Texas House approves tribal gaming measure
The Texas House of Representatives voted in favour of a measure that would give two tribes the rights to operate casinos.
US.- The US House of Representatives has unanimously approved the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Settlement Act. If it becomes law, it would allow the two tribes to operate Class II gaming facilities in the state.
Both tribes have attempted to offer gambling options in the past. The Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo tried in 2993 to operate a casino near El Paso but it was forcibly shut down by authorities. Ever since that episode, the tribe has been pushing for its rights to operate a casino.
On the other hand, the Alabama-Coushatta nation has operated a venue near Livingston since 2016. However, the facility has been under threat as well as the tribe has been fined US$10k daily but they’ve declined the payment.
The bill would only approve bingo as a Class II game offering. It is sponsored by Texas US Representatives Will Hurd and Brian Babin. With this approval, the bill is headed to the US Senate.
Michael Silvas, Governor of the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo, said: “The people of the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo are grateful to Congressman Hurd for his commitment to our rights for sovereignty and self-determination. We are proud to be an economic engine for El Paso, and we thank Congressman Hurd for his hard work to allow us to continue to support our community.”
Cecelia Flores, the Tribal Council Chairwoman for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, said: “I’m pleased House Resolution 759 unanimously passed the United States House of Representatives. This would not have happened without the steadfast leadership provided by both Congressmen Brian Babin and Will Hurd, whose tireless efforts made it possible.”
