Casino news source: El Paso Times - http://www.elpasotimes.com
Bills introduced to return gambling to Speaking Rock
By Mark Muecke / Austin Bureau
Article Launched: 02/26/2007 12:00:00 AM MST
AUSTIN -- El Paso's Tigua Indians are hoping that lady luck will finally shine on them this year at the Texas Legislature.
Several bills have been filed by state lawmakers that would allow the Tiguas to resume gambling at their Speaking Rock Casino, including a proposal from one El Paso representative to tie state proceeds from gambling to higher education funding.
The Tiguas have been looking to reopen Speaking Rock Casino since then-state Attorney General John Cornyn shut it down in 2002.
Some El Pasoans support opening the casino because it would generate money for the state.
El Pasoan Rick Rubalcava, who was with his girlfriend and daughter at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, said this weekend that he goes to gamble in Ruidoso and spends money that could be invested in El Paso and Texas.
"Everybody tries to win something and get lucky, just like we do with Lotto. What's the difference with Lotto and what we do with gambling?" asked Rubalcava, a nurse at Providence Memorial Hospital. "From my perspective, I think it's
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fair. All the other states allow it. I think we're the only one for political reasons to not allow gambling. It's a good opportunity for revenue-making."
Rose Parga, of Clint who also was at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, said that the Tiguas have contributed to the community. With gambling at Speaking Rock, residents in the Lower Valley would have more job opportunities and it would be an economic driver, she added.
"Actually, I think it would help El Paso," she said. "For people, I guess in El Paso and in the valley, I guess it's a lot closer."
This year, state Rep. Norma Chávez, D-El Paso, has proposed a number of measures that would allow federally-recognized Indian tribes to conduct gambling activities. One proposal, which is expected to be heard at a committee hearing on Tuesday, would give those tribes exclusive rights to casino gaming in their counties.
Also proposing separate legislation aimed at legalizing gambling on tribal lands are Rep. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, and Rep. Kino Flores, D-Mission.
Chávez' proposal calls for dedicating 5 percent of gaming revenue to the Texas Grant, a cash-strapped grant program for college students who have a 2.5 grade-point average or higher. The last year Speaking Rock was open in 2001, it had a revenue of $60 million, which would create $3 million for the grant program if the casino re-opens and does a similar volume of business, Chávez said.
Before it closed in 2002, the casino employed nearly 800 people who earned an average annual salary of $18,000, according to research Chávez cited.
The Texas Gaming Association is promoting legislation that would broadly expand gambling in Texas and allow the Tiguas and other tribes to operate casinos.
Chris Shields, a lobbyist for the association, estimates that 12 resort-style casinos statewide, casinos on reservations, and video slot machines at dog and horse race tracks would generate $3 billion in tax revenue annually.
Many legislators, Gov. Rick Perry and conservative groups have opposed past proposals to expand gambling.
Cathie Adams, president of the Texas Eagle Forum, a conservative pro-family organization, said her group doesn't find Indian gaming more acceptable than any other kind.
Gambling is addictive for some people and breaks down families, she said. She acknowledged that many Texans cross the border to gamble in other states, but added that the obstacle of the trip makes it less likely to be addictive.
"It still shouldn't be culturally acceptable here," Adams said.
Chávez said legislators might be more open to Indian casinos.
"I think there's a real interest in looking at the Indian gaming issue separately, because it puts a human face on the issue," she said.
Whether gaming legislation makes it through the Legislature this year or not, the Tiguas have another option to bring in revenue for the tribe, Tigua Gov. Art Senclair said.
They are looking to build a casino near Chaparral on 10 acres of land that straddles the Texas-New Mexico border. The tribe has a three-year option to buy the land for $150,000 and has filed an application with the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs to put that land in trust for gaming.
"We'll build a casino in New Mexico and put the parking lot in Texas," he said. "It's a possibility."
Mark Muecke may be reached at mmuecke@elpasotimes.com;(512) 479-6606.
El Paso Times reporter Darren Meritz contributed to this report. |
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