While the Lone Star State refuses to legalize sports betting and casinos, Oklahoma, on the other hand, isn’t letting this opportunity go to waste. Texan wallets are currently at the forefront of Oklahoma’s estimated $3 billion annual gaming revenue because they have nowhere else to go.
Location plays a huge role in this dynamic because while Texans remain unable to place a legal bet or spin a slot machine at home, Oklahoma’s tribal casinos are welcoming them with open arms and cashing in big time. Many of the state’s most successful casinos are strategically positioned just across the Texas border and online.
However, online games are still a major draw for players too. One of the most popular among casual players is the Cleopatra slot machine, an Egyptian-themed game known for its free spin bonuses and high-payout potential. According to iGaming experts, you can find everything to know about playing Cleopatra slot by perusing professional review sites for high-profile online slots. Games like these have become extremely popular due to their simple mechanics, which makes them even more appealing to first-time players.
However, if online gambling isn’t your thing, the Winstar World Casino is another option for Texans because it conveniently sits just an hour north of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Because it is so close, most players from Texas have made it a popular destination for weekend entertainment.
While this might seem unlikely, several Native American tribal representatives have actually admitted to lobbying against efforts to expand gambling in Texas because it would pose a serious threat to their current dominance. These casinos have become a gaming powerhouse in the region, and tribal leaders are determined to keep it that way.
Even with strong public backing for legalizing casinos and sports betting in Texas, politicians have brought this momentum to a standstill. State law still prohibits “Las Vegas-style” casinos, and all attempts to introduce sports betting legislation have hit a wall in the Texas Legislature.
A key figure in blocking these measures is Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who remains a vocal opponent, singing the same old song about “moral and social concerns”. This has obviously created a major disconnect between what the public wants and what lawmakers are willing to approve.
Texans are estimated to spend approximately $5 billion annually at casinos and sportsbooks outside their home state, and crossing state lines for a quick trip has become routine for many. Not only does this benefit Oklahoma, but Louisiana is also getting a slice of the gaming market from southeastern Texas residents.
By continuing to outlaw gambling, Texas will continue missing out on a lucrative revenue stream for the state. Legalized casinos and sports betting could generate hundreds of millions in tax revenue, and these funds could be used to support schools, infrastructure, or healthcare.
But it seems as though the state is choosing to forfeit that opportunity instead while watching the money boost economies next door. Unfortunately, the lack of legal options doesn’t eliminate gambling, it simply creates reasons to push it underground.
As Oklahoma continues to cash in, the pressure on Texas to reconsider its stance is mounting. Until lawmakers break through the political gridlock, the status quo remains and Texas is keeping the ban while Oklahoma keeps the business.
