, Texans are interested in gaming. With ever increasing frequency they are crossing state lines to do it.

But gaming in neighboring states is having an enormous negative impact on Texas and its racing industry, which currently accounts for $6 billion in annual spending and 52,000 Texas jobs. Texas Racing Commission Executive Secretary Paula Flowerday best summarized the condition of the industry in a January letter to Gov. Rick Perry:

"The total amount wagered in Texas over the past year (2003) has again declined. The expansion of wagering opportunities in our neighboring states of Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma continues to adversely affect the industry's potential. Sadly, the ongoing viability of some of the Texas race tracks is uncertain."

Economist Ray Perryman estimates lost racing activity caused by Louisiana alone costs Texas more than $762 million annually.

Perryman concluded that the operation of VLTs in Texas would produce more than $1 billion in annual tax revenue. Though it would not solve all of Texas' education financing problems, this revenue would help provide badly needed funds to educate our children.

The discussions in the Legislature over the past few weeks have run the gamut from VLTs at existing dog and horse tracks to the opening of full-scale casino gambling. The proposal to add VLTs to existing facilities would simply add another on-track wagering option to race track patrons; the physical footprint would remain unchanged. Moreover, the addition of VLTs at the few existing, legal and strictly regulated gaming businesses would provide immediate revenue to the state to fund schools versus an open bid process that could take years to implement.

Our neighbor states are well aware that Texans crossing state borders to wager on VLTs is a lucrative market. That is why at least four national gaming companies have hired lobbyists in Austin to discourage passage of legislation allowing VLTs at Texas race tracks.

We're not surprised by these tactics or the criticism from companies that stand to lose hundreds of millions of dollars if Texans no longer go to these states. But we should not sit back and allow our Texas dollars and top racehorses to leave the state.

According to a May poll by Baselice & Associates, a majority of Texas voters want the opportunity to voice their opinion. A reported 73 percent of those surveyed would support VLTs at horse and dog tracks when the revenue from the gaming machines is dedicated to public schools.

The Legislature holds the power to make this Triple Crown a reality. It should not miss this historic opportunity to act. The stakes are too high to allow Louisiana, Oklahoma and New Mexico to continue to gallop off with money that should be applied to help Texas taxpayers, schoolchildren and agricultural community.

http://www.chron.com
 

Hard work never killed anyone, but why chance it?
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>>Ten years ago this month the first legal wager on horse racing was made in Texas, launching the Texas racing industry.<<

Pari-mutuel racing returned to Texas in 1989. Remember it well. G. Rollie White Downs in Brady was close to nowhere, basically had no shot. Rains hit opening day. Lawmakers in from Austin were ankle deep in water in "hospitality tents." The local Preacher on the Hill praying every day for the track to close didn't help matters. Ciphering isn't my strong suit but I'm pretty sure 1989 was at least 12 years ago. (jk)
 

Another Day, Another Dollar
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If there is a demand for video games, then they should bring in video games.
 

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This is what is usually seen in most states. The people would vote for it often by 2 to 1 margins, yet the legislators rail on about how it is a bad idea to let the voters vote on it. The people that the voters had enough "wisdom" to elect to office don't apparently have enough wisdom to vote on particular issues according to these elected morons. The same thing is true in Ohio and Pennsylvania right now, with Marylanders also showing a clear preference for it albeit with less than 60% support. Just because the public wants something isn't enough to convince legislators who are beholden to a lot of special interests that don't want this.
 

Hard work never killed anyone, but why chance it?
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I concur with the good General and WildBill. Imo, as many gamblers live in Texas as anywhere else in the World. Texans have been taking their money to Louisiana for years now. First to play the races, now to the casinos. Cajuns want things to remain status quo. But yet Texas promotes its State run lottery bigtime. Something isn't right with this picture. Looks real good down on the Bayou though, and I've heard rumors that those Delta women think the world of you guys.

[This message was edited by vegassportspics on May 17, 2004 at 05:13 AM.]
 

And if the Road Warrior says it, it must be true..
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I know this has nothing to do with this topic...but I work just 5 miles from the Sam Houston Race Park. Nice facility...
shrppic.jpg
 

And if the Road Warrior says it, it must be true..
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BULLET POINTS from

"The Impact of Horse and Greyhound Racing on Business Activity in Texas: An Analysis Encompassing the Effects of Permitting Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) at Licensed Track Facilities with Emphasis on the Contributions to Agriculture and Rural Development"

$1.464-billion per year to state revenue, almost a 90% net increase
When combined with the activities of the tracks (and adjusted to eliminate the overlapping segment of breeding and training), the cumulative effects of all aspects of racing and all related production total

$5.8-billion Total Expenditures
$2.7-billion Gross Product
$1.7-billion Personal Income
$762-million Retail Sales
40,811 Permanent Jobs
Plus

$1.1-billion Total Increase in Agribusiness
$85.6-million in State Revenue from one-time Construction Gain
Additional Racing Stimulus: The proposed installation of VLTs at racing venues also contributes substantial funds to the purses for horse and greyhound events. The result is higher quality performances, thus attracting larger crowds, higher levels of wagering, and more active participation by horse owners and trainers. It further stimulates the agricultural sector as well. The net effects on all aspects of racing activity is an increase from current levels of

$1.545-billion in annual Total Expenditures
$713.9-million in Gross Product
$457.3-million in annual Personal Income
$200.8-million in annual Retail Sales
10,775 Permanent Jobs
The aggregate annual impact of horse and greyhound track operations and collateral production on business activity in Texas under a scenario of full implementation of VLTs at licensed racing venues is

$3.895-billion in annual Total Expenditures
$1.794-billion in annual Gross Product
$1.143-billion in annual Personal Income
$539.1-million in Retail Sales
27,715 Permanent Jobs
Perryman’s Summation: With aggregate annual benefits of $10.8-billion in spending, $4.9-billion in output, and more than 77,000 permanent jobs, it is quite clear that allowing VLTs to operate at Texas tracks brings benefits across a broad spectrum of measures while meeting demands of Texas consumers for specific entertainment opportunities and providing almost $1.5-billion in yearly State revenue.

Perryman’s Conclusion: In short, this proposal is a winner all the way around.
http://www.shrp.com/
 

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