Texas Folds on Expanding Legal Poker Rooms

AUSTIN, TX – As reported by Dallasnews.com: "Lawmakers have folded on their last chance this year to expand gambling in Texas, saying neither a budget crunch nor growing public interest
  can overcome staunch conservative opposition.

Rep. Jose Menendez's bill to legalize Texas poker rooms – the last gambling measure standing – is on life support. And a bill to open the door to resort-style casinos, racetrack slot machines and Indian reservation gambling died in the House on Tuesday, when the deadline to schedule the bill for a vote passed.

Supporters of both measures say they were hopeful for a different outcome. Their chances looked better than ever this year, with a strapped state budget and a new House speaker with interests in a San Antonio racetrack.

But in the end, lawmakers say, the expectation of federal stimulus dollars kept the state from getting desperate for money..."