By Paul Treske/reporter

With Texas so close to a variety of casinos outside of state lines, some government officials are pushing to bring them to the Lone Star state.

Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, is proposing as many as 12 Texas casinos.

This proposal looks toward construction of the dozen casinos in major cities throughout the state and along South Padre Island.

Local voters would have to approve the state constitutional amendment.

Rep. Norma Chavez, D-El Paso, offers a solution: to reopen the Tigua Indian tribe’s Speaking Rock Casino near El Paso.

Ellis, using statistics from economist Ray Perryman, said casino gambling in Texas would create 250,000 jobs and produce $2.1 billion in tax money for the state and $729.7 million for local governments each year once the casinos opened.

This money could be useful in countless areas.

The Texas Gaming Association has put these proposals under consideration.

Ellis’ proposal appears to fit its criteria the closest.

Brian Huber, NE Campus student, said, “In a sense, the Texas Lottery is a form of gambling, and I see no problem with legalizing gambling in Texas. It is an opportunity to bring in some extra money to tend to other problems, such as education.”

In comparison, some religious groups worry about the hazards that come with gambling.

Increased crime and the profile of the addicted gambler are negative aspects that have not been overlooked by conservatives.

Rep. Linda Harper-Brown, R-Irving, researched the numbers from Louisiana’s state budget to see the overall benefit of casinos.

After comparing figures, Harper-Brown said casino gambling delivered far less money than originally thought.

“ There’s just not that much money to be made there. It’s not there,” she said.

Jobs created, taxes earned and state revenue generated are three things that potentially could do a lot for the Lone Star state, according to proponents of casinos.

Conservatives opposed to the gambling expansion believe it would cause a handful of problems, including more gambling addiction.

Supporters say Texans already travel a few hours to gamble in Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi and New Mexico.

Anothr major consideration is the money already coming into the state. Gambling at Texas horse tracks and through the Texas Lottery has brought in money that solely benefits the state, so it would be logical to bring in the extra revenue that casino gambling would accomplish.