A Texas tribe believes that gambling expansion in the state would leave it bankrupt. The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas operates the biggest casino in the state and does not believe it could compete with Vegas-style casino resorts if lawmakers approve them.
Texas legislators are considering the introduction of commercial casinos in certain regions across the state. Caesars Entertainment and Las Vegas Sands are both major proponents for plans to expand Texas gambling.
The majority of the tribe’s revenue still comes from gaming
The Kickapoo Tribe’s Lucky Eagle Casino opened in 1996. Helping to bring Kickapoo people out of poverty, the casino created jobs and provided revenue for new infrastructure and housing. It also helped to fund education and healthcare. The majority of the tribe’s revenue still comes from gaming.
While other tribes recently ran into issues with the state restricting their gaming operations, the Kickapoo Tribe has dominated the sector. However, around 75% of its customers are from San Antonio, which is a potential location for a new casino resort as per a progressing gaming expansion proposal.
Kickapoo Tribe Chairman Juan Garza said the “promoters of these bills are ignoring us and our needs.” If the proposal passes, the tribe wants lawmakers to allow it to have its own resort in the San Antonio area. This would require an amendment to casino gaming legislation, for which tribe members are pushing.