Texas state Rep. Joe Deshotel recently filed a bill allowing casino licenses in Harris, Galveston, Jefferson, Nueces and Bexar counties, plus three more on the Gulf Coast. The measure proposes an 18 percent tax on casino revenue, with the proceeds split between a hurricane relief trust fund and a catastrophic flooding assistance trust fund.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management could use both funds to provide emergency relief to flood or wind-damage victims of hurricanes and other severe storms throughout the state.
The bill will require Governor Greg Abbott’s signature if it’s approved by the legislature. Then it would be subject to a statewide voter referendum in November. Currently the state constitution prohibits casino gambling.
