Texas senator Joe Deshotel of Beaumont has introduced HB 494 that would legalize gambling in certain Texas counties with proceeds benefiting hurricane and flood relief according to khou.com.

The bill would allow a select few licenses in Bexar, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson and Nueces counties. Some other gulf counties could receive licenses, too.

The proceeds for the fund would come from an 18 percent tax on a casino's revenue. A special trust would be setup for the money to be deposited and dispersed.

Deshotel also filed HB 1031 that would put regulations on certain "game rooms" in specific counties.

There is a catch to these bills. Gambling is illegal through the Texas Constitution. So if the scenario sets up that the bill passes and Governor Abbott signs the bill, the citizens of Texas would still have to vote to accept the bill.

It is an intriguing idea but would you want this just in the gulf counties or would you like the state to legalize gambling for everyone?

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