Lawmakers looking into gambling expansion in Texas and Illinois

In Illinois, the issue is nothing new. Illinois already has a gambling industry, and lawmakers are seeking to push the envelope a little further. The idea of increased tax revenue and additional jobs is appealing to Senator Terry Link, who is leading the expansion effort.

Link understands that millions of dollars could be made for the state budget, and that the time to strike is now, when gambling has become mostly accepted around the country. Link's proposal would not only add new casinos, but also allow slots at struggling state race tracks.

Texas, on the other hand, has a whole different set of problems. Casino gambling has been looked down upon in Texas for decades, and the first few attempts to change state laws has fallen mostly on deaf ears. The Texas Gaming Association is pushing for new casinos in the state.

The Association estimates that over $1 billion could be added to the economy if casinos were approved. That revenue would go a long way towards helping the state's current financial situation, but it will take a lot of convincing for Conservative lawmakers to jump on board. Texas has always been one of the more Conservative states in the country, and adding casino gambling to their offerings would change that perception.

Illinois and Texas are not alone in their desire for additional gambling. In the past two years, dozens of states have either legalized their first casinos, or expanded an already existing industry. Delaware went as far as to legalize sports betting, and New Jersey legislators are now considering online gambling regulations.