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Push For Casino Gambling The Rest of the StoryThe Eyes of Texans, Part 2BTy Lou Dugganexas citizens and legislators are being pressured by efforts to promote and legalize gamblingcasinos in the state. Television ads and lobbyists are promoting a call for a vote on a constitutional amendment to allow Texans to develop “destination resorts” in major Texas cities.These efforts are part of a campaign by the Texas Destination Resort Alliance (TDRA), a political action committee backed by Las Vegas Sands (LVS).Some rumors allege a Chinese connection to this effort. However, the Las Vegas Sands Corp. is an American casino and resort company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company owns several properties in Asia, and it holds a significant stake in Sands China, but it is not owned by a Chinese company. Instead, Sands China is a majority-owned subsidiary of Las Vegas Sands Corp.The Rest of the StoryThe goal of TDRA’s ads is to build publicsupport and soften the political ground for expanded gaming in Texas. TDRA argues that Texas is losing significant revenue to neighboring states where gambling is legal, and that allowing casinos could generate funds for public services, create jobs, and boost tourism.What the TDRA ads do not tell the public: Research indicates that there is a significant correlation between the presence of casinos and increased crime rates in surrounding communities. An on-going study by Grinols and Mustard found that approximately 8% of crime in casino counties was attributable to casinos. The study suggests that the effect on crime is low shortly after a casino opens but grows over time. Casino gambling often leads to criminal activities such as theft, fraud, and domestic violence. Research also suggests, on a national basis, casino gambling generates external costs for society in the range of $40 billion annually, and crime is one of the biggest components of these social costs.The impact of casinos on the local standard of living is complex and multifaceted. While casinos can create local jobs and generate tax revenue, these benefits are often offset by the negativeWomen & WineBusiness MixerCome Dressed Up In Your Fiesta Attire!When: Wednesday, April 23 2025 Time: 5 to 7 pmWhere: Luxe Wellness Lounge Address: 923 N Loop 1604 , Suite 113San Antonio, TX 78232 Enjoy: Wine & AppetizersSponsored ByCost: FREERSVP stoneoakladiesba.com/events • 210.421.6076social and economic consequences. Most jobs created by casinos are part-time and low skill, which does not significantly improve the standard of living for low- income households. Additionally, increased accessibility and availability of casinos can lead to higher rates of gambling disorders, which are costly to society and can negatively affect the overall well-being of a community.There is a notable correlation between gambling and poverty. Studies have shown that people living in poor neighborhoods are more likely to gamble, often in hopes of improving their financial situation. Unfortunately, this often leads to worsening financial conditions as individuals lose money they cannot afford to lose. The prevalence of gambling problems is higher in low socio-economic neighborhoods, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Thus, financial strain caused by gambling can lead to reduced educational opportunities, compromised healthcare, and limited access to essential resources.Gambling addiction can have severe financial consequences for families. Problem gamblers often accumulate significant debt, borrow money from family members, or misuse joint accounts to fund their gambling habits. This financial instability can lead to foreclosure, homelessness, or even bankruptcy for the entire family. The strain of gambling-related debt can also lead to a breakdown in trust and security within the household, further exacerbating the emotional and psychological impact on family members.In summary, while casinos can bring some economic benefits to a community, such as job creation and tax revenue, these are often outweighed by the negative social and economic impacts. Increased crime rates, family debt, perpetuation of poverty, and a limited improvement in the standard of living are significant concerns associated with the presence of casinos.The Texas Constitution prohibits the expansion of gambling, requiring a two-thirds vote in both chambers of the legislature and a public vote to amend the constitution.Show Your Colors & Patriotic SpiritLease An American Flag We Deliver & Pick UpSA Patriot Flags is a local neighborhood business focused on visual recognition of community pride, Veterans, First Responders, and Law Enforcement, and love for our Country. VETERAN OWNED & OPERATEDSix Flag Deployme• President’s Day • Memorial Day • Flag Day • 4th of July • Patriot’s Day • Veteran’s Daynts Per Year:We Do The Work!We display a 3 by 5-foot flag prior to the holiday and remove it after. 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