Wilson: Casino could bring in $1 billion a year -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Associated Press HOUSTON -- The world's first indoor baseball park could become its biggest luxury casino if a Texas lawmaker has his way. State Rep. Ron Wilson wants to bring the Astrodome back to life, wagering that the state and county could pull in probably $1 billion in revenue a year running the gambling operation. "I think it's an excellent idea; the Eighth Wonder of the World. You've already got 30,000 parking spaces,'' Jordy Tollett, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, told the Houston Chronicle in Saturday's editions. Wilson has bet against the odds before. The Houston Democrat concedes he's sponsored state gaming proposals in the recent past that never went anywhere. The Astrodome, once the venue of former President Lyndon Johnson's barbecue for astronaut heroes and former President Bush's second nomination to the presidency, was also once home to the Houston Astros' National League team. But since a retractable-roof facility was designed for construction next to the Astrodome, its fate has been in question. When the Astrodome opened in 1965, it was the largest such facility ever. But some Houstonians are taking Wilson seriously after county officials scoffed at the idea. County Commissioner Steve Radack noted that Wilson is known for his headline-grabbing exploits. "It sounds like a publicity-seeking bill,'' said Radack. "Never mind the fact that the state doesn't own the dome, and never mind that the owners aren't even asked about it before he wastes a bunch of time drafting a bill.'' The Texas Legislative Council is drafting Wilson's measure, calling for Texans to amend the Texas Constitution to legalize state-sponsored gaming in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. "I like the idea of the state running casino gambling,'' said Wilson. "Then you can manage advertising, the number of compulsive gamblers it creates. If you have private industry that does it, they don't care about creating compulsive gamblers.'' Wilson estimates development costs at $25 million. County Judge Robert Eckels said gambling would create a net loss for Houston, not a gain as it drains local dollars that would have been spent on other entertainment. Although Gov. Rick Perry is against any expansion of gambling in Texas, some still hold out hope for Wilson. He scored a huge victory a dozen years ago with his bill creating the Texas Lottery. "We've got plenty of gaming space in Space City USA,'' said Tollett, describing plans for a 500-room hotel, swanky restaurants and thriving nightclubs adjoining the casino.
I support this proposal entirely. After seeing the effects gambling had on Las Vegas...how could you not want the economic benefits for our hometown?
Although I support the idea, Las Vegas is an entirely different animal. The whole city is built on gambling and billions of dollars were invested to make it happen. Also, it attracts the retirement community from Arizona and California. Las Vegas has been succesful but Atlantic City has not. If you ever go to Atlantic City, gambling has not helped the local community one bit at all. Areas off the boardwalk are dangerous and decrepit. In our city, it would make use of an building that doesnt have a lot of purpose for most of the year. Also, it would help the local economy attract some tourists which help pay many of the taxes for new stadiums.
I see your point. I think that if awesome entertainment venues open up around the Astrocasino (shows, etc), then it can be a real boon to our economy. I'll apply for the job of pit boss.
Galveston already has the rigth to do this. They have it grandfathered into their charter. I don't know why Galveston has not embraced it, I mean the strand would be a great place to go if it had casinos. DaDakota
Because the state law supercedes and casino owners got busted for it long ago and they closed shop. Personally, I think casino gambling is the only way to bring Galveston back to what it once was. They could make it a mini-Vegas.
Do it! You could bet on the Texans and then go next door and watch them. Sweet! I see what they are saying about draining the local economy, but wouldn't we be keeping a lot of the $$$ in Houston that goes to Louisiana? Also what about the people from Austin, San Antonio, and even Dallas that drive over to LA?
For this to work, the casino would have to be world class. A casino in Houston would make Houston more visible on the map than Dallas.
Actually Ref, Galveston has the right to legalize gambling. The state law gave them that right. They just have not been able to get it voted in by it's citizens. DD
A tremendous idea. Keep all them Texicans from going to Louisiana and have them lose all their money here instead.
no thanks...Houston has enough image problems without being home to the world's largest casino...there's more to quality of life than gambling. having attended all but one texans game this year, it's clear to me the astrodome needs to be razed. come up with another solution, but the exterior of that building is in hideous shape...and the last time i was inside, i thought the same of the interior. time to cut losses and move on. hard to say as a 4th generation houstonian, but it's time.
las vegas is a world in and of itself...i'm assuming you don't think houston is the next las vegas...quite frankly, i don't think i want it to become the world's next las vegas. think shreeveport if you want a comparison...not exactly the kind of city i'd like my hometown to be compared to.
